6 reasons to be encouraged, 3 reasons to worry

By Ryan Talbot | Contributing writer

The Buffalo Bills moved to 8-6 on the season after defeating the Miami Dolphins 24-16. Miami had a chance to tie the game late, but Buffalo was in control for the majority of the game. Here are six reasons to be encouraged and three reasons to worry following Buffalo's win over Miami.

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ENCOURAGED: Tyrod Taylor

Tyrod Taylor did a little bit of everything for Buffalo. He kept multiple pass plays alive with his athleticism and connected down the field with his backs, wide receivers and tight ends for 224 yards and one touchdown. Taylor also ran six times for 42 yards and one touchdown. The quarterback played very well in what may have been his last game at New Era Field as Buffalo's starting quarterback.

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ENCOURAGED: Home field advantage at 'The Cap'

Buffalo had a true home field advantage at 'The Cap' in 2017. Buffalo's 24-16 win over the Dolphins moved the team to 6-2 for the season at home. If you want to compete in the NFL, you need to take care of business at home. The Bills defended their dirt in Sean McDermott's first season.

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Associated Press

WORRIED: Adolphus Washington

The Bills game was chippy at times with plenty of pushing and shoving on both sides, but Adolphus Washington's lack of composure could have cost Buffalo in Week 15. After stopping Kenyan Drake on 3rd and goal, Washington decided to slap the ball out of the back's hands well after the play was over. The end result was a penalty and a new set of downs for Miami. Drake would punch it in shortly thereafter. Buffalo won on Sunday, but Washington and the Bills need to keep their composure over the final two weeks of the season.

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ENCOURAGED: LeSean McCoy

LeSean McCoy became the 30th running back to rush for over 10,000 yards in his career in Buffalo's win. In addition to accomplishing this milestone, McCoy was also able to get into the end zone twice for the Bills. McCoy, the Bills' MVP on offense, isn't showing any signs of slowing down.

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Adrian Kraus

ENCOURAGED: Tight ends

Charles Clay and Nick O'Leary accounted for 45 percent of Tyrod Taylor's passing yards on Sunday. Clay always seems to be ready to play against his former team and led the way with 68 yards on five receptions. Nick O'Leary also made the most of his opportunities by catching both passes thrown his way for 33 yards.

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WORRIED: Wide receivers

Buffalo's tight ends may have stepped up on Sunday, but the wide receivers continue to disappoint. Kelvin Benjamin made a few good grabs (2-24) while Deonte Thompson and Brandon Tate each added one catch apiece. The four total receptions went for 57 yards. The Bills need to find a wide receiver that can create separation in the offseason.

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Bill Wippert

ENCOURAGED: Kyle Williams

Kyle Williams' speech on Saturday night inspired his teammates based on their performance. With two games remaining the Bills have a legitimate chance of making the playoffs for the first time since the 1999 season. Bills players and fans would love nothing more than to get Williams to the playoffs near the end of his career.

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Wilfredo Lee

WORRIED: 'Hands' team

When the Bills' hands team took the field late in the game, Preston Brown stood out. A linebacker on the front lines awaiting an onside kick? The Dolphins must have noticed as they kicked the ball in his direction. Brown tried to be aggressive, but he wasn't able to recover the ball. The ball bounced Miami's way and gave the team a chance to tie the game late. The Bills need to revisit their hands team before this occurs again.

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Tre'Davious White's interception sealed the win for the #Bills against the #Dolphins and after he took time to shake hands with fans. @WGRZ pic.twitter.com/sunziaA07V — Heather Prusak (@haprusak) December 17, 2017

Heather Prusak, WGRZ

ENCOURAGED: Secondary

The Bills' secondary continues to be the strength of their defense. Buffalo's defensive backs took advantage of some poor Jay Cutler throws and recorded three interceptions for the game.

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