The NFL’s first game played on Black Friday will be remembered for the Miami Dolphins. However, it is one to forget for the New York Jets.
The Jets were down 10-6 with two seconds to play in the first half. On 1st and ten from their 49-yard line, quarterback Tim Boyle’s Hail Mary was intercepted and returned 99 yards by Dolphins safety Jevon Holland.
It is being called the “Hell Mary.” It has been that kind of season for the Jets.
The Dolphins’ defense is finding its rhythm as December football approaches.
Dolphins cruise by the Jets 34-13.
“I am a punt returner. People don’t know that, but I am. When I caught it, I saw the heavy lineman. Let me keep it straight,” Holland said. “I had guys to my sideline. My individuals were out there blocking for me. I had to get busy and show a little sugar. I got in the zone. I can smell it. Once I cut, I knew I had to get it in.”
It was Holland’s first score and Miami’s second pick-six of the season, following linebacker Jerome Baker’s 22-yarder in week seven against Philadelphia.
Holland now has five career interceptions; the 99-yard return was the third-longest interception return in Dolphins history.
Miami is now 12-3 in its last 15 games against the Jets, including five wins in the previous six.
Dolphins defense limited the Jets to 159 total yards and only 29 rushing yards.
The Dolphins recorded seven sacks for the second time this season, after recording seven against the New York Giants in week five.
Tua Tagovailoa was intercepted twice, including one returned for a score by Brandin Echols, but Miami’s defense was in control for most of the game. The Dolphins (8-3) have breathing room with their lead atop the AFC East by sending the Jets (4-7) to their fourth straight loss.
“Just can’t do that and put our defense in tough situations, but our defense came through. But coming into the second half, I was very proud of how we operated offensively,” Tagovailoa said. “When we did get opportunities from the defense, we stayed in a long drive and ended that with points. Very proud of our O-line. Very proud of our run game. I am very proud of this team. It’s hard to win road games, especially against a team like this, a division game. Very proud of our guys.”
Tagovailoa finished 21 of 30 for 243 yards with a touchdown to Tyreek Hill and two INTs.
The Dolphins are 8-3 for the second consecutive season. The last time Miami opened back-to-back seasons 8-3 was in 2000-01.
The Dolphins Black Friday win came with disappointing news.
Linebacker Jaelan Phillips suffered a noncontact injury to his right Achilles late in the win over the Jets.
“It doesn’t look good,” Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel said.
Phillips was taken to the locker room on a cart and was visibly emotional as he was taken off the field.
Boyle started at quarterback for the Jets in place of the benched Zach Wilson, but the Jets’ offense appeared to be recovering from Thanksgiving turkey as they failed to get much going other than Boyle’s 1-yard TD pass to Garrett Wilson with 4:37 remaining.
Dolphins visit Washington on Dec. 3. The Jets host Atlanta on Dec. 3.
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