- The Miami Dolphins defeated the New York Jets 27-21 for their first win of the season.
- Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill suffered a significant knee injury that overshadowed the victory.
- Tight end Darren Waller scored two touchdowns in his debut for Miami.
The Miami Dolphins finally registered their first win of the regular season, but it cost them their best player.
The Dolphins defeated the New York Jets, 27-21, as part of a ‘Monday Night Football’ doubleheader. However, wide receiver Tyreek Hill’s knee injury overshadowed what was a desperately needed victory for Miami.
Hill’s leg landed awkwardly as he was tackled to the ground. The Dolphins medical staff put Hill’s leg in an air cast, and he was carted off the field. The Dolphins ruled him out shortly after and announced he would go to a local hospital for further evaluation. Coach Mike McDaniel said after the game Hill had dislocated his knee.
Tua Tagovailoa passed for 177 yards and two touchdowns. Dolphins linebacker Jordyn Brooks tallied 18 total tackles.
It was an ugly night in South Beach for the entire Jets team. The loss dropped New York to 0-4.
Here are the winners and losers from Monday night’s AFC East battle:
Winners
Darren Waller
Waller came out of retirement and was subsequently traded to the Dolphins during the offseason. He made his season debut Monday night and had an instant impact.
The tight end caught a four-yard touchdown on fourth and goal to cap off Miami’s second possession. Waller hauled in a second touchdown reception in the third quarter to pad Miami’s lead to 17-3.
Waller tallied three catches, 27 yards and two touchdowns. It was Waller’s first two-touchdown game since the 2020 season.
Expect Waller to be Miami’s second leading pass catcher as Hill likely misses an extended period.
Waller’s 6-foot-6 frame provides the tight end a great catch radius, which is quarterback friendly. That was highlighted when Tagovailoa found Waller in the back of the end zone as he leaped to high point the football.
Dolphins pass defense
The Dolphins edge rushers and timely blitzes created consistent pressure.
Justin Fields never appeared confident in the pocket and rarely had time to go through his progressions.
The Dolphins had two sacks, three QB hits and five tackles for loss.
Jordyn Brooks
Brooks deserves a game ball. The Dolphins linebacker produced a game-high 18 tackles. He was all over the field.
Losers
The Jets
Well, yes, they lost. But in doing so the Jets committed a comedy of errors.
The fumble the Jets had on their first possession epitomized the entire evening. New York had three giveaways and 13 penalties for a total of 101 yards.
The Jets outgained Miami and had more first downs, but the mistakes hurt them dearly.
Braelon Allen
The Jets running back had a costly fumble near the goal line as he was about to score on the first series.
On the ensuing possession, he injured his knee when he was tackled to the ground on a kickoff return and he nearly fumbled again.
The knee injury forced him to miss the rest of the contest.
Dolphins’ offense
The Dolphins are going to be without the best playmaker in Hill likely for the rest of the season. They have components that can help like running back De’Von Achane. But the Hill loss is huge.
Hill’s been Miami’s top playmaker ever since he arrived via trade in 2022.
Dolphins GM Chris Grier, coach Mike McDaniel, quarterback Tua Tagovailoa
Help wanted in Miami? Unfortunately for the Dolphins general manager, head coach and quarterback, a banner was seen flying above Hard Rock Stadium asking for the franchise to clean house.
The noise won’t be as loud this week since the Dolphins earned a much-needed win. But it won’t be quiet.
Follow USA TODAY Sports’ Tyler Dragon on X @TheTylerDragon.