As bad as the Jets have been this season, at least they won’t go down in history as the team that lost to the winless Miami Dolphins. The Gang Green stepped up to the occasion and trounced their division archrivals 40-13, forcing five turnovers in the process.
According to the bookmakers, who made the Dolphins favorites in this contest, and so-called experts, this was Miami’s best chance to finally win a game this season. Instead, they suffered their biggest defeat of the year. The Jets took the game in their hands on the opening possession, as they easily moved down the field and RB Leon Washington scored on an 18-yard touchdown run. Miami answered on the ensuing possession when their kicker converted an improbable 53-yard field goal.
Early in the second quarter, after the teams had exchanged scoreless possessions, Miami cut the Jets’ lead to just 7-6, following an interception inside New York’s territory. The Gang Green quickly struck back when QB Kellen Clemens connected with WR Justin McCareins on a 51-yard pass that instantly put the Jets inside Miami’s 20-yard line. Unfortunately, the drive stalled and four plays later PK Mike Nugent scored a 29-yard field goal, 10-6. On the ensuing Dolphin possession CB Darrelle Revis intercepted a pass close to midfield, putting the Jets in an excellent position to solidify their lead. Miami’s defense, however, had other plans. They sacked Clemens from the blind side on a 3rd and 5, forcing a fumble that was returned for a touchdown. Miami took a 13-10 lead, but as we learned later, it was their last score in this game. The Jets had to answer instantly and they did. Clemens orchestrated an excellent drive that was capped with a 19-yard touchdown pass to WR Brad Smith, 17-13. Later in the quarter Nugent converted another field goal attempt, 20-13, following S Kerry Rhodes’ interception.
The Jets created another turnover in the third quarter when DE/LB Bryan Thomas forced a fumble that was recovered by LB Victor Hobson. The offense, however, had to settle for a field goal again and Nugent extended the lead to 23-13. Less than two minutes later Clemens and Co. got another chance, following yet another turnover. Rookie LB David Harris sacked the quarterback, creating a fumble that he also recovered. Eight plays later RB Thomas Jones scored his first touchdown of the season, as the contest became all but over, 30-13. Later in the final quarter Nugent converted another field goal attempt, and then Leon Washington scored his second touchdown of the game, 40-13.
QB Kellen Clemens had the best game of his NFL career – 15 out of 24 for 236 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT. RB Thomas Jones gained 75 yards on 24 carries, 1 TD. RB Leon Washington rushed for 68 yards on just 10 carries, 2 TDs. Injured WR Laveranues Coles led the team with 5 receptions for 69 yards.
The defense played an excellent game, limiting the Dolphins to just 37 rushing yards and 187 yards total. LB David Harris had the team-best 8 solo tackles, 1 sack, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. CB Darrelle Revis made 4 tackles (3 solo), 1 INT. S Kerry Rhodes had 4 solo tackles, 1 INT and 2 defended passes.
Next Sunday the Jets will host the Cleveland Browns (7-5). The kickoff is at 4:15 PM EST.