The Miami Dolphins beat the New York Jets on Monday Night Football. Tua Tagovailoa and Darren Waller shined but Tyreek Hill was hurt badly.
MIAMI GARDENS ― A devastating left knee injury to Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill will overshadow a 27-21 win on "Monday Night Football."
Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, tight end Darren Waller and running back De'Von Achane all shined.
Tagovailoa was highly accurate. Waller caught two touchdowns in his Dolphins debut. Achane was outstanding with 99 yards rushing.
The Dolphins also forced their first three turnovers of the 2025 season.
Miami (1-3) avoids the AFC East fate of the Jets (0-4).
The Dolphins' run defense continues to be a major concern.
Moving forward without Hill is a major concern.
But the Dolphins are on the board with a victory.
Here are five instant takeaways from Dolphins over Jets:
Tyreek Hill knee injury a devastating blow
Tyreek Hill appeared to encounter a significant left knee injury early in the third quarter. He was quickly ruled out and taken to a hospital.
Hill was having a strong game with six catches for 67 yards.
Could Hill have played his last game for Miami?
It's certainly possible.
Hill could have been a candidate for trade before this year's trading deadline and/or a candidate to be cut before next season.
Hill had 1,700 receiving yards in each of his first two seasons with Miami. He's not reached that total in 2024 and 2025 combined.
If Hill is out for a lengthy period of time, including possibly for the season, Malik Washington, Dee Eskridge and perhaps Nick Westbrook-Ikhine or Tahj Washington could all take on larger roles.
And tight end Darren Waller, too.
And it seems we are about to find out if Jaylen Waddle really can be a WR1.
Darren Waller makes impact for Miami Dolphins
Darren Waller looked much faster and much more athletic for the Dolphins once the lights came on for his debut.
Waller converted a 14-yard third-down on an in-breaking route.
On a fourth down in the second quarter, Waller leaped high in the back of the end zone for a touchdown snag.
Waller beat Sauce Gardner. It was a great throw from Tagovailoa. It was an elite play and if Waller is on point his presence could make a huge impact for the quarterback.
Early in the third quarter, Waller caught a 9-yard touchdown for his second touchdown of the night and a 17-3 lead.
Dolphins D finally forces turnovers
The first two Jets drives were ended by forced turnovers by the Dolphins, who had not forced a turnover all season.
Cornerback Jack Jones punched the ball out just before Jets running back Braelon Allen crossed into the end zone. It was recovered by Minkah Fitzpatrick.
Later, on a fourth down, Tyrel Dodson sacked Jets quarterback Justin Fields and Jaelan Phillips recovered.
Miami's defense was strong on third downs last season. And they came up with some critical turnovers after allowing yards.
It's something defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver pleaded for this week and it came to fruition on a Monday night at Hard Rock Stadium.
On the very first Jets return of the second half, Cameron Goode forced a fumble and it was recovered by Dante Trader.
Dolphins offense showed some balance
In the best version of the Dolphins' offense, they run it as much as they pass it.
It's not even about running it effectively as much as it is proving that they're willing to run at all.
Mike McDaniel had an excellent nice run-pass mix. And there was some creativity, too.
For example, Tua had a cool behind-his-back, no-look-flip to Malik Washington.
The Dolphins have lacked mojo, creativity and excitement in the first three games of the 2025 season, but there was some on Monday.
This & That
The Dolphins' rushing defense will continue to be a significant concern... Jets quarterback Justin Fields scrambled for a 43-yard touchdown in the third quarter to bring the score to 17-10, Dolphins... The Dolphins defense was allowing more than 7 yards per carry during fourth-quarter play... First-half penalties on Patrick Paul and Larry Borom put a damper on a relatively decent output from the Miami offensive line... Cole Strange made his first start at right guard for Miami... Dolphins linebacker Jordyn Brooks had 12 sacks in the first half and plays with the fire in his belly Miami desperately needs... Tua Tagovailoa had completions of more than 20 yards to Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle in the first half... De'Von Achane had a 9-yard touchdown run for a 24-10 lead in the third quarter... Zach Sieler had back-to-back tackles for loss in the third quarter.... Jets WR Garrett Wilson beat Dolphins CB Rasul Douglas for a 23-yard touchdown with less than two minutes to play.... Darren Waller recovered a Jets onside kick attempt with less than two minutes to play and Miami leading 27-21... Jake Bailey placed a punt at the Jets' 1-yard line with 2 seconds to play.
Joe Schad is a journalist covering the Miami Dolphins and the NFL at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach him at [email protected] and follow him on Instagram and on X @schadjoe. Sign up for Joe's free weekly Dolphins Pulse Newsletter. Help support our work by subscribing today.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Dolphins vs. Jets takeaways: Tua Tagovailoa shines but Tyreek Hill hurt
Category: Football
