ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — It might be time to consider calling off the search party for Mario Williams and the Buffalo Bills’ long-lost defense.

For one week at least, the high-priced, much-maligned unit wasn’t missing in action.

Williams — Buffalo’s $100 million defensive end — had one of the team’s three sacks, and safety Jairus Byrd recovered a fumble and had an interception in a much-needed, long-awaited stifling performance that produced a 19-14 win over the Miami Dolphins on Thursday night.

“That’s how it’s supposed to be,” Williams said. “It was definitely a must win. With the way things turned out earlier in the season, we had to come out and play like it’s the playoffs.”

A defense that entered the game ranked 31st in the NFL in yards allowed limited the Dolphins to 184 yards and 16 first downs.