It was hyped as a monumental showdown between two division rivals who could be neck-and-neck in the AFC East race. But as the final buzzer sounded, the Buffalo Bills stamped their class over the Miami Dolphins in the first Thursday Night Football game of the 2024 NFL season.
The 31-10 victory made Buffalo the first team to go 2-0, while Miami fell 1-1. Likewise, beating Miami for the 12th time in their last 13 matchups improved Josh Allen’s TNF record to 7-0.
After the first quarter ended with a 7-7 tie, the Bills went on a 17-3 scoring barrage to lead by 14 at halftime, 24-10. The Dolphins couldn’t muster any second-half comeback, as they went scoreless in the last two quarters. Worst yet, the Bills added points when Ja’Marcus Ingram completed a 31-yard interception return for a touchdown.
Mr. Thursday.#GoBills | #BillsMafia pic.twitter.com/anKtLtkWz8
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) September 13, 2024
It was a long night for Miami, even if they generated more yards on offense (351) than Buffalo (247). Conversely, the Bills made the most of their opportunities, even if the Dolphins had more third-down conversions (7-3) and generated more first-downs (20-13).
However, the Bills were the more disciplined team, incurring only one penalty for a five-yard loss. Meanwhile, the Dolphins had seven penalties for 50 yards. Buffalo was also perfect in their two red zone attempts, while Miami scored in only one of four opportunities.
The Bills will try to extend their winning streak when they face the Jacksonville Jaguars on September 23. On the other hand, the Dolphins will try to rediscover their winning ways when they visit the Seattle Seahawks on September 22.
-Lance Fernandez