By Nunnie Robinson, Westside Gazette Sports Editor
After starting the season with three consecutive losses, the Miami Dolphins defeated the New York Jets 27-21 at the Hard Rock, securing their first victory of the year.
Led by quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, new tight end Darren Waller, running back De’Von Ochane, and improved offensive line play, the offense looked better than it had all season. The beautifully appointed, darkly-hewed uniforms didn’t hurt either.
So why would the headline speak of losing. Superstar wide receiver Tyreek Hill dislocated his knee while making a catch near the sideline, was subsequently tackled and landed awkwardly in a compromising position. Possible ACL damage hadn’t been confirmed as of this writing. It is a certainty that he is out for the remainder of the season. We wish for him a full, complete and successful recovery.
Kick returner Malik Washington ran the opening kickoff back 34 yards, setting up a 47 field goal by PK Riley Patterson.
The Jets received the ensuing kickoff and drove the ball inside the five yard line where db Jack Jones forced a fumble by Jets rb Braelon Allen, which was recovered by safety Minka Fitzpatrick.
Tagovailoa led the Dolphins on a 15 play, 96 yard drive which consumed nearly 9 minutes and culminated in a 4 yard TD pass to Waller, his first with the Dolphins. This was Waller’s first touchdown since October of ‘23, having been beset with injuries. I loved Jonnu Smith as the Dolphins’ tight end, but a healthy Waller mitigates Smith’s departure via a trade.
After a shaky beginning, the defense began to play better as a Jets drive was thwarted when blitzing lb Tyrel Dodson forced a Fields fumble which was recovered by Jaelen Phillips.
A 58 yard field goal by Nick Folk drew the Jets closer as the first half ended at 10-3.
In the second half following the Jets’ second fumble, on the heels of impactful plays by Tyreek Hill and De’Von Ochane, Tua again found Waller for a second touchdown, capping a 6 play, 36 yard drive, extending the lead to 17-3.
A 43 yard touchdown run by Jets quarterback Justin Fields brought the score closer, 20-10; however, the Dolphins countered immediately when Tua connected with Waddle on 2 big pass plays, leading to Achane’s terrific, tackle-breaking 9 yard touchdown run, expanding the lead back to a more palatable 24-10.
Rookie safety Dante Trader forced a fumble on the kick return, and though the Dolphins couldn’t take advantage, it slowed any momentum the Jets had. Dolphins placekicker Riley Patterson added a 36 yard field goal. In the final minutes of the contest, the Jets scored on a touchdown pass from Fields to Garrett Wilson and a successful two-point conversion to make the score 27-21. Ironically fitting, Waller recovered the onside kick to seal the victory for Miami.
Tua completed 17-of-25 for 177 yards and two touchdowns, while Achane powered the ground game with 99 rushing yards on 20 carries and one reception. Hill led the team with six catches for 67 yards before being injured. Waddle added three catches for 48 yards, and Waller delivered three receptions for 27 yards and two touchdowns in his Dolphins debut.
