In a game that epitomized the highs and lows of the Miami Dolphins tumultuous 2024 season, quarterback Tua Tagovailoa delivered in the clutch, leading his team to a dramatic 32-26 overtime victory against the New York Jets at Hard Rock Stadium.
Tagovailoa’s decisive 10-yard touchdown pass to tight end Jonnu Smith capped a resilient comeback, keeping Miami’s slim playoff hopes alive at 6-7 while handing the Jets (3-10) their 14th consecutive season without a postseason berth.
After Jason Sanders nailed a 42-yard field goal with just seven seconds remaining in regulation to tie the game at 26, Tagovailoa took over in overtime. The Dolphins’ offense methodically marched 70 yards on eight plays, with Smith—who hadn’t recorded a reception in regulation—emerging as the hero. Smith caught three passes for 44 yards on the game-winning drive, including his fourth touchdown of the season.
“Jonnu stepped up big when we needed him the most,” said Tagovailoa, who finished the day 33 of 47 for 331 yards, two touchdowns, and no turnovers. “It was a total team effort, and I’m proud of how we fought to the very end.”
The Dolphins’ victory spoiled a vintage performance by Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who ended his 34-game regular-season drought without a 300-yard passing game. Rodgers threw for 339 yards and a touchdown, completing 27 of 39 passes in what was arguably his best outing since joining the Jets. His lone touchdown pass, a 3-yard strike to longtime teammate Davante Adams, marked their 79th career scoring connection, pushing them past Ben Roethlisberger and Antonio Brown for fourth on the all-time quarterback-receiver touchdown list.
Despite Rodgers’ strong play, including a series of key completions to Garrett Wilson and Adams, the Jets faltered in the fourth quarter and overtime. Miami’s defense stiffened when it mattered most, and Rodgers could only watch as the Dolphins controlled possession in overtime.
The Dolphins showed resilience, overcoming both an 8-point deficit early in the fourth quarter and a 3-point Jets lead in the final minute of regulation. After falling behind 23-15, Tagovailoa found Tyreek Hill for a 4-yard touchdown before connecting with Jaylen Waddle for the two-point conversion to tie the game.
Following a 42-yard field goal by Anders Carlson that put the Jets ahead 26-23 with 52 seconds left, Dolphins rookie Malik Washington provided a crucial 45-yard kickoff return to set Miami up at its own 46-yard line. Tagovailoa efficiently moved the offense into field goal range, where Sanders delivered under pressure.
“We never lost faith,” said Hill, who caught 10 passes for 115 yards. “Tua kept us calm and focused, and everyone did their part.”
The first half was a chess match between two talented quarterbacks. Miami and New York each scored on their first three possessions, with neither team punting until the Dolphins’ opening drive of the second half. Sanders’ 57-yard field goal, tying his career best, sent the teams into halftime tied at 20.
The third quarter belonged to the Jets. A brilliant 42-yard catch by Wilson set up Adams’ touchdown, and Carlson’s 40-yard field goal gave New York an eight-point advantage. Miami, however, dominated the final frame, leaning on Tagovailoa’s precision and timely contributions from their stars.
For Miami, the win extends faint playoff hopes in a crowded AFC race. While the road ahead remains difficult, victories like this could provide the momentum needed to make an improbable run. Conversely, the loss solidifies another disappointing season for the Jets, despite flashes of brilliance from Rodgers and their elite pass defense.
“Every game is a playoff game for us now,” said Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel. “We’re fighting for our season, and tonight we showed we’re not ready to give up.”
The Dolphins next face the Houston Texans in a critical divisional clash, while the Jets will play the Jacksonville Jaguars as they continue to evaluate their future amid a lost season.
Key Performances
•Miami Dolphins:
•Tua Tagovailoa: 33/47, 331 yards, 2 TDs
•Tyreek Hill: 10 receptions, 115 yards, 1 TD
•Jaylen Waddle: 9 receptions, 99 yards
•Jonnu Smith: 3 receptions, 44 yards, 1 TD (all in overtime)
•De’Von Achane: 2-yard rushing TD
•New York Jets:
•Aaron Rodgers: 27/39, 339 yards, 1 TD
•Davante Adams: 9 receptions, 109 yards, 1 TD
•Garrett Wilson: 7 receptions, 114 yards
•Isaiah Davis: 17-yard rushing TD
