Dolphins safety Jordan Poyer says illegal hit was 'clean play'

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — The Miami Dolphins lost 30-27 to the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, with a crucial penalty late in the game paving the way for Tyler Bass' game-winning 61-yard field goal.

Bills quarterback Josh Allen attempted a pass from his own 31-yard line to wide receiver Keon Coleman that would have brought Buffalo's offense to the Dolphins' 30-yard line. Dolphins safety Jordan Poyer released the ball with a hit to Coleman's torso but was cautioned for unnecessary roughness in the play.

The penalty gave Buffalo 15 yards and a first down, which took the lead for good on Bass' career kick with 10 seconds left in the game.

The crown of Poyer's helmet touched Coleman's face mask, sealing the penalty. After the game he said that the game was clean in real time.

“I just play football. I thought it was a clean play, it felt like I put my helmet right into his chest,” he said. “I just play football, it’s hard. …What can you do? I don't know it. I had a great post break, he went up to catch the ball and I literally didn't stop my feet. I felt like I had met him where I was supposed to meet him. Apparently the referee didn't believe that.

The penalty against Poyer was one of eight penalties the Dolphins called in Sunday's loss, two of which came on the Bills' game-winning drive.

Dolphins defensive lineman Calais Campbell said these penalties were an unfortunate byproduct of physical, aggressive play.

“This is a physical game. (When Coleman catches the ball, that's a big deal,” Campbell said. “(Poyer) was trying to break it up, I know he was aiming for his chest – if you aim your shoulder for your chest, you're coming sometimes with the helmet. But it's an aggressive penalty. We don't do that. “I want to stop the boys from being aggressive. But that's football.

“I know Poyer, I know his heart, the way he prepares. He’s going to play 100 miles an hour and I’ll go to war with him any day because of it.”

Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel echoed Campbell's sentiments to some extent, agreeing that their goal was to play aggressively. But he didn't object to the call.

“You have to play aggressively in this game to be successful. I have no doubt the intent was appropriate,” McDaniel said. “Po is a huge player for our team and has been phenomenal. He really helped us take another step in the way we prepare, the way we play, the way we communicate, all of that. But he knows himself that you take it out of your hand and put it is in the hands of the officials as soon as you don't reach the strike zone. If not, it gets called out every time because it's against the rules.

Sunday's loss left Miami 2-6, virtually five games behind the AFC East-leading Bills, who secured their second straight season win over the Dolphins.

ESPN's Football Power Index gave Miami a 6.5% chance of making the playoffs before Sunday's game. The Dolphins will travel to Los Angeles next week to play the Rams on “Monday Night Football” before facing the Las Vegas Raiders and New England Patriots in two home games.

The Dolphins' players aren't ready to say this season is over, and their performance against a Bills team that has dominated them in recent years provided optimism.

“We play good ball as a team,” Dolphins receiver Tyreek Hill said. “It’s all about getting better, you know what I’m saying? Next week a lot of guys will take responsibility for what they can get better at and we'll continue with that. That’s it.’ That’s the only way teams and guys get better.