The Miami Dolphins dropped to 0-3 on the season on Thursday, losing to the Buffalo Bills. While the loss still stings, the game looked a lot better for the Dolphins, who actually were able to compete with the Bills, after being embarrassed by the Indianapolis Colts and New England Patriots in the first two weeks of the 2025 NFL season.
Typically, I post my three stars for the Dolphins’ most recent game the night after the game. This week, between the Thursday Night Football game and personally being ill, it was delayed until this afternoon. But, we will take a Saturday look back at the Thursday game for the Dolphins and pick the three stars from the game.
First Star
James Cook, running back, Buffalo Bills
The intent for these articles is to highlight Dolphins players, but each week, there is clearly a member of the opponent’s roster (or multiple members) who stands out. This week, that was clearly Cook, who ran for 109 yards on 19 carries with a touchdown. He also caught three passes for 10 yards. The Dolphins did not have an answer for Cook at any point during the game.
Second Star
De’Von Achane and Ollie Gordon II, running backs, Miami Dolphins
Yes, I am cheating again – and this time making it worse by making two players the second star, and still having a “third” star of the game – but I am making the choices and I am okay with it. There is definitely something to the idea that the Dolphins need to stick to the run to open up the middle of the field. Achane picked up 62 yards on 12 carries while Gordon added 38 yards on nine carries, including his first career touchdown run. Achane added seven receptions – the game high – for 29 yards. The Dolphins have two highly effective running backs, and they need to feed them early and often, then look for the middle of the field to open up for quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and the passing game.
Third Star
Tyrel Dodson, linebacker, Miami Dolphins
The Miami defense played fairly well, despite giving up 31 points, especially when compared to their performance in the first two weeks. They still are playing like 11 individuals rather than as a fully cohesive unit, but they deserve to have someone represent them on this list. That player is Dodson, who seemed to be everywhere during the game – especially in the later portion of the game. He finished with a game-high 11 tackles and a sack. If he – and the rest of the defense – can continue to play like that, they should have success against some of the upcoming offenses on Miami’s schedule.
Honorable mention – I do not normally add an honorable mention, but I feel like the Bills deserved more than just Cook on this list, but I leaned toward the Dolphins for obvious reasons. Quarterback Josh Allen did not have his best performance, but he was effective when needed. Tight end Dalton Kincaid led the Bills in receptions fir 5, picking up a game-high 66 yards with a touchdown. Linebacker Terrel Bernard recorded seven tackles, including one for a loss, and picked off Tagovailoa late in the game to seal it for the Bills.
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