Ryan Tannehill inspired the Miami Dolphins offense in the second half to guide his team to a 22-9 victory over the Buffalo Bills at Sun Life Stadium.

Both sets of offenses struggled to make progress in the first half as the defensive players dominated, but the Dolphins did manage to take the lead at the end of their first drive when Caleb Sturgis converted a field goal from 38 yards.

Dan Carpenter hit back for the Bills with a field goal of his own before the end of the opening quarter, and it was another kick from the former Miami ace which handed Buffalo a 6-3 lead at the half-time interval.

Kyle Orton drove the Bills forward early in the third quarter, but the visitors were once again forced to settle for a field goal as Carpenter continued his good form with a successful effort from 46 yards.

Miami would hit back impressively when Ryan Tannehill found room to operate before firing a pass to Brandon Gibson for the first touchdown of the night.

Buffalo fell further behind late in the third quarter when the officials penalised Orton for intentional grounding, with the safety handing a 12-9 advantage to the Dolphins.

Tannehill dealt a crucial blow to Buffalo's chances in the early stages of the final period with a short pass to Jarvis Landry as the hosts took full control of the game.

The Bills were unable to produce a response as Orton and his offense continued to struggle, and the Dolphins eased to the victory thanks to another field goal from Sturgis.