The Miami Dolphins had a Week 2 to forget against the Buffalo Bills, losing 31-10 in front of a national audience.
When Bills running back James Cook broke away for a 49-yard touchdown run in the second quarter, the game really got away from the Dolphins, as it gave Buffalo a 24-7 lead.
Speaking about the play, Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver said that poor communication was to blame for the touchdown.
“I was talking to our guys about DoorDash,” Weaver said. “How many guys have ordered DoorDash? As soon as the bag shows up, we knew the order was wrong. You’re angry. Why did that happen? Poor communication led to poor execution. That’s what happened on that play.
“There was a breakdown in communication and the gap was unfilled. It’s not about pointing the finger. It’s about getting it corrected.”
Cook’s touchdown came with a few minutes remaining in the first half, a demoralizing blow for a Dolphins team that needed a stop at the time.
James Cook (3)
Buffalo Bills
49 yards pic.twitter.com/04PrA7vK8R— NFL TD Videos (@NFLTDsVideos) September 13, 2024
The running back had a big game for the Bills overall, finishing with 78 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns. He also caught a 17-yard touchdown pass.
While the Dolphins allowed 31 points against the Bills, Miami’s defense wasn’t totally at fault. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa threw three interceptions — including one that was returned for a touchdown — before leaving the game with a concussion.
The concussion in question will force Tagovailoa to miss at least the next four games, so Weaver’s defensive unit may need to step up in order to allow the Dolphins to win some low-scoring games.
Miami’s next four matchups will come against the Seattle Seahawks, Tennessee Titans, New England Patriots and Indianapolis Colts. Anything worse than a .500 stretch during that span would likely spell trouble for the Dolphins, who are currently 1-1.
In their season opener, the Dolphins held the Jacksonville Jaguars to just 17 points in a 20-17 victory. A similar defensive performance would certainly be cause for celebration in Week 3 against the Seahawks. The game against Seattle will be the first road game of the season for Miami, as it spent Weeks 1 and 2 at home.
In Week 9, the Dolphins will face the Bills again, giving them a chance to get some revenge against Cook and company. Hopefully, things will be going a little smoother for Miami by then.
