Well that was nice and simple. The Miami Dolphins eased to a 24-0 win over the New York Jets in what was arguably the most stress free game i’ve seen the Miami Dolphins play in my five to ten years supporting the Fins.
There was never a point where I feared a New York Jets win.
Miami Dolphins Defensive Shut Out
Once again, the defense looked good for the Miami Dolphins.
I had been critical in previous weeks of the Miami Dolphins’ struggles in stopping third downs or big plays. For a second week running, the Miami Dolphins managed to do both and didn’t concede a single point to the Jets.
On the first drive, Byron Jones stopped a Perryman catch on 3rd and 7. We also saw Christian Wilkins sack Jets quarterback Joe Flacco on 3rd and 6 with 9:29 left of the second quarter.
Miami Dolphins cornerback Xavien Howard had a great day, with an interception midway through second quarter third down and 3rd and 6. He would make make a further stoppage, getting a touch on the ball to deny wide receiver Jamison Crowder and the Jets on third down.
Emmanuel Ogbah was another impressive member of the Miami Dolphins defense on Sunday, with a sack on 3rd and 4.
He is now tied fourth in the NFL for sacks this season, with five so far this season. He managed to get two sacks in this game, along with five tackles.
The New York Jets would only get 2 from 11 third down conversations in the game. With a defensive minded coach in Brian Flores, we have seen the defense get better each week.
Another Impressive Day From Gaskin
Running back Myles Gaskin once again showed how good he can be, with the 2019 seventh round pick arguably being one of the biggest sleeper picks of the 2019 draft.
He may not have many touchdowns in his career but when he plays, he is affective. He always seems to make significant yardage, allowing the Miami Dolphins offense to push down the field.
His 15 yard gain on 2nd and 4 with 11:00 remaining in the first quarter played a part in the first touchdown drive of the game. Myles Gaskin would make a further two 11 yard gains in a drive that would total 49 rushing yards from Gaskin. This drive would end with a touchdown from tight end Adam Shaheen.
Tua Time
One of Ryan Fitzpatrick’s best throws of the day was his pass to Adam Shaheen for a 43 yard gain in the redzone. This would result in another tight end in Durnam Smyth getting in on the action for his first NFL touchdown.
The offense stalled in the second half and late on, rookie quarterback Tua Tagovailoa was brought on for his first NFL game.
Tagovailoa managed to make two throws. His first throw was to running back Patrick Laird for a two yard gain. This may have only been a two yard pass but this was impressive from Tua.
Tua Tagovailoa had two Jets players down his throat but managed to make the play and looked comfortable in doing so.
His other throw was a pass to Jakeem Grant for a seven yard gain. This was another comfortable pass from the quarterback, who spent three years in college with Alabama.
Tua Tagovailoa has now also been named the starter for the Miami Dolphins. This has caused some debate over whether Ryan Fitzpatrick deserved to be dropped as the starter when the team has won back to back games.
Whilst i can understand this argument, Fitzpatrick has had his poor moments. Tua has the potential of being the best Miami Dolphins quarterback of the 21st century. We saw the offense struggle in the second quarter. Tua managed to throw for Miami’s only third down conversion of the game.
Fitzpatrick has openly spoken about his disappointment of being dropped, despite his cheerleader act when Tua got on the field.
The Miami Dolphins failed to get a touchdown in the third quarter. Despite the game being over, it is still important for the offense to keep going. No opponent will be as easy as the New York Jets this season.
This has to be a reason in bringing in Tua now as a starter. With a bye week next, this gives the team time to rest and allow Tagovailoa to further get to grips with the offense. He will have time to practise as the confirmed starter. This will allow him more snaps in training.
Aaron Donald and the Los Angeles Rams await Tua Tagovailoa and the Miami Dolphins. The future starts now.
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