
By Nunnie Robinson, Westside Gazette Sports Editor
Sports truly is a microcosm of life. I obviously don’t know either Jimmy Butler or Tyreek Hill, but as a former athlete void of the innate skills, talents and abilities God blessed them with, they both appear to be selfish, spoiled, rich professionals determined to get their way. It appears that walking away from an untenable disappointing situation is easier than seeing it through. If I have learned nothing else in life, l’ve learned this: No one is irreplaceable or indispensable, no matter how talented or great. Life is evolutionary and this too shall pass.
The Dolphins’ season came to a screeching halt even before late afternoon loss to the New York Jets. You see, any opportunity the Fins had of making the playoffs was predicated on the outcome of the Denver Broncos/Kansas City Chiefs game and the results were never in doubt. That’s what happens when your destiny is in another’s control. Denver’s decisive victory over the Chiefs eliminated both the Dolphins and the Bengals from the playoffs, though Cincinnati’s 19-17 victory over Pittsburgh kept their playoff hopes alive. The Dolphins’ defeat reflects their middle of the road NFL status. A good draft, a foray into free agency, a trade or two and possibly working something out with Tyreek will elevate the Fins.
Regarding the game, the Dolphins started well, scoring the first 6 points via field goals by Jason Sanders of 26 and 28 yards. Miami’s first score was ignited by LB Tyrel Dodson’s interception of an Aaron Rodgers deflected pass by Jevon Holland. It was Dodson’s third turnover of the year. Starting at their own 14-yard line, Miami ended the first quarter by driving 76 yards, culminating in a 28 field goal highlighted by De’Von Achane’s 61 yard run.
The Jets rebounded in the second quarter by virtue of 2 touchdown passes by Aaron Rodgers on drives of 79 and 39 yards, staking the Jets to a 15-6 lead. Following a Miami fumble, the Jets widened their lead to 18-6 with a 20-yard field goal by kicker Greg Joseph to end a 10-play, 47-yard drive.
The Dolphins responded with a 14-play, 78-yard time-consuming scoring drive of 7:23 seconds. Tua’s replacement, Tyler Huntley, completed 5-of-7 passes for 53 yards on the drive and Achane finished with 11 carries for 121 yards (11.0 avg.) including a 15-yard rushing touchdown to bring the Dolphins within five of the Jets’ lead with 14:12 remaining in the fourth quarter.
The Jets, playing one of their best offensive games, scored a subsequent touchdown, However, the unrelenting Fins answered with a 4 yard Huntley touchdown pass to tight end Jonnu Smith, 5:21 remaining in the fourth. The TD reception established a record (8) for Dolphin tight ends, giving Smith his eighth receiving touchdown of the season. He now holds the single-season franchise record for receptions, receiving yards and touchdowns by a tight end.
Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers threw his 500th touchdown pass in the Dolphins defeat. His status with the team as well as the Jets next coach is up in the air at this time. A final Jets score extended their lead to 32-20, concluding the scoring.
Huntley, who completed 25-of-41 passes for 227 yards (61.0 pct.), one touchdown and two interceptions, spread the wealth as several receivers had multiple catches: Jonnu Smith – 9 receptions for 56 yards and 6.2 average; Malik Washington- 4 receptions for 48 yards and 12.0 average; Jaylen Waddle- 4 receptions for 44 yards and 11.0 average; and River Cracraft- 4 receptions for 38 yard yards and 9.5 average.
Could the above statistics have contributed to Tyreek Hill’s frustration and desire to play elsewhere post game. He is a gifted receiver who can both catch and run. I certainly hope that he stays with the Dolphins.
Though the defense didn’t play as well as expected, the improvement overall is something to build on. Zach Sieler is a consistent, productive defensive player, who, along Calais Campbell, Jalen Ramsey, Jordyn Brooks, Chop Robinson and Jevon Hollander, form the nucleus for a great defense next.
The Dolphins won six of their last nine games of the year, finishing the season with an 8-9 record after a 2-6 start.