MIAMI GARDENS - The Dolphins did not win the AFC East and did not win 12 games and will not host an NFL playoff game.

The Dolphins did not make a point, did not quiet the naysayers and did not disprove the Tua doubters.

No, Miami did none of that in a 21-14 home loss to the Bills at Hard Rock Stadium on "Sunday Night Football."

If Miami does not pull an upset at Kansas City on Saturday night, they'll finish a once-promising season with three straight losses.

That would be a bummer.

Many coaches believe "The Tape Don't Lie," and that list includes coach Mike McDaniel.

"The game tape survives time," McDaniel says.

Here are some things we noticed looking back again at Miami's loss:

Achane + Mostert in 2024

De'Von Achane set a record dating back to at least 1934, averaging 7.8 yards per carry in an NFL season.

Raheem Mostert led the NFL with 18 rushing touchdowns.

With so many questions looking ahead to Miami's 2024 roster - such as long-term contract possibilities for Christian Wilkins, Robert Hunt, Tua Tagovailoa and Andrew Van Ginkel - at least Miami has both backs under contract for next season.

Achane was Pro Football Focus' No. 1-graded running back in 2024.

Mostert was PFF's No. 4-graded running back in 2024.

The Dolphins led the NFL with 5.1 yards per rush, despite using 12 offensive line combinations.

Miami's rushing attack is just fine.

And yes, Mike McDaniel could have called just a few more runs at a few critical second-half moments this season.

We are sure he's aware. We also saw clearly on tape that Miami had some well-schemed passing opportunities that were missed in the second half.

Tua Turnovers

As good as Tua Tagovailoa has been this season, he did finish with a career-high 14 interceptions.

He also had a career-high 13 fumbles.

"We need to not turn the ball over and still be able to be aggressive while doing that," Mike McDaniel said after the Bills loss.

Tua forced a pass into double-coverage for Tyreek Hill on the first drive on Sunday night. And the game ended on an interception forced to Chase Claypool.

McDaniel has built up Tua's confidence. As has Hill.

But four interceptions in two games with the season on the line isn't good enough.

Looking ahead to Fangio D, 2024

Miami's defense improved after Jalen Ramsey returned and the team became more comfortable and more familiar with Vic Fangio's defense.

There should be an even bigger step taken in Year 2.

Think about the step Miami's offense took in its second season in Mike McDaniel's offense.

The Dolphins' offense was No. 1 in the NFL in 2023.

What kind of jump will Miami take on defense from No. 10 in the NFL in 2023?

Some players who are not ideal fits for the scheme will move on, such as otherwise-capable Emmanuel Ogbah.

And we'll see if players like Xavien Howard, Andrew Van Ginkel, Christian Wilkins, DeShon Elliott and Raekwon Davis return.

Fangio would seem to have a strong opinion on these matters.

Yes, Miami has given up too many points in losses to Buffalo, Philadelphia and Baltimore this season.

But make no mistake: Fangio was a huge upgrade at coordinator.

His defense works. Miami is lucky to have him. They should be even better in 2024.

This & That

Tyreek Hill was No. 2 in the NFL with 11 drops, trailing only Puka Nacua of the Rams. In part, this is a volume statistic. But even Tyreek would tell you he's disappointing in that statistic... The Dolphins are going to miss linebacker Jerome Baker, who played so well in his return from a knee injury on Sunday night, only to break a wrist. Duke Riley has had positive moments, but Baker is a key communicator and he also made a great tackle to keep the Bills out of the end zone as time ran out on the first half.

If the Dolphins had their version of the Tush Push or a player or play who was very successful on third or fourth and short, would McDaniel have gone for it on fourth-and-inches from the 25, up 14-7 and midway through the third quarter? Decent chance, huh?… Among Dolphins CBs, Kader Kohou has allowed the highest opponent passer rating, according to PFR, at 132.6. They also say he allowed eight touchdowns. Eli Apple is second-highest, at 95.2. Jalen Ramsey is best, at 49.6… Christian Wilkins’ sack/strip fumble of Josh Allen near the end of the third quarter unfortunately goes a bit under the radar. I think Miami will franchise tag Wilkins if necessary.

It is simply unacceptable how many big returns the Dolphins have given up on special teams this season. Yes, it is true Cam Goode may have made the tackle to prevent a touchdown on Sunday if he hadn’t blown out a knee when Alec Ingold was shoved his way by a Bills blocker… Melvin Ingram forced to cover Dawson Knox on a pass route with the score tied at 14 in the fourth quarter is certainly less than ideal… The Dolphins offense should be much more potent with Raheem Mostert and Jaylen Waddle available against the Chiefs. Tua should feel less pressure to force balls to Tyreek, which hurt him last Sunday.... Call me soft. Whatever. I am going to bundle up in Kansas City this week. Let's hope it's a good game.

Joe Schad is a journalist at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach him at jschad@pbpost.com and follow him on social media platforms @schadjoe. Sign up for Joe's free weekly Dolphins Pulse Newsletter. Help support our work by subscribing.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Tua Tagovailoa, Tyreek Hill, Miami Dolphins lose to Buffalo Bills