Miami scored 27 points for the second straight game but fell short to Buffalo, 30-27, on Sunday afternoon. The Dolphins utilized a balanced attack to pave the way to an impressive offensive performance with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa at the helm.
Despite the loss, there were positives the team can build on moving forward this season. We go Inside the Numbers, presented by BDO, to take a look at the most notable team stats, individual metrics, milestones and more from Miami's Week 9 matchup.
Ground Game Continues to Deliver at a High Level
For the fourth consecutive week, the Dolphins ran for over 140 yards, which marks the longest active streak in the NFL and the second-longest streak by a team this season (Baltimore, 7). This is the ninth time in franchise history that the team has ran for over 140 yards in four straight games and the first time since 2009. Since Week 5, the Dolphins rank third in the league in rushing yards per game (170.0) and eighth in yards per carry (5.0) through Sunday's slate of games.
Running back De'Von Achane recorded another strong rushing performance, tallying 12 carries for a game-high 63 yards (5.3 avg.) and a touchdown. Running back Raheem Mostert added 10 carries for 56 yards (5.6 avg.), while rookie running back Jaylen Wright had six carries for 18 yards (3.0 avg.).
Tagovailoa Sets Personal Record
Tagovailoa was precise with his throws in Orchard Park, completing 25-of-28 passes (89.3 pct.) for 231 yards, two touchdowns and a passer rating of 124.9. The 89.3 completion percentage is the highest of his career and the fourth-highest mark in Dolphins history. Through Sunday's games, Tagovailoa's 72.7 completion percentage this season ranks second in the league, behind only Detroit's Jared Goff (74.1).
Tagovailoa's performance marked his 10th game with a passer rating of at least 120.0 and his best passer rating since Week 13 of the 2023 season against Washington (141.0 passer rating). Nine of those 10 games have been in the past three seasons under Head Coach Mike McDaniel.
This was also Tagovailoa's fifth career game with multiple passing touchdowns, at least 230 passing yards, zero interceptions and 80.0 or better completion percentage.
More Than Just a Rusher
Achane continued to flash his versatility in Buffalo as he totaled 121 yards from scrimmage. In addition to his 63 rushing yards, Achane added 8 receptions for 58 yards (7.3 avg.) and a touchdown. His 14-yard connection with Tagovailoa in the second quarter was the longest receiving touchdown of his career. His 64 career receptions are the third-most in franchise history by a running back in their first 19 career games.
The second-year running back has tallied 37 receptions for 302 yards (8.2 avg.) this season, the third-most receptions and fourth-most receiving yards by a running back in the NFL (through Sunday's slate of games).
This was also Achane's fourth career game with multiple touchdowns, the most by a Dolphin in their first 19 career games. Achane has scored 16 career touchdowns, tied for the third-most by an active player in the first 19 games of their career.
Ramsey Records First Interception of Season
With the Bills in scoring position, cornerback Jalen Ramsey made one the most important defensive plays of the game, intercepting quarterback Josh Allen at Miami's own three-yard line to halt Buffalo's promising drive. This was Ramsey's first interception of the season, fourth as a Dolphin and 23rd of his career. His 23 interceptions are tied for ninth-most in the NFL since he entered the league in 2016.
This marked Miami's third interception of the season and third turnover forced in the red zone.
Season Firsts
Rookie linebacker Chop Robinson brought down Allen in the fourth quarter for his first career sack. He is the first Dolphin rookie to record a sack since linebacker Jaelan Phillips totaled two in Week 13 of the 2021 season against the New York Giants.
Wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. made his first reception as a Dolphin in the first quarter, connecting with Tagovailoa for a gain of six. He totaled three receptions for 15 yards (5.0 avg.).
Individual/Team Stats and Milestones
Wide receiver Tyreek Hill hauled in four passes for 80 yards (20.0 avg.), including a 28-yard and 27-yard reception, both coming in the third quarter and both leading to scores for Miami. Hill's 25 receptions of 25-plus yards since the beginning of 2023 are tied for the most in the league. With his four catches, Hill reached 751 receptions in his career, making him one of seven active players to surpass 750 receptions.
Tight end Jonnu Smith continued his string of effective play, catching five passes for 46 yards (9.2 avg.). It was Smith's fourth game this season with at least five receptions, tied for fifth in the league among tight ends through Sunday's games. Mostert added two receptions for 32 yards, while wide receiver Malik Washington recorded the first rushing attempt of his career, carrying a reverse for nine yards in the second quarter.
In his second start of the season, linebacker Anthony Walker Jr. totaled a team-high ten tackles. Linebacker Jordyn Brooks added seven tackles, while defensive tackle Calais Campbell set his season-high in tackles with six. Defensive tackle Da'Shawn Hand and linebacker Emmanuel Ogbah each recorded tackles for loss in the first quarter.
Kicker Jason Sanders was two-for-two on the afternoon and added three extra points. He has made at least one field goal in all eight games this season, the third-longest streak of his career.
Multiple Dolphins achieved games played and started milestones. Cornerback Kendall Fuller made his 100th career start, Ramsey made his 125th career start and Sanders appeared in his 107th consecutive game with the Dolphins, tying Dwight Stephenson for the ninth-longest streak in franchise history.
