The Miami Dolphins defeated the New york Jets Sunday 31-24 by doing something they had struggled to do all season: running the football. Duke Johnson rushed for 107 of the teams 183 yards on the ground, helping the team overcome Tua Tagovailoa’s struggles. The win was Miami’s sixth in a row, bringing them back to .500 at 7-7 after a 1-7 start.
The Dolphins fell behind early giving up 152 of the 228 yards they allowed all game, on three of the Jets first four drives. Short, safe passes by Zach Wilson mixed in with running of Tevin Coleman gave the Jets the early advantage. Braxton Berrios had a two yard rush on an end around for a score and Wilson had a one yard sneak to make it 17-7.
Tua did find Devante Parker for a 37 yard strike down to the 2 to set up Duke Johnson’s one yard run for Miami first score, but he also was picked off by Ashtyn Davis to set up the Jets field goal. Miami did get a 24 yard field goal by Jason Saunders to make it 17-10 at the half.
Dolphins Pressure Turns Tide
The Dolphins, who coming into this game had blitzed more than 40% of the time, were able to get to Wilson and sack him five times in the second half. Overall the Dolphins had six sack in the game, led by Jereome Baker who had two. The Jets had just 56 total yards in the second half.
Gaskin, Johnson Help Dolphins Finish Rally
Miami took the lead early in the fourth 24-17 thanks to the running of Myles Gaskin and Johnson, with some good controlled passing by Tagovailoa. Johnson had a 6 yard run and Tua found defensive end Christian Wilkins on a 1 yard screen, which gave Miami the lead.
While trying to put together a clock eating drive to seal the game, Tua was picked off by Brandin Echols. Echols 20 yard return would tie the game at 24 with 7:45 left. A thirty yard run by Gaskin would be the big play on Miami’s 9 play, 75 yard drive. Tua hit Parker on a 12 yard slant to give Miami the lead at 31-24 with 3:37 left.
The Jets would have two chances to tie the game, but could not pick up a first down on either drive. On fourth and ten at their own 37 Keelan Cole caught Wilson’s pass and Cole was stopped a yard short by Byron Jones to seal the win for Miami.
Next For The Dolphins
The Dolphins face a three game gauntlet: @New Orleans Monday night, coming off a huge win against Tampa Bay, @Tennessee, who still has a chance at the #1 seed and may have Derrick Henry back, and New England at home.
Getting Jaylen Waddle and Phillip Lindsey back, both of whom were in health and safety protcols will be key as well. As of a few hours ago there was still no word on when Jevon Holland, who was also in health and safety protocols last week, can return to practice. Miami has made it all the back from a rough start to the season but they will more than likely have to finish 10-7. Even then there is a question of it being enough to make the playoffs.
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