The Miami Dolphins overcame a slow start on Sunday, defeating the New York Jets 31-24. With the win, the Miami Dolphins have completed the climb back to .500 with a 7-7 record.
Recap
The Dolphins had to rebound from a 10-point deficit to capture the win. That wasn’t nearly as big of a task as bouncing back from a 1-7 record to start the season. But, the Dolphins have done it and now are 7-7 to remain in the hunt for an AFC Wild-Card berth. The comeback would be capped off with a nine-play, 75-yard drive that ended with a DeVante Parker 11-yard touchdown pass from Tua Tagovailoa. Tagovailoa would complete 16 of 27 passes on the day for 196 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions. One of those interceptions was returned for a pick-six by Brandin Echols in the fourth quarter.
Duke Johnson
The star of the show Sunday for the Miami Dolphins was Duke Johnson. Johnson, who grew up near Hard Rock Stadium, and played football for the Miami Hurricanes and broke their all-time leading rushing record, was able to make his dream come true on Sunday.
With the Dolphins and their issues with COVID-19 within the locker room, Johnson emerged as the number one back. He ran the ball 22 times for 107 yards and two touchdowns. Johnson also had a reception for 20 yards.
“It means a lot,” Johnson said. “Growing up in the area, just being able to play football and play well here, it meant a lot but it meant even more because we got the win. That helps.”
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Along with Duke Johnson’s wild day, DL Christian Wilkins caught a touchdown pass in the fourth quarter to give the Dolphins their first lead of the day.
Zach Wilson had a decent game for the New York Jets. Wilson completed 13 of 23 passes for 170 yards. Braxton Berrios, another former Hurricane, had a rushing touchdown to put the Jets up 7-0. He also had a reception for 26 yards.
Next Up:
The Dolphins will travel to the Big Easy for some Monday Night Football action on Dec. 27. The Jets, meanwhile, will travel back home to New York in preparation for the Jacksonville Jaguars.
(Featured image by BILL INGRAM /THE PALM BEACH POST)