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Dolphins rush for 239 yards, dominate Jets but face uphill playoff path

Originally posted on NFL Analysis Network | By Joe Kiemen | Last updated Dec 8, 2025 3:00 PM ET

Miami ran for 239 yards and beat the Jets 34–10 for its fourth straight win. The Dolphins’ ground game and defensive control showed real progress, even as the playoff math stayed tight.

The Dolphins’ ground game finally took over

The Dolphins rushed for 239 yards on 41 attempts, their second-highest total under Mike McDaniel. McDaniel called it “the formula to win in December.” Jaylen Wright ran for 107 yards and a touchdown, while De’Von Achane added 92 yards before exiting with a rib injury.

Tua Tagovailoa earned his first career win below 46°F, operating an offense built on rhythm and control. The Dolphins didn’t find a new identity, they finally committed to the one that wins late in the year.

McDaniel leaned on structure, not style

Miami simplified its design to counter and gap concepts instead of leaning on motion trickery. The offense opened with three straight touchdown drives and never trailed. McDaniel kept Achane out after clean X-rays, showing a shift from urgency to discipline. The Dolphins are now executing within a stable framework. The difference is efficiency, not surprise.

Dolphins’ defense delivered clean execution

Zach Sieler produced 2.5 sacks, and Tyrel Dodson added an interception and two tackles for loss. Rasul Douglas broke up five passes and picked one off. The unit held the Jets to 207 total yards and under 3.5 yards per carry. That’s steady defense, not situational luck.

Miami controlled the line, eliminated chunk plays, and never let New York recover from an early 21-0 deficit.

Category	Stat / Detail
Final Score	Dolphins 34 · Jets 10
De’Von Achane Rushing	7 CAR · 92 YDS · 1 TD · Rib injury (precautionary)
Jaylen Wright Rushing	24 CAR · 107 YDS · 1 TD
Team Rushing	41 ATT · 239 YDS · 3 TD
Defensive Leaders	Sieler 2.5 sacks · Dodson INT · Douglas INT, 5 PBUs

The playoff math stays thin

The Dolphins improved to 6-7 but own only a 16 percent playoff chance even if they win out. Their remaining schedule includes the Steelers, Bengals, Buccaneers, and Patriots. Conference losses leave little margin for tiebreakers. The reality is simple: Miami can control performance, not probability.

The Dolphins played their cleanest football of the season. Whether that’s enough to extend the season depends on everyone else.

This article first appeared on NFL Analysis Network and was syndicated with permission.

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