Dominance Reversed: How the Buffalo Bills Flipped the Script Against the Miami Dolphins

In the 1970s, the Miami Dolphins dominated the Buffalo Bills, winning 20 straight games between the AFC East rivals. However, the script has been flipped in recent years, with the Bills emerging as the dominant force in the matchup. Under head coach Sean McDermott, the Bills have beaten the Dolphins in 13 of their last 15 meetings, including the postseason, and have averaged a staggering 31.7 points per game. This remarkable turnaround has left the members of the 1970s Bills era wondering what has changed, as their old team has now become the one to beat.

Turning the Tide: The Bills' Dominance Over the Dolphins

A Decade of Dominance Reversed

The 1970s were a dark time for Bills fans, as they watched their team get dominated by the Dolphins in a way that no other NFL team has ever dominated another. Miami's 20-game winning streak against the Bills during that decade remains an NFL record, one that even the mighty Patriots of the 2000s couldn't match. However, since Sean McDermott's arrival in Buffalo in 2017, the tables have turned, and the Bills have become the team to beat in this divisional rivalry.

Josh Allen's Mastery of the Dolphins

At the heart of the Bills' success against the Dolphins has been the play of quarterback Josh Allen. Under Allen's leadership, the Bills have compiled an impressive 11-2 record against their division rivals, and the young signal-caller has saved some of his best performances for these matchups. Allen has thrown at least two touchdown passes in all 13 games he has played against Miami, the longest such streak in NFL history. His dominance has been so complete that he has been named the AFC Offensive Player of the Week five times in games where the Dolphins were the opponent.

Defensive Dominance and Special Teams Prowess

While Allen's offensive exploits have been the headline-grabbers, the Bills' defense and special teams have also played a crucial role in their recent success against the Dolphins. Under McDermott's guidance, the Bills' defense has consistently stifled Miami's high-powered offense, limiting the Dolphins to an average of just 19.3 points per game in their last 15 meetings. Additionally, the Bills' special teams unit has been a strength, with the team avoiding any costly breakdowns that could have given the Dolphins a much-needed boost.

The Dolphins' Struggle to Find Consistency

While the Bills have enjoyed a remarkable run of success against their division rivals, the Dolphins have struggled to find consistency in recent years. Miami has gone through three head coaches in the last seven-plus seasons, and their inability to establish a stable leadership structure has undoubtedly contributed to their struggles against the Bills. The Dolphins' search for a long-term solution at quarterback has also been a source of frustration, as they have yet to find a signal-caller who can consistently match Allen's production.

The Importance of Thursday Night's Matchup

As the Bills and Dolphins prepare to clash on Thursday night, the stakes are high. While the Bills have dominated this rivalry in recent years, the Dolphins will be eager to prove that they can finally overcome their division rivals. With the Bills missing key defensive pieces and the Dolphins' offense boasting an array of explosive playmakers, this game has all the makings of a classic AFC East showdown. The outcome could have significant implications for the division race and the playoff picture, making this a must-watch event for football fans.