Miami Dolphins: Defense gets big plays to sweep New York Jets
The Miami Dolphins took on the New York Jets for the second time of the year today. The last meeting Miami won 20-12 in New York and went 2-0 on the year. Since then Miami has lost three of its last four and has been exposed in the run defense.
Today the Miami Dolphins would set the tone against the run. On third and one Miami’s defense came up with a huge stop against the Jet’s Isaiah Crowell with 11:00 minutes to go in the first quarter.
Gambling on offense early Adam Gase decided to go for it on fourth down at midfield. The ball was handed off to Frank Gore and Gore rushed up the middle for the first down with nine minutes to go in the first quarter.
The drive stalled however, as Miami failed to convert a third and two. Early in this game it seemed it would be a defensive slug fest, both teams punting on their first couple of drives. There were eight total punts by both teams in the first half.
The Jets got the ball and started to drive. Just when they looked like they were getting a drive together Sam Darnold threw an interception to Kiko Alonzo with 54 seconds left in the first quarter.
Miami cashed in on the turnover, but settled for a field goal making it 3-0 early in the second quarter. Not having a sack in the last 6 games Cameron Wake comes up with a huge sack with eleven minutes left in the second quarter.
Miami got a good drive going getting near the red zone, but stalling yet again kicking another field goal. The half closed with the Jets cutting it to three with a half time of 6-3.
Defense comes up big again in the second half. On a second and six Raekwon McMillan comes up the middle and lights up Isaiah Crowell making it third and eight with eleven minutes left in the third quarter. The Dolphins applied pressure on Darnold on third down and forced an incomplete pass.
Again Miami’s offense was forced to punt, but again the defense held their own. With a pass breakup by Xavien Howard. Then a stop on second down against the run, and forcing Darnold to throw it away on third down.
Cameron Wake reversed time not only getting one sack but two one the day. Getting it with thirteen minutes left in the second half and forcing a field goal for the Jets. That would have proven to be a huge stop, as the kick was wide right.
Jerome Baker was the MVP of the game. Darnold under pressure looks to his right throws and is intercepted for 25 yards and a touchdown to put Miami up 13-3.
That touchdown was the only one of the game and was the difference in this tight defensive game. Miami’s defense will have to play as well if not better next week as they take on Aaron Rogers and the Green Bay, Packers.