Who’s hot, who’s not after the Dolphins’ 11-6 win over the Jets
The Dolphins defeated the New York Jets, 11-6, at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday and clinched their first playoff berth since the 2016 season.
Here’s a look at who’s hot — and who’s not — after the victory.
Who’s hot
▪ Jason Sanders: It was fitting that the Dolphins essentially returned to the postseason on the right foot of a normally reliable kicker who has faced struggles throughout the season. Two years removed from his All-Pro campaign, Sanders has been plagued by a series of misses from 50 or more yards; he entered Sunday making just one of five such attempts this season.
But with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa among the offensive starters who were sidelined or injured during the regular-season finale, the Dolphins needed Sanders more than ever. Both of his first two makes came from 37 yards and gave the Dolphins the lead. But as he walked onto the field late Sunday and prepared for his biggest attempt of the season, from 50 yards, there was a palpable nervousness across the stadium. Sanders, though, quickly turned the atmosphere to glee, as his attempt went right through the upright without any concern.
“I felt like I owed them one for a while,” he said after the game.
▪ Rushing offense: The Dolphins’ offense without Tagovailoa has been inefficient and low-scoring but the quarterbacks that have had to step in haven’t had the benefit of a running game. That changed Sunday, with the Dolphins rushing for 162 yards, their third-highest total all season. Mostert, who left in the fourth quarter because of a thumb injury, rushed for 72 yards and Jeff Wilson Jr. contributed 71, helping keep Miami in manageable third downs. It’s unclear who will start against the Buffalo Bills in the wild-card round of the playoffs but the Dolphins will need another consistent effort from their running game.
Who’s not
▪ Injuries: As the Dolphins transition into preparations for Buffalo, they may face another set of injuries that could force reserves into more prominent roles. In addition to Mostert, right tackle Brandon Shell left the game and did not return because of injuries to his ankle and knee. Wide receiver Jaylen Waddle was shaken up on the horse collar tackle penalty that placed Miami in field-goal range. He spoke to reporters after the game, though, which is a good sign for the severity of the injury. The Dolphins’ latest injuries only add to the late-season list that has hindered their depth. Tagovailloa and left tackle Terron Armstead missed their second consecutive game and it’s unclear whether either will be able to play in the first round of the playoffs.
▪ Third-down defense: In the leadup to the Dolphins’ regular-season finale, coordinator Josh Boyer said the one statistic he is still seeking to improve significantly is third-down defense. And while Miami stopped the Jets on third down on their final two possessions., for much of the afternoon the unit allowed New York to continue drives with timely conversions. The Jets, who were playing with third-string quarterback Joe Flacco, converted 7 of 16 third-down opportunities, a mark that the Dolphins will have to improve against a prolific Bills offense. Missed tackles, a lack of pass rush and coverage all contributed to the issues.
This story was originally published January 8, 2023 at 8:20 PM.
