The day
began with wonders about how a young player with minimum NFL experience
would manage to supplant a team captain because of an injury. The
answer? Yes, linebacker Cameron Wake did just fine.

Quarterback Chad Henne, who also did a solid job as he began the start
of his career as Miami’s starter, became an unlikely sideshow to the
terror Wake bestowed on the Bills’ offense as he helped replace
linebacker Joey Porter (hamstring).

No doubt about it, the
Dolphins’ 38-10 win against the Bills was as much a jolt of confidence
for the future of this team as it was for the present. All in the same
game, Miami got its first win, while proving it has some young talent
ready to emerge.

Not only did Henne perform
adequately, and not only did Wake perform dominantly — but rookie
cornerback Vontae Davis returned an interception for a touchdown while
rookie wide receiver Brian Hartline also added his first career score
on a 5-yard catch.

Henne finished the game with 14 completions on 22 attempts for 115
yards and no interceptions. Wake had six tackles, three sacks and a
forced fumble.

Oh, and those old guys? They did pretty good, too.

Three of the team’s few 30-somethings – running back Ricky Williams,
linebacker Jason Taylor and cornerback Will Allen – also showed they’ve
got some gas left. Williams carried 16 times for 85 yards with a
touchdown, while Taylor added a couple of sacks of his own.

Allen also had two interceptions, including one at the goal line that
ended a dismal offensive performance by the Bills and Buffalo
quarterback Trent Edwards. In all, Edwards donated three picks and was
sacked six times.

As much as this game was highlighted by the
number of playmakers all over the field, it was really the combination
of Ronnie Brown and Williams in the backfield that continues to drive
this team.

For the second time this season, the Dolphins’
backfield combined for more than 200 yards. This time, Williams and
Brown racked up 200 yards on 36 carries for three touchdowns.