Miami survives Jets’ late push as Tagovailoa, Hill deliver primetime fireworks

MIAMI GARDENS, FL - Under the Monday night lights, Sean Nguyen's Miami Dolphins outdueled the rival New York Jets, 37-34, in a primetime thriller that showcased Tua Tagovailoa's precision, Tyreek Hill's explosiveness, and a defense that closed the door in the final minute.

Game Recap

The Dolphins set the tone early when Jaylen Waddle hauled in a six-yard touchdown from Tua Tagovailoa. A missed extra point left Miami ahead 6-0, and the Jets quickly pounced back with a field goal and a bruising 15-yard rushing score. "We wanted to hit them in the mouth early," said Jets quarterback Justin Fields, whose blend of arm and legs would keep the Jets in it all night.

The second quarter erupted with fireworks. Garrett Wilson's 12-yard strike briefly put New York on top, but Miami responded swiftly. De'Von Achane and Hill both found the end zone through the air, the latter on a tight 13-yard grab that ignited the Hard Rock Stadium crowd. "That's the kind of moment you dream about on Monday night," Hill said afterward. By halftime, the teams were knotted at 20-20.

The Dolphins began to pull away in the third quarter. Riley Patterson drilled a 45-yard field goal, and Tagovailoa found Hill deep downfield for a 42-yard dagger with 24 seconds left in the frame. Still, Fields wouldn't let the Jets fade, sneaking in from a yard out earlier in the quarter. Achane's second touchdown-a four-yard burst-extended Miami's edge in the fourth, but the Jets countered with a stunning 91-yard catch-and-run by Josh Reynolds. "I thought we had them," Fields admitted, "but their defense made one last stand."

In the end, Miami's defense rose when it had to. "That's a good offense," Nguyen said, "but our guys answered the bell when it mattered most."

Key Stats

Tagovailoa was flawless, completing 25-of-30 passes for 302 yards and four touchdowns without an interception (148.1 passer rating). Hill torched the Jets for 109 yards and two scores on seven catches, while Waddle chipped in 76 yards and a touchdown. Achane scored twice-once rushing, once receiving-and piled up over 90 scrimmage yards.

Fields tallied 265 passing yards and three total touchdowns. Breece Hall gashed Miami for 107 yards and a score on just 12 carries, while Reynolds' late 91-yard touchdown capped a four-catch, 115-yard night

Up Next

Miami heads east to Charlotte to face the Carolina Panthers in Week 5. The Jets return home to host the undefeated Dallas Cowboys.