Miami Dolphins vs. New York Jets: A Dominant Win in the Cold
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) - Tua Tagovailoa proved he's a force to be reckoned with, even in the cold. On December 7, 2025, he led the Miami Dolphins to a 34-10 victory over the New York Jets, extending his undefeated streak against AFC East rivals. With a temperature of 41 degrees at kickoff, Tagovailoa's performance was a testament to his resilience and the team's strategy.
Tagovailoa's performance was stellar, throwing a touchdown pass and maintaining a perfect record against the Jets as a starter (7-0) and overall (8-0) in AFC East matchups. His ability to adapt to different weather conditions is remarkable, as he has only lost once when the temperature dropped below 46 degrees. Despite the cold, he remained focused and stated, 'I felt good, but it’s football. Whether it’s hot or cold, you've got to go out there and play.'
The Dolphins' offense was a well-oiled machine, with De'Von Achane rushing for 92 yards and a touchdown before exiting in the second quarter due to a rib injury. Jaylen Wright stepped up, amassing a career-high 107 yards and scoring his first NFL touchdown. Rookie Ollie Gordon II also contributed with a rushing touchdown, showcasing the team's depth and versatility. The Dolphins rushed for a total of 239 yards, winning five of their last six games and remaining in the playoff race after a slow start (1-6).
Coach Mike McDaniel praised the team's formula for success, stating, 'That's a formula to win games in December.' Tagovailoa's performance was impressive, completing 13 of 21 passes for 127 yards and a touchdown pass to Jaylen Waddle. He was replaced by Zach Wilson for the final minutes, ensuring the victory was secure.
The defense played a crucial role, sacking Jets quarterback Zach Wilson six times, with Zach Sieler contributing 2.5 sacks. The Jets (3-10) were officially eliminated from playoff contention, marking their 15th consecutive year without a postseason appearance, the longest active drought in the NFL.
New York's special teams made a significant impact, with Isaiah Williams returning a punt 78 yards for a touchdown in the first quarter. However, the offense struggled, and the team settled for a 31-yard field goal by Nick Folk. The Jets' starting quarterback, Tyrod Taylor, was injured on a play where the Dolphins challenged an interception call, ultimately ruling it in favor of the Dolphins.
The game saw several injuries on both sides, including Dolphins linebacker Caleb Johnson and safety Elijah Campbell, and Jets tight end Mason Taylor, who suffered a stinger. The Jets' rookie quarterback, Brady Cook, made his NFL debut, replacing Taylor with 3:39 remaining in the first quarter. Cook's performance improved as the game progressed, showcasing his potential.
The Dolphins' next challenge awaits as they travel to Pittsburgh to face the Steelers next Monday night. The Jets, on the other hand, will travel to Jacksonville to take on the Jaguars the following Sunday.
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