One thing the Dolphins have learned during the past three weeks: Second-year offensive lineman John Jerry is progressing and could be ready to earn a spot back in the starting lineup in 2012.

The former third-round pick from Ole Miss filled in for injured left tackle and three-time Pro Bowler Jake Long on Sunday in Buffalo and shone brightly. Jerry did the same two weeks ago against the Raiders when right guard Vernon Carey was out with an ankle injury.

Sunday’s start at left tackle, though, was the first in Jerry’s career. In college, he made 21 starts at right tackle and started 10 games at right guard for the Dolphins last season as a rookie, but he didn’t grade out well, according to ProFootballFocus.com.

“The biggest thing about John is he’s physical, and he likes to compete,” Dolphins interim coach Todd Bowles said. “We have to clean up some technical things about him in the pass game and that type of thing, but he put his weight on some people, he moved some piles, and that was a very positive thing.

“He has a lot of physical ability, and a guy that big who can move that well, he can move some piles for you. When you get into those types of atmospheres with the weather like that and you’re trying to run the ball, a guy like that comes in handy.”

Long, who watched the game from the sideline all bundled up as snow flurries fell, served as an extra coach to Jerry, giving him advice and helping him identify his keys before the snap. Jerry didn’t hesitate to seek out Long whenever he had a question.

“Yeah, Jake was outstanding on the sideline — like a coach on the field,” Bowles said. “I think we have a lot of guys like that at various positions that help you when you come off the field if those guys aren’t getting it done or injured or anything. Jake was valuable to him.”

The Bills, ranked last in the NFL in sacks, obviously didn’t present as tough a challenge as the Eagles’ pass rush did last week, when the Dolphins surrendered a franchise-record tying nine sacks. But Miami still ran for 254 yards and quarterback Matt Moore, who left the Philadelphia game with a mild concussion, was sacked just twice by the Bills.

According to ProFootballFocus.com, Jerry played 40 snaps against the Eagles and graded out positively — the only offensive lineman who did that day. Not counting Sunday’s game at Buffalo (which has yet to be graded by PFF), Jerry has been flagged just once this season and surrendered just one sack in 186 snaps this season.

• Bowles said there are no plans to sit Long, who injured his back against the Eagles, for the rest of the season.

“He wants to get back in there. We want him back in there,” Bowles said. “Anybody that can play will play. Jake’s a competitor. He’s a warrior. He’s a captain for us, and we missed having him out there.”

PICKS A PLENTY

It took the Dolphins eight games to record their third interception of the season. But since getting going against the Redskins’ Rex Grossman, the team has grabbed 11 during their past six games — including three more Sunday against the Bills.

That’s given Bowles, who served as the Dolphins secondary coach until Tony Sparano was fired last week, reason to smile.

“They’ve come along. They started out the season rough. Vontae [Davis] and Sean [Smith] [Sunday], I thought both of those guys competed extremely hard,” Bowles said. “I can’t say enough about Vontae the past couple weeks. The guys [have] been making plays. He’s been studying more. He’s becoming a true professional. Sean as well. Sean does all the little things right. He prepares, and he’s a very smart individual. Those guys are playing well.”

• Bowles gave receiver Brian Hartline credit for jumpstarting the Dolphins offense with two impressive catches. “He’s from Ohio State; it’s a Michigan game for him, so he should be used to that kind of weather,” Bowles said. “Brian did a great job, we thought. He makes great catches in practice and makes them in the game. He’s a tough guy. He’s a very tough guy.”

• Bowles said the timetable for the return of injured strong-side linebacker Koa Misi (shoulder) is uncertain, but he’s hopeful he will be back this week.

• With the team’s next game scheduled for Saturday at New England, players will not get their usual day off Tuesday and will resume practice.

“They’ve been on a roll,” Bowles said of the Patriots. “Obviously, they’re a well-oiled machine. They beat us up pretty bad the first game of the year. So we got to do our homework.”