Dolphins fall hard in Buffalo.(South Florida Sun-Sentinel)

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. _ Before the lake effect really took effect in Sunday's second half, bringing a blizzard of swirling snow to complete Miami's miserable experience, the Dolphins had already lost traction, already slipped, already been buried. Even if they had worn shoes with six-foot spikes, it would have been too late to get a grip.

"With five losses, you can't lose any more games," defensive end Jason Taylor declared after a 38-21 defeat that came despite a team-record 228 yards by Ricky Williams, the second-most by anyone in a loss in NFL history, and despite an 11-point lead in the second quarter.

When the Dolphins lost their footing was of some debate.

Was it when three defensive penalties led to Buffalo's first touchdown? When Dave Wannstedt went on fourth down, leading to the Bills' second touchdown? When Bills blitzer Keith Newman burst free in the third quarter, knocking Ray Lucas out with another shoulder stinger, and forcing the entrance of Jay Fiedler one week sooner than anyone wanted? When assorted defenders let interceptions slip through their fingers, or let receivers slip past them for long gains?

Whenever it was, it caused Miami lose its traction in the AFC East. The Dolphins now teeter in a tie with the Patriots, one-half game ahead of the Jets and just one in front of the Bills, who after a season sweep now hold the tiebreaker over Miami.

"We had a chance to separate ourselves from the pack," coach Dave Wannstedt said, after his team passed for just 55 yards and allowed 306 to Drew Bledsoe. "And now we're right back in it, fighting for our lives again."

Now they must fight the impulse to doubt themselves, considering how they wasted Williams' wonderful work, in the coldest conditions he has ever encountered.