Dolphins Win, Lose Out

Terrell Buckley put aside the distractions to keep alive the Miami Dolphins’ playoff hopes, if only temporarily.

Leading a stifling defensive effort that included six sacks, Buckley returned an interception 74 yards to spark Miami’s 20-3 win over the Buffalo Bills on Sunday.

The Dolphins (9-6) were still in the hunt for an AFC wild-card berth when they left for home, but were eliminated Sunday night when the Denver Broncos (10-5) defeated Indianapolis.

Earlier in the day, when their future was still in doubt, the Dolphins put aside questions that have haunted their past.

So much for critics who harped on an inability to win on the road in December, and blamed the defenders for their porous performance in last Monday’s 34-27 loss to Philadelphia.

“Everything that was written that gave the guys an opportunity to doubt themselves, that didn’t happen,” Coach Dave Wannstedt said. “It’s a remarkable job that this football team was able to keep its focus.”

If there was criticism, Buckley didn’t notice.

“I don’t care, I don’t read, I don’t pay attention,” Buckley said. “And I wish all the guys would realize that that’s just talk.”

His reply came on the field.

With the Bills trailing, 13-3, in the third quarter and threatening to mount a comeback with the ball on the Miami 29, Buckley stepped in front of Drew Bledsoe’s pass and ran it back untouched up the left sideline.

It was one of several defensive contributions. Jason Taylor had 2 1/2 sacks, giving him 69 1/2 for his career to become the Dolphins’ leader. And Miami limited the Bills to 177 yards -- 49 before Buckley’s score.

Chris Chambers scored on a 23-yard reception on the Dolphins’ first possession, and two turnovers by the Bills led to Olindo Mare’s field goals from 28 and 30 yards.

Miami ended a two-game losing streak and won on the road for the first time in December or later since closing the 2000 season with a victory at New England -- ending a six-game losing streak.

The Bills (6-9) bumbled their way through the game, an apparent letdown after they were eliminated from playoff contention with last week’s 28-26 loss at Tennessee.