ORCHARD PARK – In what many considered an opportunity for the Miami Dolphins to finally shake off their losing streak against the Buffalo Bills, the game turned out to be a dramatic clash that kept fans on the edge of their seats.

The perfect autumn weather in western New York served as a beautiful backdrop to a contest that was anything but serene for the 70,000-plus spectators present.

For much of the game, it seemed as though the Dolphins were poised to claim a victory. They played strong, exchanging leads with the Bills, but in a shocking turn of events, Buffalo snatched triumph from the jaws of defeat thanks to a record-setting 61-yard field goal by Tyler Bass with just five seconds left on the clock, sealing the game at 30-27.

“This is what legends are made of,” exclaimed Bills head coach Sean McDermott. Praise poured in for Bass, highlighting the team's collaborative effort that allowed such a momentous kick to happen. “Credit is due to Sam Martin, Reid Ferguson, and all the guys who blocked for him. Just a big-time kick for us,” McDermott added, beaming with pride.

With four lead changes and three ties during a nail-biting contest, the game reached its climax when Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa connected with Jaylen Waddle for a touchdown, tying the game at 27-27 with 1:38 to go, leaving fans anticipating overtime. But Bass had other plans, rallying the Bills to a thrilling finish that left the Dolphins in disbelief.

Quarterback Josh Allen shared his admiration for Bass after the game, noting, “So proud of him, so happy for him. He’s faced challenges this season, including missing an earlier field goal today. To step up and hit a 61-yarder to win against a divisional rival, that’s incredible.”

Grading the Bills' Performance

PASS OFFENSE: B-

Allen faced challenges throughout the match, finishing with 235 yards on 25 of 39 attempts. Despite the Dolphins missing key defenders, they effectively contained the star quarterback's options. A significant moment was Keon Coleman's unfortunate dropped pass that resulted in an interception. Meanwhile, Khalil Shakir emerged as a reliable target, contributing 50 yards on six catches, while Ray Davis made his mark with a remarkable 63-yard touchdown reception.

RUN OFFENSE: C

The Bills' ground game struggled against a stout Dolphins front, with James Cook managing only 44 yards. Although Allen had a standout 14-yard run and a touchdown called back due to a penalty, the Bills failed to capitalize in the red zone repeatedly.

PASS DEFENSE: C

Miami's Tagovailoa showcased his skills, completing 25 of 28 passes for 231 yards and two touchdowns without a single interception. Despite early success in limiting Tyreek Hill and Waddle, the Bills' secondary eventually slackened under pressure, yielding crucial receptions on the Dolphins’ final drive.

RUN DEFENSE: D

The Bills’ run defense was a significant point of weakness, highlighted by Miami's strong performance on the ground. Achane and Mostert consistently broke through for substantial gains, averaging over 5 yards per carry, as the Bills failed to create a solid defensive line.

SPECIAL TEAMS: A

Tyler Bass's stellar performance overshadowed any minor shortcomings. Aside from his franchise-record kick, he made other critical field goals including a 49-yarder. Sam Martin’s single punt was also impressive, effectively pinning Miami deep in their side of the field.

COACHING: C+

McDermott's leadership continues to be crucial, keeping his team engaged through adversity. However, the Bills appeared sluggish early on, raising questions about game-day preparation. The loss of a key timeout due to a challenge that didn’t go in Buffalo’s favor may haunt the Bills in future close matchups.

With this heart-stopping victory, the Bills demonstrate resilience, while the Dolphins leave Orchard Park once again grappling with the frustration of a missed opportunity. It’s clear that as the season progresses, every game promises to deliver more drama and excitement, particularly within this fierce divisional rivalry.