The Buffalo Bills found themselves in a nail-biting finish on Sunday, edging out the Miami Dolphins 30-27 at Highmark Stadium, thanks to a clutch 61-yard field goal by kicker Tyler Bass. With the win, the Bills’ record improved to 7-2, keeping them in strong contention atop the AFC East. Despite the narrow margin, the victory was still a significant one, particularly in a divisional matchup that had high stakes and plenty of drama. While fans and analysts may have hoped for a more dominant performance, wide receiver Mack Hollins emphasized the importance of simply getting the win, no matter the score.
Hollins, who has been a reliable target for quarterback Josh Allen this season, was unfazed by the close nature of the game. The Bills had already secured a dominant 31-10 victory over the Dolphins in their Week 2 matchup, and many expected a similar result in this contest. However, Hollins took a pragmatic approach, acknowledging that wins are not always going to come easily. “I think coach talks about [it] and the guys who have been in the league a little while know, all you got to do is win by one,” Hollins said after the game. “It’s not easy to win in this league, and it’s nice when you win by 100 or 50, and it’s over in the third quarter, everybody can relax. But shoot, if you win by one, that’s all you got to do. A win is a win, and we’ll take it.”
This mindset reflects the competitive nature of the NFL, where every game is a battle, and no victory is guaranteed. Hollins has played in the league long enough to understand that while blowouts are ideal, what matters most is finding a way to win—whether it’s by a single point or 50. His approach also speaks to the broader mentality of the Bills’ locker room, where the focus is on achieving the right result rather than style points. Hollins also pointed out how valuable it is to see the team come together in tight situations and to have each player contribute to the overall success.
Hollins played an important role in the Bills’ final drive of the game, helping set up Bass’ game-winning field goal. With just over a minute remaining in regulation, quarterback Josh Allen found Hollins on back-to-back completions for seven and four yards. Those catches moved the ball into field goal range, allowing Bass to line up for the decisive 61-yard attempt. It was a clutch moment for both Hollins and the Bills, who had battled back-and-forth with Miami throughout the game. Hollins’ ability to step up in the final moments further solidified his importance to the team’s offensive success this season.
The fact that Hollins has been able to make such a significant impact, despite sharing the field with standout players like Stefon Diggs and Gabriel Davis, speaks volumes about his contribution to the offense. Hollins is now tied with Diggs for the most touchdowns on the team, with three. While he may not always be the first option in the passing game, his reliable hands and ability to make plays in critical situations have made him a valuable weapon for Allen and the Bills. Whether it’s a key catch to extend a drive or a touchdown to keep the offense moving forward, Hollins continues to prove his worth.
On the other hand, quarterback Josh Allen was once again a key factor in the victory. While his performance wasn’t flawless, he showcased his ability to execute when the game was on the line. Allen finished the game with 304 yards passing, two touchdowns, and a crucial rushing touchdown that kept the Bills in the game when things looked bleak. His calmness in the face of pressure, especially in crunch-time moments, was evident when he orchestrated the final drive, which set up Bass for the game-winning kick. Allen’s leadership continues to shine through in close games like these, where his poise under pressure is crucial.
Defensively, the Bills had their hands full with Miami’s high-powered offense. Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, along with weapons like Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, put up a strong fight, and Buffalo’s defense was forced to bend but not break. The Dolphins’ offense moved the ball effectively at times, but Buffalo’s defense managed to make key stops when needed. Linebacker Matt Milano and cornerback Tre’Davious White were instrumental in keeping the game close, providing timely plays to halt Miami’s progress.
Miami’s offense, which has been one of the most potent in the league this season, kept the Bills on their toes all afternoon. Tagovailoa threw for 289 yards and three touchdowns, but Buffalo’s defense remained resilient, limiting the Dolphins to just one field goal in the final quarter. It was a collective effort from the defense, with several players stepping up to make big plays in critical moments. Though the Dolphins were able to move the ball effectively at times, they were unable to finish drives and put the game out of reach.
Despite the tense finish, the victory was a testament to the team’s ability to stay focused and execute when it mattered most. It wasn’t the blowout some may have expected, but for the Bills, it was a win in a crucial divisional matchup, which will help as they continue to fight for playoff positioning. With a 7-2 record, Buffalo is in a strong position heading into the second half of the season. The team knows that every game counts, and every win is important, especially when competing within such a tough division.
The dramatic finish also highlighted the importance of special teams. Tyler Bass has been one of the NFL’s most reliable kickers, and his 61-yard field goal under pressure only solidified that reputation. The kick was not only impressive for its distance, but also for the poise with which Bass lined it up. In a season where Buffalo has experienced ups and downs, Bass’ steady leg has been a constant, and his ability to perform in high-pressure moments continues to be invaluable for the Bills.
Looking ahead, the Bills will need to continue executing in all phases of the game if they hope to make a deep playoff run. Wins like this one, where the team overcomes adversity and performs when needed, are exactly the type of games that help build championship-level resilience. While the Dolphins presented a tough challenge, Buffalo has proven that they can get the job done, even in close games. Hollins’ comments about winning no matter the score will surely continue to resonate within the locker room, as the Bills aim to keep stacking victories.
As the season progresses, the Bills will need to build on the lessons learned in games like this one. They know that in the NFL, every game is a battle, and no victory is a guarantee. But with the leadership of Josh Allen, the contributions of key players like Mack Hollins, and the reliable leg of Tyler Bass, Buffalo has the tools to succeed. The 7-2 record is a strong start, but the team knows that the real test will come in the postseason. For now, however, they can take pride in their gritty win over Miami and continue to build momentum as they head into the heart of the season.
This version provides a more detailed analysis of the game and the key players involved, while emphasizing the themes of teamwork, resilience, and the importance of wins, regardless of the margin.