Dolphins’ Struggles Against Allen and Bills Continue
The Miami Dolphins are gearing up for a challenging matchup against the Buffalo Bills this week, fresh off the NFL trade deadline. Yet, as they prepare, they face an uphill battle against a figure who has put a significant dent in their playoff aspirations: quarterback Josh Allen. The Dolphins’ ongoing struggles against the Bills, particularly under Allen’s leadership, have become a painful chapter in franchise history, one that is poised to extend their playoff victory drought to an astonishing 25 years.
Historical Context of the Rivalry
The Dolphins’ recent performance against the Bills is stark, with a disheartening 1-14 record since 2018. This stretch of futility starkly surpasses their previous struggles against other divisional rivals, including a 3-12 record against the New England Patriots from 2006 to 2013 and a similar 3-12 mark against the New York Jets from 1998-2005. The Dolphins have never endured a more excruciating stretch against any opponent, making their woes against Buffalo particularly notable.
The Numbers Tell the Story
In their last 15 encounters with the Bills, including a playoff debacle at the end of the 2022 season, the Dolphins have been outscored by an average of nearly 14 points per game, with a total score of 33.6-19.7 against them. The Bills have surpassed the 30-point threshold in 12 of these games, while Miami has managed to do so only once, during a narrow playoff loss where they came up just short at 34-31.
Allen’s performance against Miami has been nothing short of spectacular. In those 15 games, he has completed 66.9% of his passes while throwing 40 touchdowns against just eight interceptions, boasting a passer rating of 110.3. In contrast, his overall career passer rating sits at 94.2, emphasizing how much he has excelled against the Dolphins.
A Glimmer of Hope in Recent Memory
The lone victory for Miami during this dismal stretch came in Week 3 of the 2022 season, a game where the Dolphins triumphed 21-19. However, this win was not a result of dominant play; the Dolphins were significantly outgained, accumulating just 212 yards to Buffalo’s 497. Key plays, including a blocked field goal by Emmanuel Ogbah and a critical lapse by Allen, allowed Miami to escape with a win despite being thoroughly outplayed.
Close calls have punctuated the rivalry, such as the first matchup this season, where the Dolphins were in position to tie the game late but were thwarted by an interception from linebacker Terrel Bernard. Miami has also experienced the agony of last-second losses in previous seasons, underscoring the heartbreak that has become synonymous with this rivalry.
Coach’s Perspective on the Rivalry
Head coach Mike McDaniel remains cautious regarding the historical context of the rivalry. He acknowledged the importance of treating each game as a unique challenge rather than being burdened by past encounters. “They’ve beaten us because they’ve scored more points and done the right football things longer than we have,” McDaniel stated. He emphasized the need for his team to play consistently throughout the entire game, suggesting that the key to turning the tide lies in executing their game plan effectively.
Reflections on the Past
While the current narrative favors the Bills, it’s worth noting the Dolphins’ historical dominance over Buffalo during the 1970s. An impressive run saw Miami sweep the Bills for an entire decade, culminating in a 0-20 stretch before Buffalo finally broke through in the 1980s. Such history serves as a reminder of the cyclical nature of rivalries in professional sports—what goes around, comes around.
As the Dolphins prepare for their next showdown with the Bills, the weight of history looms large. While they seek to break this arduous spell, any victory will be more than just a win; it will be a step toward reclaiming their pride in a rivalry that has tested their mettle time and again.
