Miami authored one of the biggest surprises of Week 10 as the Dolphins downed the Buffalo Bills (6-3), 30-13. The Dolphins (3-7) dictated the terms on Sunday, leading from start to finish in a pretty comfortable victory over one of the Super Bowl LX favorites.
Despite entering fresh off an uninspiring loss against the Baltimore Ravens last week, Miami looked like a totally different squad on Sunday.
After its best performance of the season, let’s jump into three overreactions following Miami’s win over Buffalo.
The Mike McDaniel era has life
Just when you think that Dolphins owner Stephen Ross has no choice but to move on from Miami head coach Mike McDaniel, Miami turns around and plays like it did from Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday. That wasn’t a team that’s quit on the 2025 campaign or on its head coach.
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Maybe this McDaniel era has life left in it. That certainly appears to be what Ross is hoping for.
Of course, the Dolphins did make one big move, firing general manager Chris Grier. That signaled that Ross knew some form of fashion of change needed to take place.
But, after ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that McDaniel is safe through the end of the 2025 season, more days like Sunday might convince Ross that he has the right man as the Dolphins’ head coach for the future.
Dolphins made the right decision with the Jaelan Phillips trade
Miami has been one of the NFL’s worst defenses in 2025. The Dolphins entered Sunday No. 24 in total defense, No. 25 in scoring defense, and No. 29 in rushing defense.
Miami hoped that Jaelan Phillips would be one of its key defensive figures moving forward. But, with the way this season started, the Dolphins’ hand was forced. It needed to recoup some value.
The organization’s decision to deal Phillips away to Philadelphia for a 2026 third-round NFL draft pick looks pretty smart after the Dolphins turned in one of its best defensive days in 2025. Miami held Buffalo to just 87 rushing yards and forced three Bills turnovers as the Dolphins held the NFL’s No. 3 scoring offense to just 13 points.
Less of Tua Tagovailoa late in games is more
The Dolphins stumbled upon the winning formula late. Sure, Miami quarterback Tua Tagovailoa tossed a pair of touchdown passes to Malik Washington and Jaylen Waddle to build the Dolphins’ early 13-0 lead.
But, it was third-year running back De’Von Achane that slammed the door shut on Buffalo. Achane got loose for 59- and 35-yard rushing touchdowns in the fourth quarter to put the win on ice.
Miami needs to stick with this recipe moving forward. More of Achane, less of Tagovailoa in key moments. Obviously, it helps to play from in front, which the Dolphins were able to get accomplished on Sunday.