Week 5 - Memorable matchups
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Don Nottingham |
In the first ever meeting between the two teams, Buffalo jumped out to an early 21-0 lead courtesy of two long touchdowns by Butch Byrd in the first quarter. The defensive back returned an interception 60 yards for a score before adding a 72-yard punt return for a TD.
October 22, 1972 – MIAMI 24, Buffalo 23
This game was the narrowest margin of victory during the Dolphins’ undefeated season of 1972. Larry Csonka gained 100 yards rushing and backfield mate Mercury Morris ran for two TDs while kicker Garo Yepremian converted a club record 54-yard field goal. The Bills attack was fueled by fullback Jim Braxton who rushed for 75 yards on nine carries and had one TD reception.
November 17, 1974 – MIAMI 35, Buffalo 28
Bob Griese drove the Dolphins 81 yards in 37 seconds to lead Miami past Buffalo. Don Nottingham, who replaced the injured Larry Csonka, ran for two touchdowns including the game-winning, 23-yard run with 19 seconds to play. Csonka rushed for two scores before leaving the game. Buffalo rookie QB Gary Marangi took over for Joe Ferguson who was hurt earlier in the game.
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Joe Cribbs |
After going 0-for-the-1970s against Miami, the Bills snapped the record 20-game losing streak against the Dolphins with a win in the season opener. Safety Jeff Nixon picked off three passes and linebacker Isiah Robertson’s 39-yard interception return set up an insurance touchdown by rookie Joe Cribbs, who had 9 catches for 71 yards in his pro debut.
October 9, 1983 – Buffalo 38, MIAMI 25 (OT)
Buffalo earned its first win over the Dolphins in Miami since 1966 when Joe Danelo kicked a 36-yard field goal at the 13:58 mark of overtime. Quarterback Joe Ferguson recorded his finest day by passing for 419 yards and 5 TDs. Dan Marino threw for 322 yards in his first career start.
November 25, 2001 – Miami 34, BUFFALO 27
Jay Fiedler threw three TDs in the fourth quarter to lead the Dolphins to a win over the Bills in Buffalo. The Dolphins’ Oronde Gadsen finished with 8 catches for 118 yards while Chris Chambers had 101 yards on 5 catches and scored the game-winner on a 32-yard TD pass with just 48 seconds remaining. The Bills were led by Alex Van Pelt who had 309 yards and 3 TDs passing and Eric Moulds racked up 196 yards receiving.