The heat was on when the Miami Dolphins faced the Buffalo Bills on Sunday.
With the game-time temperature in the 90s and a real feel in the 100s, the Miami heat played a factor in Sunday’s game.
However, the Dolphins were ready for it, even having a mantra of “I wish it were hotter” for this game.
The story behind Dolphins “I wish it were hotter” mantra as feels like” temperature approaches 100 degrees here in Miami Gardens just before game-time vs. Bills + why you should keep an eye on Tyreek Hill presnap motion vs. Bills DBs.
From @NFLGameDay: pic.twitter.com/GrDcIq1O1L
— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) September 25, 2022
Playing in the heat is tough for any NFL team, but the Dolphins’ defense showed why they are the toughest.
So, how did the Dolphins’ defense carry a heavy load in their game against the Buffalo Bills?
Dolphins’ Defense Holds Up For 40+ Minutes
The time of possession was lopsided in this game.
Buffalo held the ball for 40+ minutes and ran 90 plays against the Dolphins’ defense.
"The Bills ran 90 plays against the Dolphins' 39. How does Miami win a game in which they run 1/3 of the plays of the best offense in football? Stats would tell you the Bills won by 30." — @craigcartonlive pic.twitter.com/OYZokQTxWh
— The Carton Show (@TheCartonShow) September 26, 2022
However, the Dolphins’ defense held on, making clutch plays with the heat of Miami beating down on them.
Despite the Bills having the highest time of possession by a team since 2014, the Dolphins’ defense held strong.
Bills had the highest time of possession (40:40) in a non-OT @NFL loss since Week 7, 2014 when the Jets (40:54) lost to the Patriots.@NFLResearch
— Andrew Siciliano (@AndrewSiciliano) September 26, 2022
It was that defense that kept quarterback Josh Allen on his toes, as he made costly mistakes in the game.
With the most explosive offense getting shutdown, despite running 90 plays, it shows the defense in Miami can hold up.
Miami Defense Created Key Turnover Early
With Allen backed into a corner at his 14-yard line, the Miami defense terrorized the Bills QB.
On 3rd and 8, the Dolphins brought a blitz on Allen, forcing a fumble that later led to a Miami touchdown by their offense.
Miami got the ball on the fumble by Josh Allen every one bring the heat pic.twitter.com/qfVpElGsof
— vexan (@treeshardar) September 25, 2022
The play was critical, as it allowed the Dolphins to tie the game early.
However, the most important thing is how the defense held off a great statistical day for Allen.
Dolphins’ Defense Prevented Allen From Scoring
The pressure was a key element to the Dolphins’ defense, as they kept Allen from making easy throws.
The secondary also made key plays, as Xavien Howard prevented the Bills from making a go-ahead touchdown late in the fourth.
Xavien Howard, I thought, had a pretty decent day. Allowing 7 receptions for 74 yards and 0 TDs against one of the best WRs in football. The INTs might not be there yet, but he is quietly making his impact in the secondary. pic.twitter.com/ypjRkfd9sv
— Jacob Meshel (@fins_dynasty) September 26, 2022
While Allen had 400 passing yards, none of his receivers had over 80 reception yards.
Yet, it was how his top receiver, Stefon Diggs, was shut down that is most shocking.
Holding one of the best receivers to under 75 yards and no touchdowns is an impressive feat.
With Diggs being the team’s leading scorer, the Dolphins’ defense showed up and prevented him from scoring on them.
But Allen knew this was going to happen, as we saw him spreading the ball around.
However, all those players with receptions didn’t get him the touchdowns he needed to win the game.
The Fourth Quarter Is Miami’s Best
In three games, the Dolphins’ defense has only allowed three points in the fourth quarter.
It’s the time when their defense puts the lock on the game.
If they keep this up, any lead they have going into the fourth will be secure.
However, that requires the team to take early leads, as they did against the New England Patriots in Week 1.
If they do this, Miami can easily win games with their defense dominating the fourth quarter of games.
NEXT: Will People Start Taking Tua Tagovailoa Seriously After Defeating The Bills?
