MIAMI GARDENS — This was the third consecutive sport the Miami Dolphins “ought to” have gained at house, along with New England and Las Vegas.
The Dolphins lived as much as the hype — barely — with a 32-26 additional time victory over the lowly New York Jets Sunday at Hard Rock Stadium.
The Dolphins now are off to Houston subsequent week to face the Texans in what quantities to yet one more model of the “Biggest Game of the Year” for Miami.
At least the Dolphins (6-7) have some momentum contemplating they’ve now gained 4 of their previous 5 video games, together with their first sport in December.
Here are some extra takeaways from Sunday:
Playoff hopes stay alive
The Dolphins nonetheless have an opportunity at a 3rd consecutive playoff look in the event that they win their last 4 video games. There’s no assurance they’d make the playoffs in the event that they win out, however they’ve a very good likelihood.
Coach Mike McDaniel has efficiently stored his group afloat regardless of a season that began with a police detainment of large receiver Tyreek Hill earlier than the opener in opposition to Jacksonville after which a concussion to quarterback Tua Tagovailoa within the second sport (in opposition to Buffalo).
A loss Sunday would have been robust to beat in relation to postseason hopes. — Chris Perkins
Ailing OTs
Pro Bowl left sort out Terron Armstead, who has hardly ever practiced this season on account of varied bumps, bruises and designated relaxation days, left the sport twice within the first quarter on account of a knee ailment. He didn’t play after leaving late within the first quarter.
Armstead’s absence meant the Dolphins had been with out each beginning offensive tackles. Right sort out Austin Jackson (knee) went down 4 video games in the past.
In their locations the Dolphins have veteran proper sort out Kendall Lamm and rookie left sort out Patrick Paul.
Ramsey vs. Wilson
Dolphins cornerback Jalen Ramsey, who shadowed Seattle’s DK Metcalf earlier this season, shadowed Jets large receiver Garrett Wilson (seven receptions, 114 yards). Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers didn’t shrink back from the matchup. Wilson had one reception for eight yards within the first quarter. He was focused twice. Wilson ended the primary half with three receptions for 55 yards together with a 35-yarder within the second quarter that got here on a beautifully-thrown go with a pleasant catch.
Early within the third quarter Wilson caught a 42-yard go when Ramsey slipped and fell. Overall, Wilson acquired one of the best of Ramsey.
December soccer
The Dolphins, who’re 3-6 in December video games below McDaniel are off to a 1-0 December begin this season.
In 2022, the Dolphins had been 0-4 in December, shedding at San Francisco (33-17), on the Los Angeles Chargers (23-17), at Buffalo (32-29) and in opposition to Green Bay (26-20).
In 2023, the Dolphins went 3-2 in December profitable at Washington (45-15), shedding in opposition to Tennessee (28-27), defeating the New York Jets (30-0) and Dallas (22-20) earlier than shedding at Baltimore (56-19).
Hill, Waddle spring to life
Dolphins Wide receivers Hill and Jaylen Waddle had good video games Sunday, among the finest mixed efforts they’ve had in a very long time.
OK, the usual has been lowered. And the Jets didn’t have cornerback Sauce Gardner (hamstring), their greatest defensive again.
But Hill’s 10-reception, 115-yard effort together with Waddle’s nine-reception, 99-yard effort was their greatest mixed effort of the season, surpassing their 143-yard exhibiting within the opener in opposition to Jacksonville.
Hey, a very good mixed effort from Hill and Waddle doesn’t occur as steadily in 2024 because it did in 2023 or 2022.
Achane shaken up, returns however struggles
Running again De’Von Achane, who didn’t have a productive sport, left the sport within the second quarter after absorbing a giant hit by Jets defensive sort out Quinnen Williams. Achane, who had a concussion earlier this season however didn’t miss a sport, went into the blue medical tent on the sideline however didn’t miss a snap.
Still, it wasn’t a very good sport for Achane (six reception, 45 yards) on the bottom.
Achane, who will seemingly comprise the majority of the Dolphins’ speeding assault the remainder of the season, ended with 24 yards on 14 carries.
Achane had 53% of the Dolphins’ carries within the earlier 4 video games getting into the Jets sport.
