2023 NFL Power Rankings: Miami Dolphins

Biggest issue on defense: Third-down defense

There are several problems that plague the Dolphins' defense, including its inability to get off the field on third down. Miami is allowing opponents to convert on 46% of their third-down attempts -- tied for the eighth-worst rate in the NFL. The Dolphins' performance in critical situations is exacerbated by a middling pass rush and below-average run defense, as well. This is not the start Miami was hoping for after hiring Vic Fangio, even with Jalen Ramsey out for the foreseeable future. -- Marcel Louis-Jacques

A week after starting center Connor Williams (groin) was sidelined by injury, Miami lost Pro Bowl left tackle Terron Armstead (knee), and the Dolphins finally found themselves in a street race they couldn't win, ultimately taking their first defeat by the humbling final tally of 48-20. The offensive harmony of the first three games fizzled out amid steady Buffalo pressure and a unit pressing too much down multiple scores. Scoring points won't be problematic most games. The Dolphins also won't face Bills-caliber teams every week. But they badly must find ways to beat their AFC East rivals, having now lost 10 of the past 11 in the series, with no wins in Buffalo for seven years. Miami almost feels like that pre-dynasty squad that can beat almost any team out there, but not yet the one it needs to beat the most.

They came back to reality against the Bills on offense, but the story was how bad the defense played. That side of the ball hasn't been that good this season, which is a concern.

They've dropped five of their last seven against AFC East opponents, so maybe a plus they'll only face one in the next seven weeks.

A 78-point swing! The Dolphins lost by 28 points one week after winning by 50, which has to be some kind of NFL record. More importantly, the Bills defense gave the rest of the NFL hope by "holding" Miami to 398 yards and 20 points. Still, Dolphins rookie running back De'Von Achane is a problem. He had eight carries for 101 yards Sunday.

No need to overreact to the first loss of the year, but it is a reminder that the season is long and the NFL is hard. The Dolphins' defense couldn't stop Josh Allen, and it felt over as soon as a turnover allowed the Bills to take a three-score lead before halftime. It can't always be about offense, and the Miami defense has some work to do to hold up its end of things.

The Dolphins weren't exposed or anything like that. They just weren't as great as the hype express would have led you to believe last week. Miami is still one of the best teams in football and a viable contender in the AFC East. The Dolphins and Bills don't meet each other again until Jan. 7, in the final week of the season. Now that might be a fun flex game for Sunday night to end the season.

They could have used a few of those 70 points in Buffalo.

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