While a bit too close for complete comfort, the Miami Dolphins walked-off the Hard Rock Stadium field Sunday with an overtime win against the New York Jets. Tight end Jonnu Smith awakened in overtime and while held without a reception in regulation, caught three passes in the extra frame. He capped the contest with a 10-yard touchdown from Tua Tagovailoa to get Miami to 6-7.
Prior to the game winner, Tagovailoa led Miami down the field to allow Jason Sanders to tie the game on a 52-yard field goal. That was Tagovailoa's eighth fourth quarter comeback and Smith's score gave his quarterback his 10th career game-winning drive. The short-field drive was courtesy of an excellent and clutch 45-yard kick return by rookie Malik Washington.
— BLT (@BillfromBoynton) December 8, 2024Miami Dolphin QB 4th quarter comebacks:
1. Marino- 33(8th all-time)
2. Griese- 15
2. Tannehill- 15
4. Tagovailoa- 8
4. Fiedler- 8
6. Strock- 6
Miami Dolphin Game Winning Drives:
1. Marino- 47
2. Griese- 19
3. Tannehill- 13
4. Tagovailoa- 10
5. Fiedler- 9
6. Strock- 7
Tagovailoa was stellar again since his return to the lineup Week 8, throwing for 331 yards, two scores and zero interceptions for a rating of 104.1 on Sunday. Since his return from concussion protocol, Tagovailoa is 200-263 passing for a league-leading and remarkable 76.05% completion percentage. He has thrown for 15 touchdowns and just one interception in this span with a rating of 114.1.
On the season, his 73.85% leads all eligible quarterbacks and even further, Tagovailoa is now the NFL's all-time leader in completion percentage at 68.1%. Picking apart the Jets once again, Tagovailoa is now 5-0 as a starter against New York.
Back to Smith, his last several games have been monumental for a Miami tight end. Already pacing for the best statistical season at the position for the franchise, over the last four games Smith has 28 receptions on 34 targets for a catch percentage of 82.4%, 345 yards, and four touchdowns.
Beyond Smith, Tagovailoa utilized Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle and allowed them to work against New York. Hill finished with 10 catches for 115 yards, while Waddle continued his dominant play against the Jets with nine catches for 99 yards.
Running back De'Von Achane was solid in his overall production. Although rushing for just 24 yards, he scored the opening touchdown and was a factor in the passing game as he always should be. The second year versatile star caught six passes for 45 yards, giving him 63 receptions on the season.
On the other end, the defense did allow 339 yards passing from Aaron Rodgers who found his talented receiver duo of Davante Adams and Garrett Wilson often. Adams had 9 receptions for 109 yards and a score while Wilson caught 7 passes for 114 yards.
The defense gave up a total of 402 yards and will need to tighten up their play down the stretch. Defensive lineman Zach Sieler recorded a pair of sacks and Jordyn Brooks got to Rodgers as well, but the overall performance was not the unit's collective best.
The Dolphins will now face a road game and major test in a rested 8-5 Houston Texans team fresh off of their bye week. At the moment, Miami sits at 9th place in the AFC and hold a 15% chance at the playoffs.
