3 — Explosive plays are one thing, explosive touchdowns are another
Allowing explosive plays has been a flaw of Buffalo's defense throughout the season. At times, those struggles have been mitigated by winning the turnover battle and not letting the explosives lead to TDs — as the team did in wins over Kansas City and Carolina.
But it was a different story in Sunday's defeat and the team lost the turnover battle (3-2) and gave up touchdowns of 38, 59 and 35 yards. It marked the second time this season that Buffalo allowed at least three touchdowns of 25 yards or more (Ravens, Week 1).
"(Miami) got the run game going early and wanted to control the game. I thought then we calmed down a little bit in the second quarter and beyond. And then eight minutes to go… they pop a run, and then pretty much the game was over after that," McDermott said.
McDermott was referring to RB De'Von Achane's 59-yard TD run in the fourth quarter to put the Dolphins up 23-6 with less than seven minutes remaining in the game. The back-breaking score came two plays after Allen's fumble.
"We were just trying to get the ball back. It looked like we had somebody in the hole right there, and he's elusive, (De'Von) Achane. Give him credit," McDermott said.
Through nine games, the Bills have allowed nine touchdowns of 20+ yards after allowing just seven all of last season.