Miami Dolphins lose at Buffalo Bills: The Tape Don't Lie, a Review | Schad

The Dolphins were humbled in a 48-20 loss at the Bills on Sunday.

Miami's defense could not contain Buffalo quarterback Josh Allen.

Raheem Mostert fumbled twice. Tua Tagovailoa was intercepted.

Kader Kohou had the roughest game of his career, trying to cover Stefon Diggs.

The only good news here is Miami is 3-1 and has two winnable games on the horizon.

Many coaches believe "The Tape Don't Lie," and that list includes Mike McDaniel.

"The game tape survives time," McDaniel says.

Here are some things we noticed in Miami's AFC East loss:

Cam Smith time, please

Look, rookie Cam Smith has needed to earn the trust of defensive coordinator Vic Fangio. And it's clear that through four weeks he has not fully done it.

But Kader Kohou was better in Weeks 1 and 2 as a slot corner than he's been in Weeks 3 and 4 as a wide cornerback.

On Sunday, Kohou: had a 29.1 grade by Pro Football Focus.

In fairness, Kohou did not receive the benefit of the doubt on a couple of calls (unsportsmanlike, pass interference) that Xavien Howard or Jalen Ramsey quite possibly may have.

If Eli Apple is out of the equation as a wide corner, it makes sense to give Smith his shot against the Giants and Panthers in the next two weeks, moving Kohou back inside.

Justin Bethel is an outstanding special teams player but when he allowed a touchdown on the Bills' first drive, it reminded us he's been playing a key defensive back role.

Smith may make an error or two, perhaps even a critical one. But he looked really explosive, athletic and dynamic in the spring and summer. And Miami used a second round pick on Smith for this reason.

Without Jalen Ramsey in the fold, it makes sense to give Smith his shot. Starting Sunday.

Connor Williams as important as Terron Armstead

It's tough news that Terron Armstead will miss weeks, not days, following another injury.

And there is a drop-off to veteran Kendall Lamm, for sure.

But there is a bigger drop-off from center Connor Williams to Liam Eichenberg.

Eichenberg is a smart player who wants to exhibit proper technique but his performance at guard, and now center, has not met the new standard set by offensive line coach Butch Barry.

Eichenberg allowed 5 pressures and 2 sacks in 47 pass block snaps on Sunday, according to PFF.

Eichenberg committed a penalty to negate a potential fourth-quarter touchdown. And he allowed a sack of Tua in the fourth quarter.

It's just not good enough.

The Dolphins are hopeful Williams will return from a groin injury on Sunday at Hard Rock Stadium against the Giants.

But it would not be surprising if Miami were to develop another plan - an elevated Chasen Hines or Alama Uluave? - as an emergency alternative to Williams.

Schad Miami Dolphins punched in mouth by Bills, concede they're humbled

More needed from some defenders

Safety Brandon Jones does not seem healthy as he returns from a 2022 knee injury.

Jones failing to help Kader Kohou complete a tackle on what would become a touchdown by Stefon Diggs was a very tough look. Jones has been a solid tackler in the past.

This was an absolutely pivotal play in the game. Miami was trailing only 21-14 with three minutes to play before halftime and Diggs spins away from two Dolphins for a 55-yard score.

Buffalo never looked back.

Jones also had a bad open-field missed tackle on a Latavius Murray run in the first quarter. Jones just doesn't seem to be playing with much confidence yet.

One has to wonder if Elijah Campbell may have been a better option with DeShon Elliott out.

David Long has not been as good on tape as he's been in past seasons with the Titans.

Long was involved in a zone coverage on a Stefon Diggs second-quarter touchdown that some pinned on Kohou.

It was a tough day for Kohou, for sure, but he could have used more help from defensive coordinator Vic Fangio and from his teammates.

Long and Baker have had some apparent difficulties transitioning to a new defensive scheme.

And, yes, Miami could stand to see more regular dominance from Christian Wilkins and Bradley Chubb.

And at least some occasional dominance from Raekwon Davis.

It just hasn't come together for these talented defensive players yet.

The Dolphins are 11th in blitz percentage but 22nd in pressure percentage, 22nd in hurry percentage 19th (tied) in sacks.

Not good enough.

Achane can

Yes, Achane rhymes with can.

Just pretend the 'e' is silent.

Despite limited touches and a healthy scratch in Week 1, De'Von Achane leads the AFC in rushing yards.

Jeff Wilson returns as early as Sunday. And Mostert will not fumble twice in a game often.

Miami will need all of their backs at some point.

But it's also clear that Achane, rookie from Texas A&M, has star potential.

He's tough for a little guy. And he'd electric.

It's entirely possible Achane leads Miami in rushing attempts, rushing yards and touchdowns.

It's also likely Achane's emergence ends Jonathan Taylor discussions.

One thing opposing teams are sure to test this season is his blitz awareness and blocking.

A few pressures on Sunday came into areas vacated by Achane.

This & That

Miami's offense is going to force teams into significant adjustments. Deep safety coverage. Linebackers flooding the middle of the field. Conversely, it will be interesting to see how Mike McDaniel responds to their responses. Constant cat and mouse. Constant game of chess... The Dolphins have something at right tackle with Austin Jackson. He is much improved and as long as he's healthy he should continue to ascend... Andrew Van Ginkel is a revelation. Would it shock anybody if Vic Fangio asks to bring him back in 2024? Somebody will probably offer AVG starters' money, though, and good for him, he'll deserve it... Tyreek Hill is on pace for 1,998 receiving yards. Justin Jefferson is on pace for 2,308 receiving yards. Puka Nacua is on pace for 2,129 receiving yards... Tagovailoa's scramble for a first down in the third quarter was encouraging. He'll need to pick his spots, but there was an important moment, where it was definitely worth the risk... McDaniel going into shotgun on fourth down and less than a yard was a bit of an indictment on Miami's short-yardage running back (perhaps Jeff Wilson returning this week helps), but also an offensive line devoid of Connor Williams and Terron Armstead. McDaniel, to his credit, did admit to abandoning the run game too easily on Sunday.

Joe Schad is a journalist at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach him at jschad@pbpost.com and follow him on social media platforms @schadjoe. Sign up for Joe's free weekly Dolphins Pulse Newsletter. Help support our work by subscribing.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Tua, Dolphins lose at Buffalo, 48-20 and Joe Schad's Tape Don't Lie is in