The Miami Dolphins quickly shook off their Monday night meltdown to the Tennessee Titans, and rebounded to defeat the rival New York Jets 30-0. Miami didn't have star wide receiver Tyreek Hill, who sat out Sunday due to an ankle injury, but Jaylen Waddle stepped up in his absence with a season-high 142 receiving yards on eight receptions, including a 60-yard touchdown.
Running back Raheem Mostert had himself a day, as he rushed for 42 yards and two touchdowns on 15 carries. His 19th and 20th touchdowns of the season scored on Sunday are the most touchdowns by a Dolphin in a single season in team history. Mostert also became the 28th player in NFL history to notch 20 touchdowns in a season.
As for the Jets, this was undoubtedly one of their worst performances of the season. Zach Wilson completed 4 of 11 passes for 26 yards before leaving the first half early due to what was first reported to be a hydration issue, then was changed to a head injury that was not a concussion, then was officially declared a concussion. Backup Trevor Siemian didn't change New York's fortunes, as he completed 14 of 26 passes for 110 yards and two interceptions.
The Jets have now officially been eliminated from playoff contention. Because of this loss, it feels unlikely we will see Aaron Rodgers again this season. Let's take a look at what transpired in Miami on Sunday.
This was not a "flashy" win from Miami, but it's not one that should be ignored, either. This Dolphins team was on a short week, without nine starters including Tyreek Hill, Xavien Howard and Jevon Holland, yet came out and took care of business. The reason Miami won Sunday was because of its defense -- really the defensive front. Bradley Chubb had three of Miami's six sacks, and the Dolphins got pressure on virtually every dropback while forcing four turnovers. The Jets had four yards of total offense in the first half, and ended with 103 total yards.
You can't blame the quarterback play, you certainly can't blame the defense, but you can blame the offensive line. Wilson spent the first half running for his life, and even fumbled after a sack taken on the Jets' fourth play of the game. The offense was just nonexistent, which, unfortunately, has been a theme this year.
This was the moment where the game started to feel like it was getting a bit out of hand. After a Jets' three-and-out, the Dolphins offense took the field, and Tagovailoa went deep to Waddle for a 60-yard touchdown.
Great throw, great catch, great play.
The Jets return to New York next week, and will host the Washington Commanders on Christmas Eve. As for the Dolphins, they will remain at home and host Dak Prescott and the Dallas Cowboys.
Trevor Siemian 14/26 110 yards 2 INTs
Tua Tagovailoa 21/24 224 yards 1 TD
Breece Hall 6 carries 12 yards
Raheem Mostert 15 carries 42 yards 2 TDs
Xavier Gipson 2 catches 29 yards
Jaylen Waddle 8 catches 142 yards 1 TD
Now they are calling it a concussion.
Dolphins go 12 plays, 41 yards and Sanders is good from 35 yards. Man, I should have bet his Over on FGs.
30-0 Dolphins
11:42 remaining in the game.
On their first possession of the second half, the Dolphins go 41 yards on 9 plays, and Sanders converts on a 27-yard field goal.
27-0 Dolphins, 8:36 remaining in the third quarter.
Zach Wilson ruled out with a head injury, but it's not a concussion. Hmm. Siemian will play the rest of the way.
Siemian still in the game as we begin the second half. Jets go three-and-out. -9 yards. This is pretty bad.
First downs: NYJ 4 MIA 11
Total yards: NYJ 4 MIA 197
Third downs: NYJ 2-7 MIA 5-8
Total drives: NYJ 6 MIA 6
Zach Wilson 4/11 26 yards
Tua Tagovailoa 15/17 168 yards 1 TD
Breece Hall 5 carries 11 yards
Raheem Mostert 9 carries 24 yards 2 TDs
De'Von Achane 4 carries 13 yards
Allen Lazard 2 catches 10 yards
Jaylen Waddle 6 catches 118 yards 1 TD
Tracy Wolfson reporting Wilson left the field early to get hydrated. What???
Trevor Siemian now in at QB for the Jets. Not sure if Zach Wilson is injured.
Dolphins go 11 plays, 80 yards and Mostert gets another touchdown. That was the most impressive "drive" the Dolphins have had. Seems like Miami is really wearing down New York on both sides of the ball. Still a ton of time left though.
24-0 Dolphins, 1:03 remaining in the first half.
Tua JUST threw his first incompletion. There's 3 minutes left in the second quarter.
JAYLEN WADDLE 60 YARD TD. On the first play for the drive!
This is maybe the worst the Jets' offensive line has looked all year. Not sure if that's a hot take. But oh my goodness. Three-and-out.
The Dolphins go three-and-out while picking up negative one yard. Quinnen Williams and McDonald got to Tua on third-and-3. Nice stand from the Jets' D, but they need help from their offense.
Bradley Chubb gets to Zach Wilson for a loss of 10 yards. This offensive line is not good. Then, Zach Wilson is caught for delay of game. Absolutely terrible possession.
Both teams are still very much feeling each other out. It's not like Miami has been dominant offensively. Tua is 9/9 for 62 yards. Achane 9 rushing yards, Mostert 2 yards. Both of the Dolphins' scoring drives were under 23 yards.
Regardless, New York has to get something going.
Dolphins go 22 yards on nine plays on a short field, and Sanders is good from 37 yards out.
10-0 Dolphins with 13:56 remaining in the second quarter.
The Jets attempt the fake punt on fourth-and-4, but Miami knew it was coming. Stuffed.
Dolphins take over at the Jets' 41-yard line.
Eli Apple with the great defense on Gipson, and Miami's defense gets off the field on third down. It feels like the Dolphins' secondary is swarming.
