Dolphins’ Defense Makes Timely Plays In Jets Win

Dolphins’ Defense Makes Timely Plays In Jets Win

The Miami Dolphins’ defense made several timely plays that helped the team preserve its first win of the season. While the Dolphins were far from perfect on that side of the ball, surrendering 18 points to a bad New York Jets offense in the second half alone, they delivered a timely turnover and a critical goal-line stop that kept them in the win column.

The turnover started with an interception by rookie safety Michael Taaffe in the second quarter. The youngster masterfully undercut a pass from Geno Smith (intended for Jets tight end Mason Taylor) and showed great anticipation for his second pick of the campaign. That play was so massive because the Jets were deep in Miami territory and threatened to tie the game at 14 with a touchdown. But Taaffe halted all their momentum and kept the lead in Miami’s hands.

The Dolphins’ defense also managed to put together an impressive string of plays to stop the Jets at the goal line in the fourth quarter. Early in the frame, the Jets trailed by only seven points and threatened to tie the game again. After a penalty and a long drive, the Jets faced a first-and-goal, but the Dolphins’ best defensive players made three consecutive stellar plays to push the Jets back.

First, Zach Sieler — a steady veteran who’s been in a lot of trade rumors lately — made a tackle for loss on first down. Then, linebacker Josh Uche recorded a tackle for loss against running back Braelon Allen. Finally, on third down, Chop Robinson hit Smith with a monster sack for a 12-yard loss, and the Jets had to settle for a field goal.

These plays from the defense—from the interception to the tackles for loss to the sack—ultimately laid the foundation for Miami’s first win of the season, and plenty of guys deserve their flowers.