ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. _ Rex Ryan's resume isn't overflowing with significant accomplishments, but the one thing he's become an expert at is spoiling the Miami Dolphins' season.
He did that during his tenure with the New York Jets, and almost picked up where he left off with the Buffalo Bills, who took the Dolphins to overtime. But behind Jay Ajayi, the Dolphins found their way to a 34-31 victory, allowing Miami to escape Buffalo with a win that moves the Dolphins closer to clinching the franchise's first playoff berth since 2008.
On Miami's second offensive possession of overtime Ajayi turned an inside run outside to the left and outsprinted a tired Bills defense 57 yards down the field. From there Miami's offense inched its way into position to pick the 27-yard game-winning field goal.
That kick was Andrew Frank's second field goal of the game. His first came in dramatic fashion considering his career-long 55-yarder allowed the Dolphins to force overtime. Franks two field goals prevented a Miami meltdown as the Dolphins blew a 14-point lead with Miami's defense allowing a season-high 601 yards.
Miami's offense also produced a season-high in production, totaling 494 yards against the Bills. Ajayi finished the game with his third 200-plus yard rushing performance of the season, gaining 206 on 32 carries against the Bills before leaving the game with an injury near the end of overtime.
Miami held the lead all game until Buffalo used an 8-play, 89 yard drive to tie the game when former Dolphins tight end Charles Clay caught a 7-yard pass in-between three Dolphins defenders.
With Miami's will over Buffalo the Dolphins need Kansas City to defeat Denver on Sunday night (or have the game end in a tie) for Miami to qualify for the postseason for the first time since 2008.
With, or without a playoff berth this season should be viewed as a success considering the Dolphins have now swept the Bills and New York Jets for the first time since 2003.
Miami also has a shot at finishing 5-1 in the AFC East if they can beat New England at home next Sunday. That would be the franchise's best record against AFC East opponents since realignment occurred in 2002.
