By Sylvester “Nunnie” Robinson
The Miami Dolphins defeated the New York Jets 30-0 in a game played Sunday at Hardrock Stadium. They appeared to be a team chomping at the bit to exact revenge or at least prove that last week’s debacle against the Tennessee Titans was an aberration, not the present number two seed in the AFC after summarily dispensing of a Jets team that is simply put – a shell of itself. I see the glass as half full, believing the Dolphins to be a playoff team prepared to compete and win against the Cowboys, Bills and Ravens, juxtaposed to a Jets team that had QUIT draped all over it in neon, based on Sunday’s performance. Concurrently, are the Buffalo Bills that dominate now or did the Dallas Cowboys just have a bad day? Eventually the Dolphins must defeat a really good team by one point or 20 to convince any doubters that they are legitimate. Any team that places a predominance of it offensive or defensive success on one player is doomed to regret that decision or philosophy. That’s why I’m so thankful that Tyreek Hill, the NFL leader in receiving yards, didn’t play Sunday because of a sore ankle. I personally believe that wide receiver/tight end is one of the positions of strength for the Dolphins. When given the opportunity, they’ve played well and certainly don’t drop passes like the K.C. Chiefs too often do. Waddle, Wilson, Berrios, Claycraft, Claypool and Chosen are excellent, underrated and underutilized pass catchers. Back in the day, the Dolphins won with Earl Morrall after Bob Griese’s injury. That has to be the mindset of this team as well, and since Jason Phillips left with an Achilles injury, that is precisely what the defense has done. I love the attitude, the toughness, the cantankerous aggression of the defense, starting up front with Bradley Chubb, Jack Sieler, Jeff Van Dinkel and Christian Wilkins, making the linebackers’ and defensive backs’ jobs that much easier.
The offense was led by Tua, Jaylen Waddle and running back Raheem Mostert, who scored 2 rushing TDs , setting a franchise record with 20 in a season, one he‘s sure to exceed. Jaylen Waddle had 8 receptions for 142 yards, averaged 17.8 and one TD pass catch. Tua was his usual surgical self, throwing for 224 yards, 1 TD pass, completing 21 of 24 passes, an 87.5 completion.
Brandon Jones had an exceptional game with 5 tackles and 2 INTs, complementing the play of the defensive line and Bradley Chubb, who had 7 solo tackles, 3 sacks and 2 forced fumbles.
Put in perspective, the Dolphins allowed the Jets 103 total yards, the lowest production by any NFL team this season and second fewest in yards allowed in franchise history, held them to 23 yards rushing, and didn’t allow a rushing first down for the first time since September 30, 2012 in Arizona,
The Dolphins return to Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 24 to take on the Dallas Cowboys (10-4). Kickoff is set for 4:25 p.m. ET on FOX
