In an AFC East showdown where the Miami Dolphins faced the New York Jets without star receiver Tyreek Hill, Tua Tagovailoa stepped up to orchestrate the Dolphins' offense brilliantly. Despite Hill's absence, Tagovailoa showcased his prowess by efficiently distributing passes among other playmakers, setting the tone with a flawless start and finishing the game with a remarkable display.
From the onset, Tagovailoa displayed accuracy and control, completing an impressive 13 straight passes. His overall performance was a testament to his precision, completing 21 of 24 passes for 224 yards, a touchdown, and notably, no interceptions. While Raheem Mostert contributed two rushing touchdowns, it was Jaylen Waddle who emerged as the big-play threat, capitalizing on a 60-yard touchdown pass from Tagovailoa. The Dolphins' offense demonstrated its potency even without its primary receiver, signaling their depth and versatility.
The victory not only secured some breathing room for the Dolphins in the tightly contested AFC playoff race but also propelled them closer to a potential AFC East title.
On the other side, Zach Wilson's second start following his benching didn't fare well. The Jets' quarterback encountered early struggles compounded by offensive line issues, resulting in a concussion in the first half. With only four completions for 26 yards before his departure and five sacks against him, the day proved challenging for Wilson. Veteran Trevor Siemian took over in the second half but faced difficulties, throwing two interceptions. With the Jets eliminated from playoff contention at 5-9, the possibility of Aaron Rodgers returning from injury for this season seems increasingly improbable.
Vic Fangio's defensive unit showcased dominance in stifling the Jets' offense. While the Jets struggled, Miami's defense under Fangio's guidance shone brightly, allowing only 11 first downs, securing six sacks, two interceptions, and an impressive shutout. Bradley Chubb's stellar performance, featuring three sacks, seven tackles, and two forced fumbles, significantly disrupted the Jets' offensive rhythm, making an impact play after play.
Statistically, Tagovailoa's 60-yard touchdown pass to Jaylen Waddle demonstrated his precision, traveling nearly 49 yards in the air, ranking among his longest completions this season. Additionally, Raheem Mostert's record-breaking touchdown marked a milestone, securing the Dolphins' team record for rushing touchdowns in a season by an undrafted player in the common-draft era.
The Dolphins' commanding win showcased their resilience and depth, underscoring their contention in the competitive AFC landscape as the regular season heads towards a thrilling climax.