Same Result, Different Energy

Originally posted on Dolphins Talk | By Chris Oliver | Last updated Sep 22, 2025 9:45 AM ET

Same Result, Different Energy

The Miami Dolphins may have walked off the field with another loss, this time a 31-21 defeat to the Buffalo Bills, but this one felt different. For the first time this season, they played with genuine heart. The effort was there, the energy was there, and for much of the game, so was the execution.

This wasn’t a lifeless performance or another uninspired showing. It was a game where the Dolphins looked like they belonged, where they fought through adversity and actually made things interesting. But when it mattered most, late in the fourth quarter, they came up short again.

There were real positives. The offense moved the ball well, especially on third downs, converting at a clip that would make most teams happy. The running game had rhythm, and the offensive line protected the quarterback well enough to avoid any sacks.

It was the kind of balance that’s been missing in previous weeks. The Dolphins also managed to reach the red zone multiple times and kept pace with a high-powered Bills offense. This wasn’t just about numbers; it was also about tone. The team appeared more connected, focused, and determined.

But the mistakes that have plagued this team all season were still there. Critical penalties erased key plays and extended Buffalo drives. A roughing-the-punter call in particular flipped the momentum and set up a go-ahead touchdown for the Bills.

Even more damaging was the late-game turnover, an interception inside the red zone with just minutes to go. That was the Dolphins’ shot to tie the game, and instead, it turned into the moment everything slipped away. Once again, they were their own worst enemy when the pressure was on.

That said, this might be the clearest sign yet that there’s still something left to fight for. The attitude on the field showed a team that hasn’t quit, even at 0-3. There’s frustration, sure, but there’s also belief that this season isn’t over. From a football standpoint, the pieces are starting to look like they’re in place. The offense is finding its rhythm. The line is holding up better. The defense, while not dominant, made enough stops to keep the game within reach.

If the Dolphins are going to turn this around, this is the moment to do it. The schedule ahead includes winnable games, and now that they’ve shown they can play at this level, they have to find a way to do it consistently. They need to clean up the mental errors, play smarter in key situations, and finally close out games when they have the chance.

The margin for error is gone. Every game from here on out is going to demand the same energy they brought to Buffalo, plus the poise and precision they lacked in the final moments. The road back won’t be easy, but this game showed that the Dolphins aren’t dead yet.

This article first appeared on Dolphins Talk and was syndicated with permission.

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