Jets Edge Dolphins in Hard-Fought AFC East Opener

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ — The New York Jets held off the Miami Dolphins in a tight AFC East battle, coming away with a 20-17 victory at MetLife Stadium. Led by rookie quarterback Joshua Booth, the Jets capitalized on key moments to secure a win in their season opener. The Dolphins, despite a strong effort from quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, couldn’t complete the comeback as they dropped to 0-1.

Game Recap

Both teams came into the matchup with something to prove. For the Jets, it was about defending their AFC East crown after last season’s 11-6 campaign. For the Dolphins, it was about shaking off the disappointment of an 8-9 finish and setting a new tone for the season.

Rookie quarterback Joshua Booth showcased poise under pressure, connecting with veteran receiver Allen Lazard on a 44-yard touchdown strike in the second quarter. “The nerves were there at first,” Booth admitted post-game. “But once we got going, I just trusted my teammates to make plays.”

Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa had a standout performance, using both his arm and legs to keep Miami in the game. Tagovailoa threw for 177 yards and a touchdown, adding 90 rushing yards on six carries. “Tua was electric,” Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel said. “He gave us a chance every drive, but we just didn’t capitalize enough.”

The Jets leaned heavily on running back Breece Hall, who rushed for 113 yards on 21 carries. “Breece was our workhorse tonight,” said Jets coach Robert Saleh. “When the game got tight, we leaned on him, and he delivered.”

Miami had a chance late in the fourth quarter, but the Jets’ defense, anchored by linebacker George Tuck, who recorded a sack, held strong in the red zone.

Key Stats

For the Jets, rookie quarterback Joshua Booth completed 15 of 26 passes for 176 yards, one touchdown, and no interceptions. Breece Hall was the standout on the ground with 113 rushing yards, while Allen Lazard led all receivers with 57 yards and a touchdown.

On the Dolphins’ side, Tua Tagovailoa was Miami’s brightest star, completing 21 of 30 passes for 177 yards and a touchdown while rushing for 90 yards. Wide receiver Tyreek Hill caught four passes for 59 yards, and rookie DeMarco Groves added five catches for 23 yards in his league debut.

The Jets’ defense recorded one sack, courtesy of rookie linebacker George Tuck, while cornerback Sauce Gardner led the secondary with two tackles and strong coverage throughout.

Injuries

The Dolphins suffered a setback as defensive tackle Marlon Tuipulotu exited the game with an upper arm fracture. He is expected to miss four weeks. No injuries were reported for the Jets.

Up Next

The Dolphins (0-1) will return home next week to host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, looking to rebound from the close loss. The Jets (1-0) will stay at MetLife Stadium to welcome the Cleveland Browns in another crucial AFC matchup.