The Buffalo Bills began the opening drive of the game with an 18 yard completion to RB C.J. Spiller. That was followed by two long gains by RB Fred Jackson on a screen and shovel pass. However, the Bills drive stalled in the red zone and the Bills settled for a field goal.
The Dolphins started their opening drive from it's own 13 yard line after a holding call on the kickoff. FB Charles Clay had a 10 yard gain for a first down that was followed by a catch by RB Reggie Bush, who was streaking down the sidelines with a Bills LB in his face. Next, WR Davone Bess was found wide open in the middle for a 22 yard gain. Brian Hartline caught a pass for first down on his back shoulder to set the Dolphins up in the red zone. An end around by Hartline set up a two yard touchdown to TE Anthony Fasano.
After a Bills punt, and two yard rush up the middle, QB Matt Moore completed a 46 yard play action pass to Clay, setting the Dolphins up for another red zone opportunity. Bush ran around the edge for a six yard gain and followed that with another six yard gain up the middle for a touchdown.
The first quarter ended with the score Dolphins 14, Bills 3.