Running back Raheem Mostert of the Miami Dolphins scores a touchdown in the game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, November 24, 2023. /CFP
The Miami Dolphins beat the New York Jets 34-13 in the first-ever National Football League (NFL) "Black Friday" game at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
It wasn't the biggest win for the Dolphins this season, but they outperformed the opponents in nearly every aspect of the game, leading 395-159 in total yards, 4-2 in touchdowns, 7-2 in sacks, 2-0 in field goals, and even 46-0 in punt return yards.
Two of the Dolphins' wide receivers, Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill, each had over 100 receiving yards with eight and nine catches, respectively. Both completed connections of 30 yards or more with their quarterback (QB) Tua Tagovailoa. Running back Raheem Mostert rushed for 94 yards in total with 20 carries, including a 34-yard long run that ended as a touchdown in the team's final scoring drive in the fourth quarter.
Safety Jevon Holland (L) of the Miami Dolphins runs with the ball after intercepts a pass in the game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, November 24, 2023. /CFP
What made Friday's win less perfect were the two interceptions Tagovailoa threw and linebacker Jaelan Phillips' injury. Tagovailoa had three turnovers in the second straight game, and one of them resulted in a pick-six by the Jets' cornerback Brandin Echols before the end of the second quarter. What's even more embarrassing is that Tagovailoa threw another interception in their next drive, only it didn't translate into the second consecutive touchdown by the Jets.
At least Tagovailoa's turnovers will be forgotten by many people after the game, but Phillips' injury will be a different case. It happened late in the fourth quarter when he had no contact with anyone. It turned out to be an Achilles injury. Coach Mike McDaniel said the Dolphins are preparing for "the worst scenario." Phillips tallied a team-high 6.5 sacks in eight games this season.
Whatever the Jets' shopping list was for Black Friday, they may want to add "getting a new QB" to it. Tim Boyle, 29, started for the fourth time in his career in Friday's game but only extended his record to 0-4-0. He completed 27 of his 38 passes for only 179 yards and one touchdown with two interceptions. The team had the chance to lead before the end of the first half after cornerback D.J. Reed intercepted Tagovailoa's pass. Nonetheless, the Dolphins' safety Jevon Holland intercepted Boyle's Hail Mary pass and ran back 99 yards to score a touchdown.