Dolphins Top Jets In Near-Disaster OT Classic

Miami Gardens, FL – It wasn’t the prettiest win in the rivalry, but the Miami Dolphins and New York Jets had to settle their differences in OT, with the Fins coming out on top by a score of 32-26.

Unlike the 30-0 thrashing at Hard Rock Stadium last season, this is a different Jets team since then. Now led by Aaron Rodgers, the Jets came into this game looking to spoil Miami’s season. Instead, they became mathematically eliminated from the playoffs, and Tua Tagovailoa is now 8-0 against the Jets all-time.

The game felt relatively even for most of it. Now, if you think that’s a bad thing since the Jets entered this game with a 3-9 record, you’re right. Miami would have lost this game if it hadn’t been for a few clutch plays at the end.

Still, overtime went in their favor, as they won the coin toss. They drove the ball down the field and scored, and the Jets never got a chance to answer. This is definitely a flaw of the NFL overtime system, but it benefited Miami today, so it is what it is.

In-Flight And Dangerous

Miami’s offense had a mixed bag of results today. As usual, their first drive of the game was cashed in for a touchdown, but Jason Sanders let the Dolphins down early with a missed PAT. Don’t worry, he makes up for this later.

After that, it was a flurry of field goals. The Jets’ defense, while severely injured, locked up the Dolphins in the red zone just enough to hang around. It’s dangerous to let a team hang around, and New York capitalized by taking the lead into halftime.

You have to give credit to old man Aaron Rodgers. He was on it in this game, capitalizing check-downs and whatever else the Fins’ defense gave him. His connections to Garrett Wilson and Davante Adams felt like watching prime Rodgers.

Aaron Rodgers still has the sickest perimeter screen ball .. speed and accuracy ✍️ pic.twitter.com/a4vXrL03W6

— SpreadOffense.com (@SpreadOffense) December 8, 2024

A 4-12 third down conversion rate doesn’t scream success, but it felt like the Jets made clutch plays to extend drives.

On the other hand, head official, Shawn Hocculi and his crew have a reputation for excessively calling penalties, and today was no exception. The Jets were hit even harder, with 10 flags totaling 83 yards.

In the second half, the Dolphins seemed to put more pressure on Rodgers. Ultimately, it paid off as they sacked him three times and forced two punts. However, the Jets were able to take the lead with less than a minute to go, but they left the ball in Tua’s “court” to make a play.

Jets Don’t Work On Rocks

Tua Tagovailoa was on fire today, putting up 331 yards off of 33 completions, two touchdowns, and no interceptions. I was disappointed with Miami’s offensive line against Green Bay, where Tua was sacked five times. However, today? There were no sacks on Tua, who ended up with a clean jersey.

In an ultimate twist of fate, Tyreek Hill was utilized immensely on Sunday and played like his former self. He was the #1 target for Tua with 10 receptions for 115 yards and a touchdown, and that feels good to say.

Sadly, I still can’t praise their running game yet. With only 44 total yards on the day, it still feels like De’Von Achane and company aren’t achieving what they should. I understand that Raheem Mostert didn’t play in this game due to an injury. Still, it seems like we haven’t seen a Dolphins runner break open on a play in a while.

By the way, Jonnu Smith was a no-show in this game. No receptions to speak of…

Until overtime.

The second play on offense? A 20-yard screen pass to Smith to set Miami up at midfield. The play after? Another screen to Smith for 16 yards as the Dolphins knocked on the red zone. At the 10-yard line, Tua nailed a dot to Smith in the end zone to call the game as the Fins continued their dominance over the Jets in South Florida.

CLUTCH GENE 🧬 pic.twitter.com/xnxN3VpRFc

— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) December 8, 2024

It Doesn’t Get Any Easier

Shoutout to Malik Washington. He hasn’t had a great season in his rookie year, but on the kick return with 50 seconds to go, he blazed by the Jets special teams, trucking their kicker in the process, and set Tua and the offense at midfield.

Also, you gotta give Sanders a nod. Yeah, missing that PAT at the start turned this into a complicated game as it turned out. Still, he didn’t miss again. That includes from 57 yards out right before halftime, and from 52 yards to tie the game and send it to OT.

Was this closer than it had to be? Probably, but that’s what happens against divisional rivals sometimes. Still, it won’t get easier for Miami as they hunt for a playoff spot. They’ll head to H-Town to take on the 8-5 Texans on Sunday, December 15th at 1 pm.