Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (pictured) threw a 10-yard touchdown catch to tight end Jonnu Smith to beat the New York Jets on Sunday in Miami Gardens, Fla. File Photo by Larry Marano/UPI | License Photo
Jonnu Smith didn’t secure a catch during regulation, but hauled in three crucial grabs in overtime — including a walk-off score — to lead the Miami Dolphins over the New York Jets at Hard Rock Stadium.
The Dolphins tight end raced toward the left side of the aqua-coated end zone while hauling in the 10-yard score, triggering a roar from the home fans in Miami Gardens, Fla. Advertisement
“I saw this moment,” Smith said. “I envisioned this moment. It’s a process of putting the work in, believing in it and having faith.”
Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa completed 33 of 47 passes for 331 yards and two scores in the 32-26 triumph. The dramatic finish helped the Dolphins (6-7) cling to razor-thin playoff hopes and resulted in a fourth-consecutive loss for their AFC East division rivals.
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The game-winner
: #NYJvsMIA on @NFLonCBS & @paramountplus pic.twitter.com/p3XezuWxIO— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) December 8, 2024
“I think right now we are just focused on this victory,” Tagovailoa said. “We are going to enjoy it. We are going to move on to our next opponent and go from there.”
The Dolphins and Jets offenses consistently adjusted the scoreboard in the first half, scoring points on every possession and not using their punters. That brought six lead changes throughout the close contest.
Dolphins kicker Jason Sanders missed an extra-point attempt, but made all four of his field goal attempts, including two from deeper than 50 yards.
Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers completed 27 of 39 passes for 339 yards and a score. The Jets, who played without injured star cornerback Sauce Gardner and starting running back Breece Hall, allowed 28 first downs and committed 10 penalties for 83 yards.
1️⃣ ➕ 6️⃣ pic.twitter.com/7OXv8d8TWX— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) December 8, 2024
The Dolphins and Jets exchanged points on the first eight drives of game. Running back De’Von Achane crossed the goal line on a 2-yard run on the game’s opening drive, giving the Dolphins an initial edge. Advertisement
The Jets responded with a 28-yard field goal from Anders Carlson. Sanders split the uprights with a 39-yard attempt seven seconds into the second quarter to push the Dolphins lead back to six points.
Jets running back Isaiah Davis then ended a 60-play, 70-yard drive with a 17-yard touchdown run 11:56 before halftime.
But Sanders connected on a 24-yard field goal on the next drive to give the lead back to the Dolphins.
Carlson followed with a 30-yard kick about four minutes later. The Dolphins then quickly marched down the field, setting up Sanders for a 57-yard field goal as time expired in the first half. They carried a 15-13 lead into the break.
The Jets regained the lead when Rodgers connected with wide receiver Davante Adams on a 3-yard touchdown toss on the first drive of the second half.
Carlson made his third field goal of the day — from 40 yards out — to increase the Jets’ lead to eight with about a minute remaining in the third quarter.
Tagovailoa and the Dolphins then used a nine-play, 60-yard drive to tie the score. The Dolphins quarterback hit wide receiver Tyreek Hill with a 4-yard touchdown toss to end that possession. Advertisement
He then connected with wide receiver Jaylen Waddle for a successful two-point conversion, tying the score at 23-23 with 9:04 remaining.
Both offenses stalled over the next several minutes. Rodgers then drove the Jets across midfield, setting up a 42-yard go-ahead field goal from Carlson with less than a minute remaining.
But Tagovailoa and the Dolphins moved the ball quickly back into Sanders’ range. The Dolphins kicker split the uprights from 52 yards out to tie the game and force overtime.
The Dolphins, who won the coin toss and owned overtime’s lone possession, moved the ball to the Jets’ 10-yard line to set up the final play of the day. Tagovailoa calmly caught the snap before hitting his tight end as he sprinted through the end zone, capping the dramatic victory.
.@ffvmousvon_ muscles it in for the opening drive TD! pic.twitter.com/8XKPZIpHVh— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) December 8, 2024
Smith totaled three catches for 44 yards, including his score. Hill totaled 10 catches for 115 yards. Fellow Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle totaled nine catches for 99 yards.
The Dolphins (6-7) will play the Houston Texans on Dec. 15 in Houston. The Jets (3-10), who lost nine of their last 10 games, will take on the Jacksonville Jaguars on Dec. 15 in Jacksonville, Fla. Advertisement
