ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — The Miami Dolphins lost 30-27 to the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, with a critical penalty late in the game paving the way for Tyler Bass ‘ 61-yard, game-winning field goal.
Facing third-and-9 from his own 31-yard line, Bills quarterback Josh Allen attempted a pass to wide receiver Keon Coleman , that would have put Buffalo’s offense at the Dolphins’ 30-yard line. Dolphins safety Jordan Poyer jarred the ball loose with a hit to Coleman’s upper body but was flagged for unnecessary roughness on the play.
The penalty awarded 15 yards and a first down to Buffalo, which took the lead for good on Bass’ career-long kick with 10 seconds remaining in the game.
The crown of Poyer’s helmet made contact with Coleman’s facemask, which sealed the penalty. After the game, he said he thought the play was clean in real time.
“I’m just playing football. I thought it was a clean play, felt like I put my helmet right into his chest,” he said. “I’m just playing football, it’s tough. … What can you do? I don’t know. I had a great post break, he went up for the ball and I literally didn’t stop my feet. I felt like I hit him where I was supposed to hit him. Apparently, the ref didn’t think so.”