Dolphins Embarrassed By Jets, Eliminated From Playoffs

East Rutherford, NJ – It’s time to celebrate, South Florida. The longest playoff victory drought in the NFL will continue as the Miami Dolphins have been eliminated from the 2024-25 NFL playoffs after losing to the New York Jets 32-20.

Well, at least Denver blew out Kansas City, so a win wouldn’t have mattered. Still, seeing another season for the Fins end in underwhelming fashion is getting pretty old.

This was a game that Miami was meant to win. Even with no Tua Tagovaloia AND having to play in cold weather, you would think they would give it their all effort-wise. However, defensively, that didn’t feel like the case. Offensively, it somehow looked worse.

Nothing To Win, All To Lose

Unfortunately, Tyler Huntley’s performance against Cleveland did not carry over to today. His passes were 0ff, his running game was subpar, and he threw two interceptions into double coverage.

No receiver for Miami today had an exceptional game. It was nice to see Jaylen Waddle return to the field, but he was still limited to just 44 yards. Jonnu Smith at least came out of this game with another receiving touchdown. He has the single-season franchise record for tight ends with receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns.

Tyreek Hill only had two receptions for 20 yards in an underwhelming season for the superstar. His future with Miami was already uncertain leading into this game, but his comments afterward make it seem like he’s done with this franchise. The fact that Kansas City traded him to us and proceeded to win the next two Super Bowls is especially frustrating.

𝗕𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚: WR Tyreek Hill seems to want a trade from the #Dolphins in his post-game interview:

"There are a lot of things I need to reassess about my career…If that's here or wherever that case may be."

"I'm out, bro.."pic.twitter.com/UVPc0sxAwU

— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) January 6, 2025

Questions surrounding Tua

On the topic, Tua is in a rocky situation. Miami’s offense can be spectacular when he’s on the field. However, that ends when they encounter teams that are actually good, or bad weather. He also tends to miss a lot of time on the field. According to statmuse.com, he’s only played more than 13 games in a season once (2023).

Is Miami searching for a new starting quarterback in the offseason? Considering the extension they just gave Tua, probably not. However, they should search for a reliable backup that can be there when Tua goes down.

This team was extremely unprepared for Tua to go down this season. It was like they felt comfortable after he played a whole season in 2023. As it turned out, Mike White, Skylar Thompson, and Tyler Huntley were not the right answers for a good backup. Whether they look for a QB with experience or maybe nab a late-round draft pick, they have look into this.

Another Offseason Full Of Questions

Miami’s defense today allowed 375 total yards from an offense led by Aaron Rodgers, who might have just played his last game in the NFL. For a team that was dead in the water, the Jets looked like they wanted to win this game more than the Dolphins.

And that might be the case. When the Fins found out that Kansas City was getting demolished by Denver (Because they knew, don’t kid yourself), did they lower the throttle? Maybe, maybe not. They were only down by a single possession in the fourth quarter, but their defense still had no answers for New York.

I understand that the defense was put in a bad spot. Having to spend so much time on the field due to the Dolphins’ offense turning the ball over four times will wear down a defense.

2️⃣ INTs in the first half for @ashtyn!

📺: FOX pic.twitter.com/vjnImJudCe

— New York Jets (@nyjets) January 5, 2025

So that’s that. Miami misses out on the playoffs. To be fair, they would have had to play Buffalo had they made it, so who’s to say this wasn’t the best outcome? At least they also improve their draft stock a little, now having the 13th overall pick.

Still, the stereotypes that Tua and the Dolphins can’t beat good teams or play in the cold will continue. The fact that their last win in the playoffs was in 2001 will continue. And the thoughts that maybe Mike McDaniel isn’t the guy for the job will also continue.

Here’s to another disappointing offseason.