Buffalo Bills fans transformed Hard Rock Stadium into a sea of blue and red as their team routed the Miami Dolphins 31-10 in the Week 2 Thursday night game. The Bills, who have had the Dolphins’ number in recent years, delivered another commanding performance, extending their dominance in the AFC East rivalry.
When asked if it felt like a home game due to the thunderous cheers from traveling Bills fans, Buffalo head coach Sean McDermott had to admit it wasn’t—but the energy certainly made it feel like it. With fans cheering at every big play, the Bills rewarded their supporters by cruising to a comfortable victory, buoyed by the play of running back James Cook and quarterback Josh Allen.
Cook had a standout night, catching a 17-yard touchdown pass from Allen and adding two rushing touchdowns, including a spectacular 49-yard run that saw him flip into the end zone. His three first-half touchdowns tied a team record and helped build a commanding 24-7 lead by halftime. The young back finished with a performance that showcased both his versatility and explosiveness.
Allen, despite playing with a glove on his left non-throwing hand after injuring it in Week 1, was sharp and efficient. He completed 13 of 19 passes for 139 yards and continued his personal mastery over the Dolphins, improving to 12-2 in his career against Miami. The Bills, under McDermott, now boast a 14-2 record against their divisional foes since 2017.
While Buffalo was firing on all cylinders, the Dolphins’ night took a grim turn when quarterback Tua Tagovailoa left the game in the third quarter after a collision with Bills defensive back Damar Hamlin. Tagovailoa hit the back of his head on the turf and was immediately ruled out with a concussion. The injury, given his history with head trauma, raised immediate concerns about his availability moving forward. Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel refrained from speculating on Tagovailoa’s future, stating that the team would evaluate him further on Friday.
The Dolphins’ high-powered offense, which had been a highlight of their Week 1 performance, was stifled by Buffalo’s defense. Despite missing several key starters, McDermott’s defense forced three turnovers and held Miami to just one touchdown and a field goal. McDermott praised his defensive unit for their resilience and ability to execute against a Miami offense known for its explosiveness.
With this victory, Buffalo sent a strong message not only to the Dolphins but to the rest of the league. As the Bills head into Week 3, they will look to build on their momentum while Miami faces uncertainty with their star quarterback’s status up in the air.
The rivalry between these two teams is far from over, but on Thursday night, it was all Buffalo—both on the field and in the stands.
