Miami Dolphins defenders answered requests for violence, punching and ripping for three New York Jets fumbles Monday en route to their first win of the season.
MIAMI GARDENS, Fla., Sept. 29 (UPI) -- Miami Dolphins defenders answered requests for violence, punching and ripping for three New York Jets fumbles Monday en route to their first win of the season.
The trio of turnovers, including two of the Jets' first two drives of the primetime matchup, helped the Dolphins build a multi-possession lead, which they never relinquished in the 27-21 triumph in Miami Gardens, Fla.
"We just gotta keep doing it," said Dolphins safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, who logged a fumble recovery. "We got points off two of those turnovers.
"We just gotta keep doing it."
Big time play
Jack Jones with the and Minkah gets the football! pic.twitter.com/iZ0gxcBBWg— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) September 29, 2025
Dolphins tight end Darren Waller, who was inactive for the first three weeks of the season and hadn't played since 2023, harnessed offensive momentum with a touchdown in each half of the victory.
But the news wasn't all good for the Dolphins, who lost star wide receiver Tyreek Hill to a gruesome third-quarter knee injury.
"When you win, that is one of the best deodorants for what you could be going through," said Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who threw for 177 yards and two scores.
The Dolphins, who were challenged by defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver last week to play with more violence, were outgained 404-300 in total yards, but their forced turnovers devastated Jets drives and energized their offense.
Cornerback Jack Jones, linebacker Tyrel Dodson and safety Dante Trader Jr. each forced fumbles. Linebacker Jaelan Phillips, Fitzpatrick and Trader recovered those loose balls. Dodson and cornerback Rasul Douglas also had sacks in the victory.
.@tdots25 came in HOT
: @ESPNNFL & @CBSMiamipic.twitter.com/EjQpk84mBL— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) September 30, 2025
Kicker Riley Patterson made a 47-yard field goal on the game's opening drive and the Dolphins never looked back. Jones poked the ball away from Jets running back Braelon Allen at the goal line to end the next drive. The Dolphins then went 96 yards the other way, with Tagovailoa finding Waller for a 4-yard touchdown.
Kicker Nick Folk scored the Jets' only points of the first half with a 58-yard field goal as time expired in the second quarter.
Trader poked the ball loose on the Jets' kickoff return to start the second half. Tagovailoa added to the Dolphins' lead when he found Waller for a second score on the resulting drive.
Quarterback Justin Fields proceeded to get the Jets back in striking range with a 43-yard touchdown run about two minutes later, but the Dolphins answered with a 68-yard scoring drive. That possession ended with a 9-yard score from running back De'Von Achane.
What a catch, @Rackkwall83!
: @ESPNNFL & @CBSMiamipic.twitter.com/5zMAIEqlr8— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) September 29, 2025
The Jets added 11 more points with another Folk field goal, a 23-yard touchdown toss from Fields to wide receiver Garrett Wilson and a two-point conversion, but could not overcome their early deficit. Patterson also made a 36-yard kick in the final minutes to give the Dolphins a late cushion.
Achane logged 101 yards from scrimmage for the Dolphins. Fields threw for 226 yards and a score, while rushing for 81 yards and another touchdown.
The Dolphins (1-3) will battle the Carolina Panthers (1-3) at 1 p.m. EDT Sunday in Charlotte, N.C. The Jets (0-4) will host the Dallas Cowboys at the same time Sunday in East Rutherford, N.J.
Category: Football
