Mike McDaniel Says the Bills Own the Division Until Someone Takes It From Them

As a lifelong Dolphins fan who’s spent more time than I’d like to admit living in what Dave likes to call “bananaland,” I’m relieved that Mike McDaniel isn’t afraid to speak the truth. Trust me, I wish what he said wasn’t true. I wish I could walk into work every day and tell everyone, with a straight face, that the AFC East runs through Miami. But I can’t. I can’t even go on Twitter and say it with confidence anymore. I’m done making a fool of myself. There’s no reason for me to say that the AFC East runs through Miami when Buffalo has been the king of the division for four straight years.

Let’s not forget that last year, we had a golden opportunity to win the division on our home turf. What did we do? We let Buffalo march right in and snatch it out of our hands. That was our chance to make a statement, to reclaim the division, and we let it slip. So, for me, I’m glad that Mike McDaniel isn’t afraid to address the elephant in the room. In fact, I want the entire team to address it head-on. I want them all to know and feel that this division still belongs to Buffalo until we do something to change it.

I would hang a picture of Buffalo’s last four division titles in every player’s locker. Let it stare them in the face every day. Every time they wake up, walk into the facility, or step onto the field, they should be thinking about winning this division. It’s not just about making the playoffs—it’s about earning that home playoff game we haven’t had since 2008. Enough is enough. I’m tired of being the little brother in the AFC East. I’m tired of getting hyped up every offseason only to fall short. It’s time for the Dolphins to either put up or shut up, and it all starts Thursday night when Buffalo comes to town.

But let me make one thing very clear: when we beat Buffalo on Thursday, I will be an insufferable prick, and I will fully own that. However, I promise everyone reading this blog right now—beating Buffalo on Thursday night doesn’t mean we’re guaranteed to win the division. It’s just the start. It’s the match that lights the fire. Because, at the end of the day, winning the division requires more than one win, even if it’s against the reigning AFC East champs. It takes consistency, resilience, and the hunger to claim what’s ours.

This division doesn’t belong to us yet, but Thursday is our first shot to show the world—and ourselves—that we’re ready to take it. And when we do, it won’t be because of hype or luck. It’ll be because we earned it. So, let’s get that first win against Buffalo, set the tone, and let the rest of the season follow.