Dolphins vs. Jets final score, immediate reactions: Miami ends year with questions that need answers
The Miami Dolphins visited their AFC East rivals, the New York Jets, in the regular season finale for 2024. The Week 18 meeting gives the Dolphins not just a chance to sweep the Jets this year, but could also lead to a Miami postseason appearance. The Dolphins, who made the playoffs the last two years, need to beat New York and hope the Kansas City Chiefs, who are resting most of their starters, beat the Denver Broncos.
This game could be the final game – either as a Jets player or as a player period – for quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who has struggled this season. The Jets traded for Rodgers ahead of the 2023 season, but the quarterback tore his Achilles tendon in the first game of the season, leading to him missing the rest of the year. This season, the offense has been inconsistent at best, and the Jets are expected to look for a new quarterback in the offseason.
How did the Dolphins at Jets season finale play out? We kept up with all of the action throughout the game, reacting as it happened.
Final Score
Dolphins 20 – 32 Jets
Immediate Reactions
First Quarter
Dolphins first possession
Miami opened the game with the ball, but the drive went nowhere. An incomplete pass from quarterback Tyler Huntley started the drive, with a screen pass to wide receiver Jaylen Waddle losing four yards on second down. After another screeen pass, this time to running back De’Von Achane, picked up six yards, the Dolphins punted on a three-and-out.
Not the start you want to a game. Not the start you want to a game against your division rivals. And, not the start to a game that could get you into the playoffs. Not sure what happened their, but the Dolphins have to figure it out quickly and not rely on the defense to try to stop Aaron Rodgers.
Jets first possession
On the first play, Rodgers looked to wide receiver Davante Adams, but a blitz from cornerback Kader Kohou made him throw the ball early and a perfectly timed hit by safety Jevon Holland popped the ball in the air. Linebacker Tyrel Dodson caught the floating ball for the interception.
Okay, maybe the offense can rely on the defense to stop Rodgers. Perfect start for the defense.
Dolphins second possession
The drive started with an Achane run for two yards, with Huntley then forced to scramble for six yards. On 3rd-and-2, the Dolphins could not pick up anything on an incomplete pass and they settled for the 26-yard field goal from kicker Jason Sanders.
Starting with the ball at the Jets’ 15-yard line, Miami has to do better. This was essentially a three-and-out possession, but they were within field goal range to get points. Not good enough.
Dolphins 3-0.
Jets second possession
Rodgers was able to find tight end Tyler Conklin for 11 yards to start the possession, but cornerback Jalen Ramsey decided not to allow anything else after that. On a double-pass attempt, Ramsey blew up Adams in the backfield forcing the incomplete pass, then again got to Adams for a one-yard loss on a screen attempt. An incomplete pass on 3rd-and-11 led to a Jets punt.
Ramsey absolutely destroyed Adams on that hit. Just played through him to make sure he did not complete the catch. The defense came to play. The offense needs to get in on this.
Dolphins third possession
Achane burst through the line for a 20-yard gain to begin the drive. Two plays later, wide receiver Tyreek Hill gained seven yards on a pass to the sideline, setting up 3rd-and-3. The pass rush was able to get to Huntley, however, leading to a fumble, with tackle Terron Armstead balling on the ball. Miami was forced to punt.
The offense showed a little life, which is great, but they have to do better still. Hill broke to the right on the third-down play, while Huntley looked like he was looking for an in-cut, leading to the sack. The two need to get back on the same page quickly.
Meanwhile, the Broncos have scored their second touchdown to that a 14-0 lead.
Jets third possession
New York again started with an 11-yard gain, this time as running back Breece Hall picked up the yardage on a run. Hall lost three yards on the next to plays before Rodgers threw a pass to him for a five-yard gain. The Jets punted.
Again, the defense has come to play. They are swarming to the ball and making stops quickly. If the offense can get into rhythm, the Dolphins can at least do their half of the playoff scenario.
Dolphins fourth possession
Miami began at their 14-yard line, facing a long field if they want to extend the lead. After picking up no yardage on an Achane run on first down, a dump off pass to fullback Alec Ingold turned into an eight-yard gain. Wide receiver Malik Washington converted the first down on a slant for nine yards, and the Dolphins started to look like they were finding their rhythm. After a trade of penalties, the Dolphins faced 1st-and-10 at their 31, with Huntley scrambling for five yards. Achane then broke free for a 61-yard gain, taking the ball to the Jets three-yard line before being tripped up. An Achane run for -4 yards, an incomplete pass, and a screen pass to tight end Jonnu Smith for -3 yards pushed the Dolphins back and they settled for another field goal.
No. Just no. Achane broke free for 61 yards and a first and goal from the three, and the Dolphins lose seven yards and cannot get into the endzone. Simply not good enough. There is no excuse for the constant screens, especially when you are at the three-yard line. Just get into the endzone.
