1 - Bills extend interception streak to four games
Buffalo's ball-hawking defense was impactful yet again in the team's Week 13 matchup with the Dolphins.
Not only did the unit hold Miami to just 175 net yards, but they also forced a turnover. Micah Hyde picked off a Ryan Tannehill pass late in the third quarter, just one play after Josh Allen threw an interception to Miami cornerback Xavien Howard. The Bills' offense capitalized off the pick, marching down the field to score their second touchdown of the game.
With the interception, Buffalo's defense extended its interception streak to four games. The group has picked off six passes over the past five weeks.
The Bills, who finished the 2017 campaign with 18 interceptions, entered Week 9 of the 2018 season with just five total interceptions. They've more than doubled that total over their past four contests.
Buffalo's impressive streak has been fueled by the re-emergence of its defensive playmakers. Tre'Davious White got the streak started in Week 9, intercepting a pass from Chicago quarterback Mitchell Trubisky. Since that game, both Hyde and Matt Milano have recorded multiple interceptions (two apiece). Safety Jordan Poyer has also intercepted a pass.
The Bills sit in the top half of the league in team interceptions after Week 13.
2 - Clay eager to 'bounce back' following Week 13 loss
It happens all the time in the game of football - 60 minutes of hard work and execution comes down to one play.
That's what happened in Buffalo's Week 13 matchup with the Dolphins. After an afternoon of offensive production and defensive excellence, the Bills couldn't execute when the game was on the line.
Down four points with just one minute remaining in the game, Josh Allen took a shot at the end zone on a fourth down situation. The rookie found a wide open Charles Clay, who was not able to reel in the wavering ball.
"It was a good ball by Josh," Clay said. "There's really nothing to it other than making the catch and I didn't make it happen. I've got to get back to work."
Clay had been sidelined for two games with a hamstring injury prior to making his return in Week 13. While the veteran tight end would have loved to make an impact in his return, he's eager to learn from the experience.
"You put in all the work, the hard work coming off an injury to get back, to come out and play, and to make a play for your team in a situation like that, that's what you work for," Clay said. "And to not come down with it, that's hard; but I'll bounce back, there's no doubt about that."
Head coach Sean McDermott did not place any blame on Clay's shoulders.
"At the end of the day when we have an opportunity to make a play we've got to make it," McDermott said. "It's never one guy, though. We've got to make sure it's thrown on target and it's caught. Throw and catch.
"I thought it was a heck of an effort by Josh and the offensive line gave him some time, and he bought some time himself. He gave us a chance. We had a chance to win the game."
3 - PFF: Phillips Bills' best defender in Miami return
Defensive tackle Jordan Phillips entered Buffalo's Week 13 matchup with the Dolphins with a chip on his shoulder.
It was a revenge game for the 26-year-old. Phillips, who was selected by the Dolphins in the second round of the 2015 draft, was eager to face off against his former team for the first since being waived by them earlier this season. A self-described "emotional guy," Phillips wanted to show his former employer that the decision to waive him was an unintelligent one.
According to Pro Football Focus, Phillips did just that.
Jordan Phillips had himself a great revenge game. Despite playing limited snaps, he looked like the best Bills defender on the day. He was solid against the run, making a couple of huge stops that helped get the defense off the field.
Being named the 'best player' on a defense that was largely stellar is high praise. Buffalo held Miami to just 175 net yards in the loss.
Phillips finished the game with three tackles and one pass deflection.
Though he entered the game with a bit of extra motivation, Phillips did not alter his style of play.
"Not really," Phillips said. "I played the same way I normally play. I play with emotion."
