EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Tua Tagovailoa didn’t take long to warm up — even in winter weather.
The Miami quarterback tossed a touchdown and stayed perfect in his career against the New York Jets as the Dolphins rolled to a 34–10 win on Sunday, stretching their winning streak to four. Miami also dominated on the ground, scoring three rushing touchdowns and overwhelming a sputtering Jets offense.
“That’s how you win football games in December,” head coach Mike McDaniel said.
Tagovailoa is now 7-0 as a starter against New York and 8-0 overall when he’s taken snaps, and he finally shook off his frigid-weather reputation. With kickoff at 41 degrees, he improved to 1-7 in games played at 46 degrees or colder.
“It felt fine,” Tagovailoa said. “Hot or cold, you’ve got to play.”
Ground game carries the night
De’Von Achane rushed for 92 yards and a score before leaving with a rib issue after a 29-yard burst — an injury McDaniel said would not have kept him out “in an emergency.”
Jaylen Wright stepped in and erupted for a career-best 107 yards and his first NFL touchdown. Rookie Ollie Gordon II added another rushing score as Miami piled up 239 rushing yards to stay firmly in the playoff hunt at 6-7, an improbable surge after a 1-6 start.
“I’ve never really had a season like this,” Tagovailoa said. “Slow start, then finding our groove.”
The Miami starter finished 13 of 21 for 127 yards, hitting Jaylen Waddle for a touchdown before exiting late. Zach Wilson closed out the game under center.
Jets eliminated, frustrations boil
The Jets (3-10) were officially knocked out of postseason contention, extending the NFL’s longest playoff drought to 15 seasons. Defensive lineman Zach Sieler led the Miami pass rush with 2.5 of the Dolphins’ six sacks.
“This one hurts,” head coach Aaron Glenn said. “We weren’t prepared. That’s on me.”
New York also lost another quarterback. Tyrod Taylor exited in the first quarter with a groin injury, replaced by undrafted rookie Brady Cook, making his regular-season debut. Cook went 14 of 30 for 163 yards and two interceptions.
Despite struggling early, he felt progress late.
“You could see flashes in the fourth quarter,” Cook said. “We need more of it.”
Fast start, special teams spark — but no comeback
Miami scored on its opening drive when Tagovailoa connected with Waddle for a 3-yard strike. Achane pushed the margin to 14-0 on the next possession.
A spectacular 78-yard punt return by Isaiah Williams cut it to 21-7 before the end of the first quarter, and a fake punt in the third helped set up a field goal. But New York’s offense never kept pace.
Injury report
Dolphins:
LB Caleb Johnson (shoulder) — out
S Elijah Campbell (knee/ankle) — out
Jets:
Mason Taylor (stinger)
Stone Smartt (possible concussion)
Tyler Baron (knee) — out
Kiko Mauigoa cleared concussion protocol, but remained out with shoulder issue
Up Next:
Dolphins: at Pittsburgh next Monday night.
