Miami Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel had plenty to smile about Sunday afternoon after his team shocked the NFL world.
The Dolphins hammered the Buffalo Bills 30-13 in a game that wasn’t even as close as the final score suggests. It’s tied for the third-biggest upset across the entire NFL this season and stands as the largest home underdog victory of 2024, according to ESPN Research.
Following the win, social media exploded when a photo made the rounds showing what appeared to be McDaniel cruising past the Elbo Room – a famous watering hole that’s become Bills Mafia territory when Buffalo comes to town. The same spot recently hosted wild Florida Panthers Stanley Cup celebrations. In the image, the driver (looking suspiciously like McDaniel) had his window rolled down, arm casually hanging out, sporting sunglasses in what many fans interpreted as a deliberate trolling of Bills supporters.
When reporters pressed him Monday about whether he was indeed the mysterious driver, McDaniel went full coach-speak.
“That’s why I like the good ol’ days, you know. The throwbacks of yore where you could trust the internet and the images because you know it is pretty detailed that I live in that area. But, AI, right?” McDaniel told media members.
He added cryptically: “I live in that area; AI is real; that’s what I got for you.”
Injured star receiver Tyreek Hill couldn’t contain his enthusiasm about his coach’s apparent victory lap.
“I see coach back on that pettt dog [s—] I love it,” Hill wrote on social media with three laughing emojis.
Dominant Dolphins
The victory was no fluke. Miami jumped out to a commanding 16-0 first-half lead and never looked back.
Nobody saw this coming.
ESPN Analytics gave Buffalo a hefty 68.3% chance of winning before kickoff – understandable considering the Dolphins limped into the game with a dismal 2-7 record while the Bills had been among the AFC’s top teams.
Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa delivered an efficient performance, throwing for 173 yards and two touchdowns. But it was running back De’Von Achane who truly stole the show, gashing Buffalo’s defense for 174 rushing yards and two TDs of his own.
The victory gives Miami fans something to cheer about in what’s been an otherwise disappointing season – and apparently gave their coach a chance to enjoy a little post-game drive through enemy territory.