The Miami Dolphins defeated the New York Jets, 28-25, at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, securing the first win of the season. The victory marked the first NFL head coaching win for Head Coach Jeff Hafley, coming in his home state of New Jersey.
Miami moved the ball efficiently to score on its opening drive. Quarterback Malik Willis first found wide receiver Malik Washington for 12 yards through the air before running back Ollie Gordon II broke free for a 25-yard rush. Tight end Greg Dulcich then hauled in a 32-yard reception to set the Dolphins up at first-and-goal. Willis capped the drive with a 7-yard pass to wide receiver Caleb Douglas for his first NFL touchdown, and kicker Zane Gonzalez added the extra point to make the score 7-0.
The Jets responded with a 52-yard pass from quarterback Geno Smith to wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. to begin their first possession. Smith connected with tight end Mason Taylor for a 13-yard score before kicker Jason Sanders added the extra point to tie the game 7-7 early in the first quarter.
Miami struck again on the following drive after running back Jaylen Wright returned the kickoff 39 yards to set the Dolphins up at their own 40-yard line. From there, Willis maintained momentum with quick strikes to Washington and Dulcich before scrambling for another 12 yards. After successfully converting on fourth-and-1 for a fresh set of downs, Gordon II punched in a 1-yard touchdown run and Gonzalez added the extra point to widen the gap, 14-7.
New York then pushed deep into Miami territory, reaching the 21-yard line before safety Michael Taaffe intercepted Smith to give the Dolphins possession. Miami was not able to capitalize on the takeaway, and the teams exchanged punts. Defensive lineman Zeek Biggers helped stall the Jets' next drive with his first pass deflection of the season.
On the following drive, Miami's offense remained in control with a 15-play, 91-yard march downfield highlighted by 15- and 16-yard completions to Dulcich. Willis scrambled up the left side at second-and-goal to add another score before half, with Gonzalez extending the Dolphins' lead to 21-7 heading into the locker room.
Miami's defense was just as dominant in the first half, allowing the Jets to only one drive longer than four plays, while holding them to 28 rushing yards and 86 passing yards.
The defense continued their momentum to start the second half, highlighted by edge Malik Herring bringing down Smith for a loss of six yards, ultimately forcing the Jets to settle for a field goal. The kick sailed wide, bouncing off the right goalpost and leaving the score 21-7.
New York responded later in the quarter when Smith found Cooper Jr. for a 60-yard gain, setting up a scoring drive that ended with Cooper Jr. hauling in a short touchdown strike. Sanders added the extra point to make it a one score game at 21-14.
The Jets continued to apply pressure on their next possession, driving deep into Dolphins territory and earning a first-and-goal opportunity. The defense stood strong near the goal line as defensive lineman Zach Sieler and edge Josh Uche added consecutive tackles for loss, before edge Chop Robinson sealed the deal with a 12-yard sack to keep New York out of the end zone. The Jets settled for a 33-yard field goal from Sanders that cut the deficit to 21-17.
With six minutes left to play, Miami's offense broke through again late in the fourth quarter. On the third play of the series, Willis found Douglas down the sideline for a 63-yard touchdown, the duo's second scoring connection of the day. Gonzalez's extra point widened the gap to 28-17 with 4:55 remaining in the game.
New York continued to fight back with a 41-yard completion from Smith to running back Isaiah Davis. The drive culminated in a 12-yard touchdown pass to Taylor, and the Jets successfully converted the two-point attempt to cut Miami's lead to three, at 28-25.
Miami sealed its first win of the season with two minutes to play, converting a key fourth-and-1 on a quarterback keeper before running out the clock.
Willis finished 14-of-21 (66.7 pct.) for 208 passing yards, 2 touchdowns and a passer rating of 130.7, while adding 8 carries for 37 rushing yards and a score. Gordon II led the attack on the ground with 25 carries for 103 yards and a touchdown, while Dulcich led through the air with five receptions for 86 yards. Douglas made an impact, turning two receptions into two touchdowns for 70 yards. Defensively, inside linebacker Jordyn Brooks finished with a team-high 9 tackles including 5 solo stops and 2 for loss. The Dolphins' defense as a whole combined for 55 tackles and six quarterback hits.
Miami returns home to Hard Rock Stadium next weekend to host another divisional foe, the New England Patriots, on Sunday, November 1 at 4:25 p.m.
