Buffalo Bills LB Terrel Bernard Seals the Deal on Thursday Night

Expectations for this Week 3 Thursday Night Football centered on the idea that the Buffalo Bills would dominate and easily defeat the Dolphins. However, Thursday Night Football games often fall short of fan and expert predictions. Buffalo and Miami both faced the challenge of a short week to prepare, and Buffalo entered the game after dismantling the New York Jets in Week 2. The Dolphins were expected to struggle after a late loss to the New England Patriots in Week 2, but in the NFL, previous games seldom predict upcoming results.

For the Buffalo Bills (3-0), this game had all the hallmarks of a classic “trap game” scenario. If the Bills believed all the reports proclaiming them the NFL’s best team after their 2-0 start, overlooking the Dolphins would have been easy. In the NFL, disregarding any opponent is risky due to narrow weekly margins between winning and losing. Buffalo and quarterback Josh Allen defied the hype and delivered an efficient offensive display, while running back James Cook made significant contributions with several impressive runs.

All reports about the Miami Dolphins (0-3) before Week 3 criticized head coach Mike McDaniel’s failure to lead his roster of elite offensive playmakers. Fortunately for the Dolphins, such reports are not always accurate. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, along with wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, proved they can still compete with any NFL team. Until the fourth quarter, the Dolphins avoided the mistakes that doomed them in their first two games. Then, their recurring issues on special teams and offense resurfaced, allowing the Bills to secure another win.

Sep 18, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) runs the ball against the Miami Dolphins in the second half at Highmark Stadium.

Buffalo Bills LB Terrel Bernard Seals the Deal on Thursday Night

QB Josh Allen Leads the Way on Offense

For the second week in a row, Bills quarterback Josh Allen did a great job of getting the ball to his offensive weapons. Allen completed 22 out of 28 passes for 213 yards and 3 touchdowns, and more importantly, 0 interceptions. Allen got several offensive players involved, including touchdown passes to tight end Dalton Kincaid and Jackson Hawes, and a fourth-quarter touchdown pass to wide receiver Khalil Shakir to pull ahead of the Dolphins for the victory. In addition to Allen’s efficient performance, running back James Cook contributed 108 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown with only 19 carries.

Dolphins Make Big Mistake on Special Teams

For three quarters of this game, the Dolphins and Bills both played outstanding football on offense. Heading into the 4th quarter, the Bills and Dolphins had stayed within one touchdown of each other. With 10 minutes left in the game, the Dolphins made their first big mistake in the game. That mistake involved the Dolphins’ punt return team roughing Buffalo punter Cameron Johnston after the Miami defense stopped the Bills offense. The sloppy penalty extended the Bills’ drive, and five plays later, Josh Allen threw a touchdown to wide receiver Khalil Shakir, putting the Bills up 28-21 on the scoreboard.

LB Terrel Bernard Puts a Stop to the Dolphins’ Drive

The Dolphins had one last opportunity to tie the game with Buffalo after Shakir’s touchdown, and Miami put together a final drive that reminded everyone just how talented the Dolphins are on offense. But as the Dolphins approached the end zone one first down at a time, Bills defensive lineman Deonte Walker tipped a Tagovailoa pass that was intercepted by Bills linebacker Terrel Bernard. Walker was in the game in place of injured defensive tackle Ed Oliver, and his awareness allowed Bernard to make the big play to seal the victory over the Dolphins. Bills kicker Matt Prater added a field goal to allow the Bills to defeat the Dolphins 31-21 and pick up another important AFC East win.

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Main Photo: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images

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