Of course, the poor exhibiting wasn’t Achane’s fault.
The Dolphins are with out their beginning two offensive tackles.
And, in fact, the run sport has struggled just lately.
Dolphins Deep Dive: Perkins, Hyde break down Miami needing OT to beat Jets, preserve itself in playoff image | VIDEO
Run sport points proceed
The Dolphins rushed for 44 yards on 19 carries, extending the woes of a floor sport that’s struggled to contribute to victories all season.
Achane ended up being the main rusher Sunday.
The Dolphins have averaged 63.3 speeding yards per sport over their previous 4 video games.
The impression of accidents to Armstead, Jackson and fullback Alec Ingold (calf) are definitely price watching within the last 4 video games of the common season.
The Dolphins may want a run sport for offensive steadiness in opposition to groups similar to Houston and San Francisco, and for attainable chilly climate in Cleveland and New York.
Boo birds come out as Hard Rock frustration grows
There had been a smattering of boos within the second and third quarters Sunday, essentially the most vocal after a failed third-and-10 on the Jets’ 27-yard line.
The Dolphins had been insulated from boos at Hard Rock Stadium the earlier two seasons however issues have develop into harder this season. Actually, issues acquired harder since that ugly 31-12 loss to Tennessee on Sept. 30.
The Dolphins, together with that sport, are 3-2 of their previous 5 house video games.
Aaron Rodgers is nice, not nice
Rodgers had good success throwing to large receiver Wilson and respectable success throwing to others. Rodgers (27 of 39, 339 yards, one landing, 104.5 passer score) wasn’t nice total however he was respectable.
Rodgers wasn’t having an ideal season getting into Sunday’s sport (19 touchdowns, 8 interceptions, 87.5 passer score).
Rodgers didn’t have operating again Breece Hall (knee), which restricted the Jets’ choices.
All issues thought-about, it was a reasonably non-descript sport for Rodgers, a sure first poll Hall of Famer.
Tua is nice, however not nice
Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (33 of 47, 331 yards, two touchdowns, 104.1 passer score) didn’t have an ideal sport, however he had a good efficiency, together with throwing the game-winner to tight finish Jonnu Smith in additional time.
Neither quarterback, Tagovailoa nor Rodgers, did something particular on Sunday.
Tagovailoa picked his spots to throw deep, and there weren’t many, however he was in management on the quick and intermediate passes which have develop into his calling card this season.
Tagovailoa continues taking part in one of the best soccer of his profession although the Dolphins document since his return from a concussion 4-3 doesn’t mirror it.
Or, maybe Tagovailoa’s greatest isn’t sufficient to elevate the Dolphins’ struggling offense.
What had been the Jets pondering on that third-and-21 play with a minute left?
With 1:02 left, the Jets confronted a third-and-21 from the Dolphins’ 38, with the rating tied and Miami with none timeouts. You run the ball. Period. If you go it, it needs to be a dump to a again within the area of play. Get 3 or 4 yards, soften the clock to fifteen seconds, and kick the ball. Instead, they threw to the sideline, the place it was caught by Davante Adams, going out of bounds and stopping the clock with 52 seconds left. Inexcusably dumb by the Jets, and a large present to Miami. — Steve Svekis
Tua has gotten to like taking part in the Jets in Miami Gardens
When the Jets made a area purpose with 5:19 left within the first quarter, it snapped a 43-0 streak for the Dolphins over a three-game span for Miami at house in opposition to New York with Tua Tagovailoa beginning. The previous two video games in opposition to the Jets at Hard Rock Stadium, Tua Tagovailoa is 54 for 71 for 555 yards, three landing passes and no turnovers (112.1 passer score), with 62 factors scored.
Dolphins are reaching an untenable place in short-yardage conditions
As the Dolphins, who’ve the NFL’s worst conversion charge on runs on third- and fourth-and-1 since 2021, seemingly once more broke out in hives on third-and-1, passing as soon as and getting stuffed for minus-1 yard within the first half in opposition to the Jets, it’s fascinating to have a look at the distinction in manufacturing of some standout quarterbacks with their legs. The previous two seasons, listed below are quarterback non-scramble runs for first downs on Third- and 4th-and-1:
*Jalen Hurts: 42 runs, 4 TDs, 38 first downs;
*Josh Allen: 29 runs, 2 TDs, 27 first downs;
*Lamar Jackson: Nine runs, 2 TDs, 7 first downs;
*Justin Herbert: Six runs, 2 TDs, 4 first downs;
*Tua: Zero runs.
