By Sylvester “Nunnie” Robinson
The pundits correctly surmised that the Miami Dolphins are still a great mystery in the race to the Super Bowl because of their wins over mediocre opponents while their losses have come against superior teams like Kansas City, Philadelphia and Buffalo. The NFL’s first Black Friday game between AFC East Division rivals Dolphins and Jets didn’t alter any opinions. That will only happen when Miami defeats an elite opponent (above.500 record) like Buffalo and Dallas, both future opponents.
Miami’s defense improves weekly, especially since the activation of Jalen Ramsey, who has given the secondary an entirely different persona: aggressive, physical, ball-hawking playmaking. Actually, it was Jevon Holland’s Hail Mary TD interception which turned the game for the Dolphins. Before that HMM, with 2 seconds remaining in the first half, the score was an incredibly close 10-6. Only moments earlier the Jets finally scored on a late sideline pass, a poorly executed, terrible decision by Tua which was intercepted by Jets cornerback Brandin Echols for a touchdown.
The second interception seemed disastrous but proved fortuitous, a totally unexpected 99 yard game changer of a touchdown, ending any hopes of a Jets victory. Here’s what we know about Tua: when on schedule, he’s as good as any NFL quarterback. The Jets, defensively, created momentary hesitancy by applying pressure inside, forcing ill-advised errant throws leading to the INTs. Because he doesn’t have the escapability to avoid immediate pressure, a better course of action is to step up in pocket or go down rather than losing excessive yards or throwing an INT. Granted, his normal offensive line did not play, but he should be accustomed to that reality by now.
The second half was basically complete domination against a Jets team that is literally imploding because of a lack offense and poor quarterback play, leading to dissension and low moral.
Statistically, the Fins enjoyed a 236 yard advantage in total offense. Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle both had over 100 yards receiving, and Tua passed for 243 yards, while continuing his streak of consecutive games with a passing touchdown, extending it to 20. Raheem Mostert’s consistency rushing the ball was manifested in his 20 carries for 94 yards, averaging 4.7 yards per carry and scoring twice.
The Dolphins were led defensively by Christian Wilkins’ 2 sacks and INTs by Jevon Holland and LB Jerome Baker. Losing Jaelan Phillips to an Achilles injury was certainly a downer, but there are capable replacements.
Miami plays next on Sunday, Dec. 3 against the Washington Commanders (4-8). Kickoff at FedExField is set for 1:00 p.m. ET. Following that game, the Fins face a disappointing Titans team, the Jets again and finally the resurgent Cowboys and always formidable Buffalo Bills.
The jury is still out on our Dolphins, but I believe that when playoffs arrive, we’ll be right in the thick of things.
Go Fins!!!
