Miami Dolphins (5-7) – New York Jets (3-9): 32-26 AP
In a match that was balanced and tense from start to finish, it was Miami who found the key during overtime to win the match. Despite an attack with a certain efficiency, the Floridians scored on 7 of their 10 drives, the Dolphins too often forced themselves to kick and were never able to really take off. If the aerial game worked well, the ground game lacked its usual efficiency, and they had to rely on brilliant actions to come back in the last quarter, and finally win against catchy jets.
However, New York delivered a complete performance, with Rodgers at over 300 yards, two receivers at over 100 yards, two runners who combined for nearly 100 yards, and a balanced time of possession. The defense produced only three punts, but regularly blocked the Dolphins, forcing them to field goals and preventing the game from racing. The game was ultimately played on a coin toss, that of overtime, which gave the leather to the Dolphins for the winning drive.
Dolphins leave room for Jets
From the first actions of the game, the Miami playmakers were on deck. De'Von Achane (RB, 69 yards, 1 TD) hammers the line, while Tua Tagovailoa (QB, 33/47, 331 yards, 2 TD) alerts Jaylen Waddle (WR, 99 yards) and Tyreek Hill (WR, 115 yards, 1 TD). So much so that the fierce New York defense folded and finally conceded the touchdown to Achane (failed conversion). In response Aaron Rodgers (QB, 27/39, 339 yards, 1 TD) calls on his own troops, notably Braelon Allen (RB, 81 yards), and finds a field goal to reduce the score.
The second quarter opens with a Dolphins kick, but they are not safe. Garrett Wilson (WR, 114 yards) slaloms full center for 35 yards, while Isaiah Davis (RB, 67 yards, 1 TD) is at the finish on a 17-yard breakthrough leaving the two formations side by side. The half ends with exchanges of field goals allowing Miami to return to the locker room with a 2-point lead. 15-13 at the whistle, neither team found a way to make the difference.
Jets light up boosters
Back on the field, the Jets decide to show that they want it. Wilson escapes along the line for 42 yards, while Davante Adams (WR, 109 yards, 1 TD) finds the paint to regain the lead. On the following series, New York's short and intermediate game hits the mark again, enough to score another kick. Meanwhile, Miami continues punts.
To get back into the game, the Dolphins must break out of their apathy. A good dose of Achane and especially the individual exploits of Hill allow the Floridians to return to equality with 8 minutes to play. Yet New York has resources. The Rodgers-Adams connection works well and the Jets are threatening in the final seconds, until the Dolphins defense puts pressure on to force the Jets into a long kick. Yet the field goal goes past the posts, and Tagovailoa has no other option than to attempt an uncertain comeback with just a handful of seconds left on the clock. A nice 45-yard recovery ideally places the Dolphins' attack, and Hill follows up. Too short for a touchdown, but the equalizing kick passes, we head into overtime.
Jonnu Smith the liberator of the Dolphins
Miami inherits the leather to start. Invisible since the start of the match, Jonnu Smith (TE, 44 yards, 1 TD) stood out with two nice receptions, Achane made himself useful in the air, and it was finally the tight end who liberated the stadium with a touchdown between three defenders. The Dolphins were hot and got out of the trap set by New York.
