This could have been a rough one for the Dolphins considering the circumstances — a road game on a short week in the NFL’s first-ever Black Friday game.
It turned out to be a fairly easy 34-13 victory as the Dolphins defeated the New York Jets and improved their record to 8-3, stayed in first place in the AFC East and remained in the battle for home-field advantage in the playoffs.
Injuries continue to pile up for Miami with the most significant being to edge rusher Jaelan Phillips, who sustained what appears to be a season-ending Achilles injury. Pro Bowl left tackle Terron Armstead left the game with a quadriceps injury but he said he’d be OK. Safety Jevon Holland, whose game-changing 99-yard interception return touchdown will be remembered for years, left the game with a knee injury.
But all in all this was a very successful day for the Dolphins.
Raheem Mostert (20 carries, 94 yards, two touchdowns) led the way for a running game that was at times bruising and at other times speedy. Miami had 37 carries for 167 yards and two touchdowns. This was significant because it was done largely without splashy plays (Mostert had a 34-yard carry) and without splashy rookie De’Von Achane (knee). The injury-depleted offensive line, which was without four starters late in the game, did its best work in the second half when the Dolphins used their run game to build what turned into a major advantage in time of possession (35:41 vs. 24:19).
Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (21 of 30, 243 yards, one touchdown, 77.5 passer rating) threw two interceptions, including a pick-6. He now has 10 interceptions for the season, two more than last year. Everything else was good. Wide receivers Jaylen Waddle (eight receptions, 114 yards) and Tyreek Hill (nine receptions, 102 yards, one touchdown) did their thing. The offensive line/pass protection allowed two sacks but this was a successful showing overall.
Miami’s defense snuffed out any threats early and kept things quiet all day. The Jets had 10 carries for 29 yards. That’s it. And they got 11 yards on a single carry by running back Breece Hall (seven carries, 25 yards). Credit the defensive front seven for leading the way. Linebacker Jerome Baker (team-best six tackles, interception) was active as was Holland (five tackles, interception return touchdown).
This was outstanding work between Holland’s 99-yard interception return touchdown on a Hail Mary pass right before halftime and the seven sacks and 12 quarterback hits they put on Tim Boyle (27 of 38, 179 yards, one touchdown, two interceptions, 67.8 passer rating).
Holland’s interception was one of the most memorable plays in years. It switched momentum and it wouldn’t be a stretch to say it won the game. The defensive line led the way in the pass rush with defensive lineman Christian Wilkins recording two sacks (so did edge rusher Bradley Chubb) but also give the secondary credit as cornerbacks Xavien Howard and Jalen Ramsey held Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson to a harmless seven receptions for 44 yards and one touchdown.
Kicker Jason Sanders was the star with two field goals including a 54-yarder. But return man Braxton Berrios was good once again with five punt returns for 46 yards (9.2 yards per return) and one kickoff return for 22 yards. Punter Jake Bailey only punted once (40 yards). Miami’s return teams allowed a 28-yard kickoff return but all things considered the Dolphins did good work in this area.
Coach Mike McDaniel and his staff did good work making sure the Dolphins were ready to play despite a rash of injuries and a road game on a short week. Offensive coordinator Frank Smith and defensive coordinator Vic Fangio both had good game plans for the Jets. And let’s also mention special teams coordinator Danny Crossman for having his guys ready. Coaches will have a tough job replacing Phillips, whose energy and on-field performance are both crucial. However, coaches have managed to overcome most obstacles in their path so far this season.
The veteran running back carried the day for a running game that effectively chewed up the clock and took some burden off Tagovailoa, who threw two interceptions. He had 12 carries for 79 yards in the second half and continues to be a bright spot for a run game that’s dealt with injuries to Achane and veteran running back Jeff Wilson Jr.
Miami is now minus-5 for the season, tied for 21st in the league in turnover margin. This deficit can be turned around in two games, but that’s been the case for much of the season and the deficit remains. It bears repeating that a negative turnover margin isn’t a big deal against average and below-average teams, but it’s potentially a major problem against quality teams. This must be corrected.
