Dolphins assert dominance in first half against Jets as Waller shines
The Miami Dolphins took the field on Monday night against the New York Jets in a highly anticipated Week 4 matchup, and the first half provided plenty of excitement and drama. With a halftime score of 10-3, the Dolphins capitalized on key plays and contributions from their star tight end, Darren Waller.
Inactives and Early Strategy
Before kickoff, the Dolphins faced some challenges with their roster. The most notable absence was cornerback Ethan Bonner, sidelined due to a hamstring injury. His absence, along with that of starting corner Storm Duck, left Miami with just four cornerbacks on the game-day roster: Jack Jones, Rasul Douglas, Cornell Armstrong, and JuJu Brents. Other inactives included wide receiver Tahj Washington and defensive tackle Zeek Biggers, while Quinn Ewers served as the emergency third quarterback.
Head coach Mike McDaniel chose an unorthodox approach after winning the coin toss, opting to receive the opening kickoff rather than defer. This decision paid off initially as the Dolphins marched down the field, securing a 3-0 lead with a 47-yard field goal from Riley Patterson, who has been reliable since stepping in for Jason Sanders.
Offensive Highlights and Key Connections
The Dolphins showcased a new look on their offensive line, featuring former New England Patriots first-round pick Cole Strange at right guard. Right from the get-go, Waller made his mark, catching a crucial third-down pass that helped set the tone for the Miami offense. Despite a missed opportunity for a touchdown due to a potential defensive pass interference by Jets cornerback Brandon Stephens, the Dolphins were able to capitalize on the drive.
Tua Tagovailoa quickly established a rhythm with star receiver Tyreek Hill, completing two significant passes that helped the Dolphins escape a precarious field position starting from their own four-yard line. However, the Dolphins’ defense encountered difficulties, particularly in stopping the run, as the Jets’ offense pushed back and gained momentum.
Defensive Struggles and Turnovers
The first defensive series for Miami was marked by a troubling inability to contain the Jets’ running game, as every member of the front seven faced challenges. However, Jack Jones redeemed the unit by forcing a fumble from running back Braelan Allen, which was recovered by Minkah Fitzpatrick, turning the tide momentarily.
As the second quarter unfolded, the Dolphins’ passing game began to ignite. A remarkable 28-yard catch-and-run by Hill and a 25-yard completion to Waddle highlighted a shift in momentum. Opting for aggression, McDaniel bypassed a field goal attempt on fourth-and-goal from the Jets’ four-yard line, and the gamble paid off when Tagovailoa found Waller in the end zone on a beautiful touch pass. This play underscored Waller’s exceptional catch radius and ability to make significant plays in critical moments.
Missed Opportunities and a Last-Minute Field Goal
Despite their strong performance, the Dolphins faced setbacks, including a costly holding penalty on Larry Borom that nullified a promising completion to Hill. The offensive line held strong overall, but the Dolphins were unable to fully capitalize on their opportunities.
As the first half drew to a close, the Jets managed to put points on the board with a 58-yard field goal from veteran Nick Folk, narrowing the Dolphins’ lead to 10-3. Despite two turnovers and a solid passing game, the feeling lingered that Miami should have had a more commanding lead heading into halftime.
With their dynamic offense and moments of defensive brilliance, the Dolphins appeared poised for a strong second half, but the game was far from settled as the teams headed to the locker room.
