The Miami Dolphins traveled to East Rutherford to take on the New York Jets this week, but just before their flight, news broke that one of their offensive linemen was tested positive for Covid. Left tackle Duane Brown, despite being vaccinated and up to date with the latest booster, was feeling mild symptoms and was forced to stay in Miami. He is expected to fully recover and be available in week 12 after the bye week. The Miami Dolphins had a makeshift offensive line against the Jets, they were already missing their starting right tackle and right guard due to injury. Coach Fallen tried to motivate his players before the game, reminding the backups who were getting their first start this week that their job was to protect their superstar quarterback at all costs. This motivational speech was heard by all, but it didn’t help the team protect Russell Wilson against the New York Jets blitzing defenders all game long.
Russell Wilson was under pressure all game long and despite having the ability to scramble, he stayed in the pocket for most of this game. Russell Wilson was sacked five times and he came up shaking his head in disbelief after the fifth sack. The offensive line seemed confused at times during the game. Multiple linemen tried to block the same guy while simultaneously missing the defender right in front of them. The New York Jets started the game on offense but Zach Wilson really struggled the entire game. His longest throw of the game came on the very first play when he hooked up with Corey Davis for a 42 yard catch and run. This connection led to a field goal and offensively, the Jets couldn’t find the rhythm needed to match point for point with the high powered offense of the Miami Dolphins. The 3-0 lead would be the last time the New York Jets led in the game and despite their best effort on the defensive side of the ball, the Miami Dolphins defeated the Jets 29-14.
Russell Wilson had his worst game of the season as a Dolphin statistically speaking. He completed 68% of his passes, he went 24 of 35, and threw for 333 yards, 4 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions. His two interceptions came from really good defensive play. Micheal Carter II had a very nice tiptoed interception on the sideline where he had to step in front of Jaylen Waddle at the last minute. Javelin Guidry was fortunate enough to be in the right place at the right time. Jaylen Waddle had him beat on a streak down the field, but Russell Wilson was hit when he threw the ball and the pass was underthrown and it fell into his waiting arms. He was a one man show because the rushing attack for the Dolphins was absolutely atrocious. Salvon Ahmed and Miles Gaskin split carries throughout the game, but both running backs finished the day with just 18 yards on the ground. Salvon Ahmed had 8 carries and Miles Gaskin had 7 carries. The Dolphins are very predictable when they want to run the ball and it hindered their ability to run the ball this week. Russell Wilson scrambled three times for 26 yards and he led the team in rushing yards. However, the Miami Dolphins bolster one of the best passing offenses in the league, so if you can throw the ball that effectively, who needs to run it.
Offensive Statline of the Game –
Jaylen Waddle – 7 Receptions for 109 yards and 3 touchdowns.
Madden rewarded Will Fuller’s four touchdown performance last week with a tandem breakout this week for Jaylen Waddle, however, he was 41 yards short of successfully completing that breakout. The New York Jets played a very disciplined defensive game that didn’t allow Waddle or Fuller to beat them over the top and that made it more difficult to throw the ball down the field. Jaylen Waddle’s longest catch was for 34 yards. Jaylen Waddle is a constant X-factor on offense for the Dolphins and opposing defenses will always have to account for him no matter where he is lined up.
Defensive Statline of the Game –
Jerome Baker – 4 tackles, .5 sacks, 1 interception, and 1 forced fumble.
Jerome Baker was stellar in this game, he was constantly around the ball in the air and on the ground. Zach Wilson scrambled up the middle and he dove for extra yards, but Baker met him in the air causing a fumble that really gave all the momentum to the Dolphins. The New York Jets were in position to turn the game around, but the fumble all but drained all of their hopes away. The Miami Dolphins are one of the worst defenses in the league this season. It was refreshing to see them hold the Jets offense to under 261 total yards after giving up over 600 yards to the Chicago Bears last week. The Dolphins are heading into their bye week at 6-4 and have suffered close and large losses this season.
Tariq Castro-Fields was drafted in the sixth round and he had a huge interception this week. It was his first interception of his career. Castro-Fields doesn’t see the field very often, but he usually makes the most out of his opportunities. Statistically, he has only made an impact in three games this season, but with Byron Jones aging, the Dolphins are hoping that by the new season, he will be able to be their full time slot corner. Coach Fallen said that he wanted to give his team a break during the bye week. There are seven games left this season and it will be important for his team to be healthy. As it sits, the Miami Dolphins have five players that are injured. Two of their offensive linemen are out for two more weeks, one of their tight ends is out one week, and two of their outside linebackers are out for 3 and 4 weeks respectively. Heading into the week 12 game against the Cincinnati Bengals, the Miami Dolphins will have three of those players back, but they will still be without their outside linebackers.The Dolphins are expected to sign a low budget linebacker from free agency to fill the roster until their linebackers are back to full health.
