The Miami Dolphins got their season back on track with a dominant win against the New York Jets on Sunday. After a disappointing loss the previous week, the Dolphins bounced back in a big way, defeating the Jets 30-0 at home.
Despite missing MVP candidate Tyreek Hill due to an ankle injury, the Dolphins managed to put a hurting on the Jets’ defense. By halftime, they were already up 24-0, outgaining New York 197 yards to just four. The Jets struggled to gain yards throughout the game, managing only 99 yards in the second half and failing to score any points. With Zach Wilson getting injured early on, it was the Trevor Siemian show for most of the game.
While the Jets were clearly undermanned, it’s important to note that they are a division rival and still had an outside chance at making the playoffs following a win in Week 14 against the Houston Texans.
No wins are small in the NFL, and every game holds massive importance. The Dolphins’ ability to respond after a embarrassing loss the previous week showcases their resilience and suggests that they are one of the better teams in the league. However, it’s unlikely that they will face a struggling team at such a crucial position like the Jets’ quarterback in the playoffs.
The Dolphins have faced several teams with quarterback issues this season, which has contributed to some of their losses. Despite their impressive win against the Jets, they have lost to the Titans, Buffalo Bills, Philadelphia Eagles, and Kansas City Chiefs. Their next two games are against the Dallas Cowboys and Baltimore Ravens, who are arguably the two best teams in the NFL. They will then finish the season with a home showdown against the Bills.
If the Dolphins hope to host a playoff game, they will need to beat some of the best teams in the league, something they haven’t done all season. Their only win against a potential playoff team was against the Denver Broncos when they were 0-3 and considered one of the worst teams in the NFL. For the next three weeks, the Dolphins will be facing postseason-caliber teams who are looking to solidify their positioning.
The Ravens are aiming to clinch the No. 1 seed in the AFC, while the Cowboys are battling for an NFC East title. The Bills might need a win in Week 18 to secure their spot in the playoffs. If the Dolphins lose to both the Cowboys and Ravens, their final game against the Bills could potentially be for the AFC East title.
While the Dolphins’ win against the Jets is a positive sign, they will need to prove themselves against these top teams in order to have a chance at a deep playoff run. A strong finish to the regular season will be crucial for their confidence and the belief of others outside their locker room.
Ultimately, the Dolphins have shown that they have the potential to be a competitive team, but they will need to step up and perform against the best teams in the league to solidify their spot in the postseason and make a statement in the playoffs.
