4 takeaways from Bills' thrilling 30-27 win over the Dolphins

The Buffalo Bills have owned the Miami Dolphins since quarterback Josh Allen came into the league, and the two teams' battle in Week 9 was no different (although it was exciting). The Bills had a chance to almost clinch the AFC East championship with a win, and few doubted that Buffalo would emerge victorious. A slow first half for the Bills raised some early doubts and concerns, but they were put to rest when veteran kicker Tyler Bass shocked the Bills Mafia (in a good way) by hitting a game-winning 61-yard field goal to earn the 30th yard secured -27 victory over the Dolphins.

Here are four takeaways from Buffalo's win over Miami.

Buffalo's run defense was on display last week against the Seahawks, but returned to its usual form this week against the Dolphins. Miami ran for 149 yards and averaged 4.7 yards per rush. Leading Dolphins defenders Raheem Mostert and De'Von Achane combined for 119 yards and averaged 5.6 and 5.3 yards per carry, respectively. The Bills repeatedly gave up important runs. There are a lot of inconsistencies with this run defense, and it starts in the middle with DaQuan Jones and Ed Oliver. However, AJ Epenesa and Von Miller were also absent. Only Gregory Rousseau showed up for this game. Buffalo should seriously consider adding reinforcements to the middle of its defensive line before Tuesday's trade deadline.

Related: Bolts and duds from Bills' thrilling 30-27 win over the Dolphins

Some flags thrown in the first half were questionable, but penalties against the Bills' offensive line have become a problem this season regardless of the quality of the calls. The penalties prevented the Bills from scoring a touchdown late in the first half. Buffalo also had some issues with dropped passes, notably one by Keon Coleman that resulted in an interception and one by James Cook that likely would have ended with six passes. Games aren't easy to win in the NFL, and winning them is even harder when you're nursing self-inflicted wounds.

Despite an injury that caused lockdown corner Christian Benford to be sidelined, Buffalo was still solid against the dynamic duo of Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, holding them to a total of six receptions for 99 yards. Waddle did score the late touchdown, but the Bills' pass defense was generally great and didn't allow those two to dictate the outcome. Part of that can perhaps be attributed to Miami focusing on the run and short passes that essentially simulated the running game, but hey, limiting Hill and Waddle is a win.

Related: Bills K Tyler Bass emotionally reflects on the incredible game-winning kick against the Dolphins

Tyler Bass has been the focus of the Bills Mafia's ire this season. He was perfect within 39 yards this season; However, he only went 2-for-5 with 40-plus and missed a few extra points. But when the Bills needed him to step in in a moment of pressure, he certainly made a 61-yard field goal to seal the win. The kick was impressive, right down the middle, and probably would have worked well from 70. He should give a confidence boost to the veteran who has struggled since last season.

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