The Miami Dolphins (1-3) secured their first victory of the season on Monday night, forcing three turnovers and relying on their new tight end, Darren Waller, in a 27-21 win over the New York Jets (0-4) at Hard Rock Stadium. This win extended Miami’s undefeated record against the Jets at home, with the Jets’ last victory at Hard Rock Stadium occurring in 2015.
The victory was accompanied by significant setbacks, as Tyreek Hill sustained a serious knee injury, including a dislocation and multiple torn ligaments such as the ACL. He is scheduled to undergo surgery.
Miami established an early advantage when wide receiver Malik Washington returned the opening kickoff 34 yards. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa then led a 10-play drive, culminating in a 47-yard field goal by Riley Patterson to give the Dolphins a 3-0 lead.
“My thoughts and prayers are with Tyreek,” Tagovailoa said. “It is a great feeling that we feel tonight, obviously when you win. It is one of the best deodorants for what you can be going through.”
The Jets mounted an extended drive within the Miami red zone, but cornerback Jack Jones made a pivotal play by forcing a fumble on running back Braelon Allen at the one-yard line with 3:06 remaining in the first quarter. Safety Minkah Fitzpatrick recovered the ball, maintaining the team’s lead.
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Tagovailoa and the offense executed their longest possession of the game—a 15-play, 96-yard drive lasting 8:40. On fourth down from the Jets’ 4-yard line, Tagovailoa threw a high pass to Waller in the back of the end zone, where he outleaped his defender to score his first touchdown since October 22, 2023. This was also his first touchdown with the Dolphins, increasing Miami’s lead to 10-0.
New York threatened once more on its ensuing possession, but the Dolphins’ defense responded effectively. Linebacker Tyrel Dodson delivered a crucial blitz on fourth down, forcing a fumble from Jets quarterback Justin Fields. Linebacker Jaelan Phillips secured the loose ball, marking Miami’s second takeaway of the evening.
The Jets managed to make a scoring attempt before halftime, with kicker Nick Folk converting a 58-yard field goal, reducing the score to 10-3 at halftime.
Tagovailoa completed 17 of 25 pass attempts for 177 yards and two touchdowns. Achane led the rushing effort with 99 yards on 20 carries and also contributed one reception. Tyreek Hill led the team with six receptions for 67 yards before leaving the game in the third quarter due to a knee injury. Jaylen Waddle added three catches for 48 yards, and Darren Waller recorded three receptions for 27 yards and two touchdowns in his Dolphins debut.
Defensively, linebacker Jordyn Brooks made 18 tackles (15 solo), while Trevon Dodson contributed nine tackles (five solo), along with a sack and a forced fumble. Rasul Douglas contributed a sack, and Jones’s forced fumble in the first quarter helped set the tone for the game.
Justin Fields completed 20 of 27 passes for 226 yards and one touchdown, in addition to rushing for 81 yards. However, a fumble in the red zone impacted the team’s chances negatively. Running back Breece Hall led the Jets with 111 yards from scrimmage, and Garrett Wilson led all receivers with six catches for 82 yards and a touchdown.
The Miami Dolphins (1-3) are scheduled to return to action on Sunday, October 5, when they will travel to Charlotte to face the Carolina Panthers (1-3) at Bank of America Stadium.
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