The Miami Dolphins had the lead in the third quarter and whatever momentum existed in the NFL Wild-Card Game between AFC East foes Sunday in Buffalo.
Faced with a third-and-19 and with a third-string quarterback playing, Mike McDaniel opted to let Skylar Thompson pass rather than calling a safe draw play and then punting.
The strategy backfired as Thompson’s throw down the left side was intercepted by Bills rookie Kaiir Elam.
PICKED. Here come the Bills! #SuperWildCard
📺: #MIAvsBUF on CBS
📱: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/zCGXBeNnOK pic.twitter.com/ZyPTDCYMdv— NFL (@NFL) January 15, 2023
Oof.
It took Josh Allen 5 plays to negotiate the 33 yards, finishing the drive with a short pass to Cole Beasley, who slipped into the end zone from 6 yards.
The @BuffaloBills retake the lead! #SuperWildCard
📺: #MIAvsBUF on CBS
📱: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/zCGXBeNnOK pic.twitter.com/tkV7asSL2y— NFL (@NFL) January 15, 2023
The Bills, who had seen a 17-0 lead disappear were back in front, 27-24.
Thompson was 10-of-28 for 104 yards and 2 TDs with 5 minutes left in the third quarter.