The Miami Dolphins trail the Buffalo Bills 6-0 after the first quarter of the game.
The opening drive started with a couple of big plays for the Bills, including a run straight up the middle for 11 yards from Fred Jackson on the first play from scrimmage. Buffalo quarterback EJ Manuel later found wide receiver Sammy Watkins on a 28-yard catch, converting on third down. The drive would stall after that, though, thanks to some good defensive play including a Brent Grimes pass breakup at the goalline and a Jared Odrick quarterback hit just as Manuel tried to throw a pass.
After the punt, Miami took possession, with quarterback Ryan Tannehill standing tall in the pocket on first down and finding Brandon Gibson for 12 yards. After a six-yard run from Lamar Miller, Tannehill would be sacked by Kyle Williams on second down, then throw incomplete on a pass intended for tight end Charles Clay on third down, matching Buffalo's initial ball movement only to put opening drive.
Buffalo looked in trouble early on the next drive, when the pocket collapsed on Manuel and it appeared the Dolphins would get a big sack. Instead, Manuel escaped and found Jackson for a 28-yard catch-and-run, reaching the Miami 27-yard line. After another first down conversion on another Watkins reception, the Dolphins defense would finally slow the Bills attack, with Buffalo settling for a 27-yard field goal from Dan Carpenter.
The Dolphins came back on the next drive and appeared to be mounting an answer. On the second play from scrimmage, however, running back Knowshon Moreno gained four yards on a carry, but appeared to have his elbow bent backwards during the tackle. He has been ruled out of the game. The Dolphins would miss on a long pass to Mike Wallace on the next play, eventually lining up to punt. Brandon Fields would have his punt blocked, however, with Damien Williams picking up the ball and advancing it back to the Miami 31-yard line, where he was tackled and Buffalo took possession.
The Miami defense would hold during the next possession, allowing the Bills to move the ball from the 31-yard line down to the 9-yard line, but forcing a second 27-yard field goal from Carpenter.
The quarter would end after one pass from Tannehill to Wallace for 18 yards.