Two Bills Drive

‘If the game proved a dreadful debut for Lucas, who completed as many passes to Bills cornerback Nate Clements (three) as he did to any Dolphins receiver, Buffalo’s players hoped it signaled something more promising for them: That they have completed their rebound from a poor season last year, finally returning to contender status and perhaps symbolically passing the reeling Dolphins, one of their most heated AFC rivals, on their way up.’

Buffalo 23, Miami 10: For a change, Drew Bledsoe didn\’t have to carry the Bills on his ample shoulders. For a change, defense carried the load and made the difference in a victory that suddenly elevates the Bills from an exciting middle-of-the-road club to a force in a division the Dolphins had seemingly clutched by the throat.

Coach Gregg Williams: "We wanted to make sure that he (Ray Lucas) stayed in the pocket and throw the football. We felt we would do a pretty good job in coverage and we did that today. Nate (Clements) had some good plays, but could have had some more. We left some plays on the field that I wish we could have got. It was a good team win."

Dolphins’ ball, third and 9 from the Miami 21, two minutes, 33 seconds remaining in the second quarter, game tied at 10.

Taking advantage of an erratic effort by Miami backup Ray Lucas, the Bills came up with four interceptions — their first this season — and recovered two fumbles to beat the Dolphins 23-10 Sunday.

The Buffalo Bills had the better quarterback, which was no surprise. They also had the better defense, which was a shock.

‘Making his first start in place of injured starting Jay Fiedler, Lucas turned in one of the most disastrous performances ever by a Dolphins quarterback.’

‘It’s official: The Buffalo Bills are better than a year ago.’

‘The Bills (4-3) came in having allowed a startling 34 points per game and were missing injured cornerback Antoine Winfield from the NFL’s only secondary without an interception this season. However, Lucas was unable to develop any rhythm following an early touchdown drive.’

Nate Clements:

Recorded the Bills first INT of the season and the fourth of his career (first vs. Miami) when he picked off Ray Lucas at the Buffalo 14; the theft not only killed a Miami drive in the red zone but set up another as the Bills scored two plays later on a 70-yard Bledsoe-to-Moulds TD pass…then recorded his second INT of the first half later in the second quarter and returned it 29 yards for a TD that put the Bills up 17-10…

The home team has won 8 of the past 11 in the series… the team that has won the turnover battle has won 10 of the past 11… Drew Bledsoe has passed for 4,208 yards vs. the Dolphins, his most vs. any opponent… Travis Henry has rushed for 97 yards on 19 carries (5.1 avg) with 1 TD in only career meeting with Dolphins.

The Buffalo Bills are 3-3; the Miami Dolphins, 5-1. Do the math: A Buffalo win would put the Bills within one game of the Dolphins, who stand atop the AFC East. Right now, a playoff berth for the Bills stands as a possibility—no more, no less. A win over Miami, however, could push the Bills far deeper into the hunt.

‘But while most organizations found reasons they could not chase after Bledsoe, the Bills found one reason why they had to pursue him: winning.’

‘Losses to the Denver Broncos and Oakland Raiders suggested that the Bills are a good team not quite ready for prime time.’

‘Taylor has six sacks in his last four games against the Bills, all Miami wins. He has eight sacks in his last eight games against Buffalo.’