Dolphins 6-0.
Second Quarter
Jets fourth possession
After the break between quarters, the Jets started at their 30-yard line. A Rodgers pass to running back Braelon Allen picked up five yards, but two incomplete passes and a false start forced a three-and-out punt.
Again, the defense is doing what the need to do. Of course, the Jets are on the same passing scheme as the Dolphins, basic only throwing to or behind the line of scrimmage.
Dolphins fifth possession
The Dolphins opened the possession trying to create confusion on the Jets’ defensive line, only to pitch the ball to running back Jaylen Wright to the right, and see him immediately hit for a nine-yard loss. Wight picked up a yard on second down, then a pass to Smith, caught two yards behind the line of scrimmage, gained 11 yards and led to a Miami punt.
The offense just is doing nothing at all. Just nothing.
And the Broncos just took a 21-0 lead with a three-tip-drill touchdown catch.
Jets fifth possession
New York figured out that the ball can be thrown past the line of scrimmage during the drive. After Hall picked up eight yards on a first down run, Rodgers threw for 16 yards to Adams, 11 yards to wide receiver Garrett Wilson, and 15 yards to wide receiver Allen Lazard. The Jets and Rodgers found their rhythm and three plays later, Rodgers looked to Wilson on a short pass, with the receiver breaking a tackle for a 20-yard gain. On the next play, Rodgers threw to Conklin in the endzone for the touchdown.
Embarrassment. That is what is happening right now. The Dolphins just do not look like a team that has a chance at making the playoffs – no matter what is happening in the Broncos game. They are stuck with this short passing game, and now the defense is allowing Rodgers to carve them up. The Dolphins look worse than the 4-12 team they are playing. Someone needs to wake up right now because at this rate, 7-6 feels like took big of a deficit to overcome.
Jets 7-6.
Dolphins sixth possession
Miami stared at their 40-yard line after an illegal kick penalty on the Jets, setting them up with great field position. Huntley scrambled away from pressure on the opening snap of the drive, finding Waddle for a 23-yard gain. He looked to Waddle again on the next play, throwing down to the Jets 10, but putting it where the receiver could not make a play and the Jets picked off the pass.
Maybe that is why they are settling for the screens. That was just a bad pass and continues the offensive struggles in this game.
Jets sixth possession
The Jets gained 47 yards on the first six plays of the drive, moving from their 10-yard line to the Miami 43, in large part thanks for a 30-yard pass and run from Rodgers to Adams. The drive stalled there, however, as Hall was stopped after one yard, An incomplete pass and a four-yard gain on 3rd-and-9 led to a 4th-and-5 attempt. Defensive tackle Zach Sieler and linebacker Emmanuel Ogbah reached Rodgers for the sack and the turnover on downs.
Great. The defense made a stop. If the offense continues to look like whatever this has been for the first half, it really does not matter. Miami’s offense has to figure out whatever is causing this, and they have to figure it out now.
Dolphins seventh possession
A 13-yard pass to Hill opened the drive, but then running back Jeff Wilson, Jr., lost two yards. After the two-minute warning, Huntley fumbled but picked up the ball and threw an incomplete pass. On 3rd-and-12, Huntley again fumbled, this time as he was being sacked, and the Jets recovered.
The Dolphins simply have not shown up today. It is pretty bad. I wish I had more to say in these reactions, but at this point, it is just an embarrassing performance.
Jets seventh possession
Three 13-yard gains made up the entire drive. Hall ran for 13, Rodgers threw to tight end Kenny Yeboah for 13 yards, and Rodgers found Lazard on a slant for 13 yards and the touchdown. The Jets converted on the two-point try.
Yep, that seems about right. The Dolphins just are getting smacked around right now.
Meanwhile, the Broncos have extended their lead to 24-0 at the half.
Jets 15-6.
Dolphins eighth possession
Wide receiver Malik Washington returned the kickoff for 67 yards, giving Miami a chance to get back into this game. Achane picked up three yards on first down, then Washington caught a pass for eight yards. After an incomplete pass on 1st-and-10 from the Jets’ 16-yard line, Huntley threw a deep pass to the endzone looking for Waddle, but it was intercepted by New York.
That seems right at this point. A great play rewarded by a miserable offense that just cannot do anything. The Dolphins have to change something at halftime, because this just does not cut it.
Jets eighth possession
The Jets ran for two yards and let the clock reach halftime.
Halftime Thoughts
This is unacceptable and embarrassing. The Dolphins entered today needing a win to have five-straight winning seasons and a chance at their third-straight playoff appearance. They showed up looking like a team not interested in winning. They are lifeless and do not seem interested in doing anything as a team. Even when an individual makes a great play, like Dodson’s interception, Ramsey’s hit and pass break up, the sack by Sieler and Ogbah, or Washington’s great kick return, the team does absolutely nothing.
