MIAMI GARDENS — The Dolphins got the victory they needed, and for the most part they looked good while winning. Granted, holding on to defeat the winless New York Jets, 27-21, isn’t a reason to get too excited. But a win is a win.
We’ll see what coach Mike McDaniel and quarterback Tua Tagovailoa can do without wide receiver Tyreek Hill, who sustained a dislocated left knee and torn ACL in the third quarter that will end his season.
The Dolphins (1-3) might be on their way to better things. We’ll see how they fare this week at Carolina.
But first, here’s their report card from the Jets game:
Run game: A
Running back De’Von Achane (20 carries, 99 yards, one touchdown) had a productive night as did the Dolphins (31-123, one touchdown). Center Aaron Brewer, right guard Cole Strange and left guard Jonah Savaiinaea did a good job vs. Jets defensive tackle Quinnen Williams, who can wreck a gameplan by himself. On the downside, running back Ollie Gordon II had seven carries for 10 yards, and ideally the Dolphins want him to have more carries and more yards.
Pass game: A
The story here is Hill’s knee injury. But let’s move past that briefly. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (17 of 25, 177 yards, two touchdowns, no interceptions, no sacks, 114.9 passer rating) was efficient, tight end Darren Waller (three receptions, 27 yards, two touchdowns) was impressive and wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (three receptions, 48 yards) was good enough. Pass protection was strong. But Hill (six receptions, 67 yards) is going to be missed greatly. He made everyone better, including Waddle, Tagovailoa and McDaniel as a playcaller.
Run defense: D-
Allowing the Jets, led by quarterback Justin Fields and running back Breece Hall, who each rushed for 81 yards, to have 28 carries for 197 yards (7.0 yards per carry) and one touchdown is unacceptable. This would be a failing grade except cornerback Jack Jones forced a fumble on running back Braelon Allen near the goalline on a play that saved a touchdown. The Dolphins entered the game 29th in rushing defense (145 ypg) and they got worse. Linebackers Jordyn Brooks (18 tackles) and Tyrel Dodson (nine tackles) had good numbers, as did defensive tackle Zach Sieler and Jones, who had five tackles apiece. But the Dolphins must be better. They’re now 30th in the league in rushing defense at 158 ypg.
Pass defense: B-
The Dolphins had two sacks, three quarterback hits and three passes defended while allowing Fields (20 of 27, 226 yards, one touchdown, no interceptions, 111.0 passer rating) to play well, but not well enough to win. Wide receiver Garrett Wilson (six receptions, 82 yards, one touchdown) and tight end Mason Taylor five receptions, 65 yards) were both productive. The Dolphins’ secondary — cornerbacks Jones, Rasul Douglas and Cornell Armstrong along with safeties Minkah Fitzpatrick, Ashtyn Davis, Iffy Melinfonwu and Dante Trader Jr. — did what it could as defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver searched for five-defensive backs combinations, some of which were effective. Fields’ 43-yard touchdown run goes against the run defense because it was on a scramble.
Special teams: A
Trader and linebacker Cameron Goode caused a fumble that Trader recovered on a kickoff return. Punter Jake Bailey (four punts, 48.0 yards) ws solid as was kicker Riley Patterson (2-2 on field goals, 3-3 in extra points). As a bonus, the Dolphins didn’t have a fatal error such as running into/roughing the punter or allowing a kickoff return touchdown, all of which happened in the first three games. Oh, and the Dolphins recovered an onside kick.
Coaching: A
Credit McDaniel and his staff, led by Weaver, offensive coordinator Frank Smith and special teams coordinator Craig Aukerman, for keeping the Dolphins focused on the main thing, defeating the Jets, instead of things such as being 0-3 or McDaniel’s job security. McDaniel’s balanced offense had 31 runs and 25 passes, a good combination, and the defense and special teams turned in their best performances.
Stock up: Darren Waller
Waller made the most of his first game since January 2024 by showing athleticism on a touchdown reception and good hands while recovering a late-game onside kick. He’ll be needed to take on a bigger role with Hill’s injury. It was good to see Waller use his 6-foot-6 frame to go up high and snag that touchdown pass.
Stock down: Run defense
The Dolphins allowed almost 200 yards and allowed two players — Fields (seven carries, 81 yards) and Hall (14 carries, 81 yards) — to each rush for 81 yards. That’s tough to swallow. Among all the good things from this game, the run defense was among the biggest disappointments.