Aaron Rodgers reached a plateau he hadn’t gotten to in virtually three years
Rodgers, for the primary time in 35 video games threw for a minimum of 300 yards, going for 339. The final time he had hit 300 had been on Dec. 12, 2021, when he threw for 341 yards in opposition to the Chicago Bears at Lambeau Field.
Does Chop Robinson have an opportunity at defensive rookie of the 12 months?
The rookie from Penn State drew a holding name on Morgan Moses, or he seemingly would have had a first-quarter strip sack, stopping the Jets’ area purpose. Later, he registered a half-sack of Rodgers with Zach Sieler. All 4 of his sacks this season have come prior to now half-dozen video games. He has merely exploded as a pass-rush menace who offensive coordinators should account for.
Dan Marino might be able to commiserate with Joe Burrow in 2024
This season, the Cincinnati Bengals have misplaced an unprecedented three house video games the place they scored a minimum of 33 factors. In the 42 years the Dolphins have performed with out Marino on their roster (1966-82, 2000-24), they’ve had one house sport the place they scored a minimum of 33 factors and misplaced (2009 vs. the Saints). In the 17 years WITH Marino, Miami had six such house losses.
Are the Super Bowl champs leaking oil in go safety?
A wild stat has popped up relating to Chiefs star quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Heading into this season, Mahomes had been sacked a minimum of 4 instances solely six instances within the common season, and by no means greater than as soon as in any season. This 12 months, although? In the previous 5 GAMES, Mahomes has been dragged down whereas trying to go a minimum of 4 instances in 4 of them.
Hall of Famer-laden video games, as soon as a staple on the Orange Bowl, have dried up
A buddy requested me earlier this week, the Jets-Dolphins sport will characteristic 4 gamers with a good to nice likelihood to be inducted into the Hall of Fame (Aaron Rodgers, Tyreek Hill, Calais Campbell, Jalen Ramsey) together with lengthy pictures (at this level) Davante Adams and Terron Armstead. He requested, ‘What sport down right here has featured essentially the most future entrants into Canton?” It was a very good query as, lengthy gone are the times when a powerhouse group can be usually be populated by a minimum of a half-dozen Hall of Famers.
For occasion, in a playoff sport on the Orange Bowl on Dec. 30, 1973, the Oakland Raiders suited up 9 whereas the Dolphins had six. No sport in South Florida has come near that tally of 15. What makes that matchup’s quantity actually wonderful is that solely two of these gamers had been on protection: The Dolphins’ Nick Buoniconti and the Raiders’ Willie Brown. There had been as many special-teamers who can be headed to the Hall in Raiders kicker (and quarterback earlier in his 27-year profession) George Blanda and punter Ray Guy. In the Miami Gardens period (1987 via right this moment), there was a sport in 1996 in opposition to Dallas the place there have been eight future honorees (Marino, Zach Thomas and 6 Cowboys).
Dolphins might be at a relaxation drawback the remainder of the way in which
Miami will play the Texans coming off a bye, which means Houston could have a full seven-day relaxation benefit. Then, for the video games in opposition to the 49ers after which Browns, every of these groups could have a three-day relaxation benefit, taking part in Thursday night time video games within the week earlier in every case. Even the finale in opposition to the Jets in New Jersey on Jan. 5 might be a case (as of now) of the Dolphins having come off an evening sport on the earlier Sunday whereas New York will play at 1 p.m.
On deck: Houston Texans, NRG Stadium, Sunday, 1 p.m.
The Texans have taken a step again this season, and the main target has fallen primarily onto their second-year quarterback, C.J. Stroud. Stroud has solely 5 landing passes in his previous seven video games whereas spitting up seven turnovers (5 interceptions and two misplaced fumbles).
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