reggie-bush_3_web.jpgMIAMI — The whistle had blown and Reggie Bush stood in the end zone, holding the ball for a touchdown as he wiggled his right leg to free it from the annoying grasp of a Buffalo Bills defender.

Bush repeatedly shook loose Sunday, catching passes for two scores and running for a third to help the Miami Dolphins beat the hapless Bills 24-10.

The win kept Miami’s slim playoff hopes alive for another six minutes. By the time they reached the locker room they had been eliminated because of Cincinnati’s victory at Pittsburgh.

“It’s hard to win in this league,” Bush said. “We’ve got to a do a better job obviously next season.” Miami will sit out the playoffs for the 10th time in 11 years.

“The NFL has a system in place – six teams earn a spot in the playoffs,” first-year coach Joe Philbin said. “It is what it is.” The Bills (5-10) came into the game assured of missing the playoffs for the 13th consecutive season.

The Dolphins, who need a win in Sunday’s finale at New England to avoid their fourth consecutive losing season. There were signs of progress against Buffalo, with an efficient offense and a stingy defense that suddenly began forcing turnovers. Safety Reshad Jones recovered two fumbles and made an interception to seal the victory.