Another week, another deflating loss for the Dolphins. Miami repeatedly hurt itself with turnovers and penalties and again struggled to consistently move the ball in a 19-14 loss at Buffalo's Ralph Wilson Stadium on Thursday. This marks the third consecutive loss for the Dolphins and the team appears to be regressing just as its schedule starts getting much tougher.
The Dolphins (4-6, 1-2 AFC East) have scored a total of just 30 points during their three-game slide and spiraled out of the playoff race. Meantime, Buffalo (4-6, 1-3 AFC South) moved into second place in the division and tossed its name back into the playoff discussion.
Offense: F
Remember when rookie QB Ryan Tannehill was thriving behind a strong running game and controlled passing attack with well-timed deep balls? Neither do we. Another dreadfully called game by OC Mike Sherman had Tannehill complete 14 of 28 passes for 141 yards with one touchdown against two interceptions as he was sacked three times. Despite never trailing by more than 12 points, the running game was a non-factor and virtually abandoned as RBs Daniel Thomas and Reggie Bush combined to run for 53 yards on 22 carries. Previous game's grade: F
Defense: C
This unit used to be good at tackling. Miami struggled for the third consecutive game to wrap up the ball carrier as the team allowed 281 yards. The Bills also built an 11-minute edge in time of possession with RB C.J. Spiller routinely gashing the front seven to the tune of 91 yards on 22 carries. However, there were a few bright spots. DE Cameron Wake got back on track with a sack despite being held most of the game and DB Reshad Jones put together one of his best performances of the season, recording a game-high 14 tackles, including 11 solo stops. Previous game's grade: D
Special teams: C-
RB Marcus Thigpen returned a kickoff 96 yards for a touchdown, but that run back was countered by Bills DB Leodis McKelvin returning a punt 79 yards for a score. Thigpen also had a nifty 31-yard punt return. K Dan Carpenter continued his struggles from distance this season as he shanked yet another attempt from beyond 50 yards. Previous game's grade: D
Coaching: F
Miami had a mere four days to prepare for a must-win game on the road and it showed. The offense has generated a measly 10 total points the past two games while amassing six turnovers during that span. The defense played better in the second half, but had no answer for Spiller and seemed unprepared for the Bills to attack a host of suspect defensive backs. First-year coach Joe Philbin must keep the veterans from quitting on this team. Previous game's grade: F
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