MIAMI (AP) – Chris Chambers leaped in the end zone to make one last grab with 6 seconds left, capping a frantic fourth-quarter comeback by the Miami Dolphins.

Chambers outjumped cornerback Jabari Greer for his 15th reception of the game, a 4-yard score on fourth down to help the Dolphins overcome a 21-point deficit and beat the Buffalo Bills 24-23 Sunday.

Lee Evans caught three touchdown passes to put the Bills ahead 21-0 less than 13 minutes into the game, and they led 23-3 with 12 minutes left. But struggling Miami quarterback Gus Frerotte was forced to the bench with a concussion in the third quarter, and replacement Sage Rosenfels directed fourth-quarter touchdown drives of 70, 49 and 73 yards.

The final march started with 1:51 left, Miami trailing 23-17 and perhaps 25,000 fans remaining from the announced crowd of 72,051.

A catch by Chambers gave the Dolphins a first down at the 1 with 50 seconds to go, but two incomplete passes, a penalty and a scramble by Rosenfels made it fourth down with the clock running and less than 30 seconds left.

Rosenfels took the snap with 10 seconds remaining and looked once more to Chambers, who won a duel for the lobbed pass even though Greer was flagged for interference. Coach Nick Saban hollered and punched the air, and teammates mobbed Chambers, who set Miami records for catches and yards receiving with 238.

Miami (5-7) beat a division rival for the first time in four tries to remain in playoff contention in the woeful AFC East. The stunned Bills (4-8) were all but eliminated from the postseason race. They can blame an 0-6 record on the road.

Rosenfels gave Miami an immediate spark, coming on after Frerotte was hurt when sacked by London Fletcher for a safety early in the third quarter.

Ricky Williams’ 5-yard run made the score 23-10 with 11:35 left, and after the Dolphins forced a punt, they quickly struck again on the first touchdown reception of rookie running Ronnie Brown’s career. He caught a swing pass from Rosenfels, hurdled a defender and dove across the pylon for a 23-yard score, making it 23-17 with 7:35 to go.

Miami reached midfield with 3 minutes left, but defensive end Aaron Schobel leaped to intercept Rosenfels. Another punt gave the Dolphins one last chance – and that was all they needed.

Rosenfels, who played poorly making his second career NFL start for an injured Frerotte two weeks ago at Cleveland, this time went 22-for-37 for 272 yards.

Buffalo’s J.P. Losman hit Evans for touchdown passes of 46, 56 and 4 yards but missed later chances to close out the victory, losing a fumble on a sack and throwing an interception to end scoring threats.

After taking a 21-0 lead, the Bills’ characteristically feeble offense reverted to form, failing to score on their final 10 possessions.

The Dolphins looked inept for much of the game themselves, dropping at least eight passes and struggling at times merely to get a play off. They committed six false starts – including three in a row, prompting mock cheers when they finally snapped the ball successfully.

Buffalo needed barely two minutes to take the lead, scoring when Losman went deep to Evans.

Chambers then lost a fumble on Miami’s third play, and the Bills took advantage on first down, with Losman again throwing long. Going into the game, the longest completion of his career was 42 yards.

Roscoe Parrish’s 36-yard punt return set up Evans’ third score, a catch in traffic at the goal line on third-and-goal for a 21-0 lead with 2:14 still to go in the first quarter. But the Buffalo offense never scored again.

AP-ES-12-04-05 1707EST

Copy the Story Link