This is an embarrassment, plain and simple. This team is playing like they do not even have pride in what they are doing and just want to get to the offseason.
Third Quarter
Jets ninth possession
The Jets appeared to open the half with an explosive play, with Hall picking up 27 yards on an end around, but an illegal block penalty negated the play and backed up New York to their 17-yard line. Two plays later, Miami defensive tackle Calais Campbell sacked Rodgers for a nine-yard loss. The Jets would be forced to punt two plays later.
The defense stepped up and now the offense better have an answer. Campbell’s sack reached his contract bonus, giving him an additional $300,000.
Dolphins ninth possession
Achane started Miami’s possession with a 12-yard run, then the Jets gifted Miami five yards on a neutral zone infraction. Huntley was then sacked for a four-yard loss, fumbling the ball but recovering it. Huntley threw to Smith on a tight end screen pass, with Smith fumbling the ball and the Jets recovering.
That is now four straight turnovers for the Dolphins. Interception, fumble, interception, fumble. This is disgusting.
Jets tenth possession
Running back Isaiah Davis picked up 20 yards on the second play of the drive, moving New York down to the Dolphins’ 26-yard line. After Rodgers was sacked by Sieler, he threw a pass to Adams for 10 yards on the sideline. After Miami challenged the play, but the completed pass stood, the Jets faced 3rd-and-1. The Jets attempted a pass to Rodgers, with Lazard taking the pitch and looking downfield to the quarterback, but the ball was thrown away for an incomplete pass. On 4th-and-1, Sieler broke through the line and hit Allen, but the running back was able to fight forward for the first down. A pass toward Adams near the goal line was called for pass interference on cornerback Storm Duck, despite Duck being the only player looking for the ball and trying to make the catch, and the Jets were given a 1st-and-Goal from the Miami three-yard line. An incomplete pass, a run for a yard, and an incomplete pass led to a 4th down. The Jets settled for the field goal.
That pass interference call was bad, but at this point, what does it matter.
The Broncos now lead 31-0, in a blowout so bad CBS has changed the game they are airing.
Jets 18-6
Dolphins tenth possession
Miami opened the drive with a five-yard run from Achane and a six-yard run from Waddle. After an incomplete pass, Huntley was above to find Smith for a 12-yard gain. After Wright was stopped for a four-yard loss, Huntley returned to Smith for a five-yard gain. A 13-yard pass from Huntley to Washington converted for the first down – even after the Jets challenged the catch, but the play was upheld. Wright picked up three yards, then eight yards on back-to-back runs, but the third straight carry led to a three-yard loss. An illegal shift penalty backed Miami up even more, leading to a 2nd-and-18. Ingold picked up 12 yards on a screen pass as the quarter ended.
Fourth Quarter
Dolphins tenth possession (continued)
Huntley threw to wide receiver River Cracraft to open the period, gaining 11 yards. After an incomplete pass, Achane took the ball up the middle for the 15-yard score.
A complete drive from the Dolphins. They could still pull off the win, but that is trusting the offense to actually do something on another drive, something they have not proven they can do today. Was this just a one-off drive?
Jets 18-13.
Jets 11th possession
New York opened with short passes and runs, moving from their 30-yard line out to the 44 over four plays. On the fifth play, on 3rd-and-8, Rodgers found a wide-open Lazard across the middle of the field for a 43-yard gain. Two plays later, Rodgers scrambled and, just before crossing the line of scrimmage, connected with Adams in the endzone for the touchdown.
Of course. As soon as it looked like Miami might be able to climb back into the game, the defense makes a mistake and the Jets score. Lazard was handed off to a deep safety according to the scheme, but there was no safety there.
Jets 25-13
Dolphins 11th possession
Miami opened with a 15-yard pass to Smith, but then followed it with a three-yard run and two incomplete passes. On 4th-and-7, Huntley was able to scramble and find Washington for 20 yards. He then found Waddle for 17 yards, moving down to the New York 15. After throwing the ball away on first down, Huntley threw a short pass to Smith for a nine-yard gain. A two-yard loss on a Wilson run set up 4th-and-3 on the Jets’ 8-yard line. Huntley was able to find Cracraft for four yards, just passing the sticks for the first down. After an incomplete pass, Huntley found Smith for the touchdown.
The Dolphins have a pulse, but it really feels like a consolation at this point.
The Broncos won 38-0 to claim the final playoff position.
Jets 25-20
Jets 12th possession
On 3rd-and-8 three plays into the possession, Rodgers looked down the sideline to Adams, who caught a 29-yard pass to convert for a first down. After an 11-yard pass to Wilson and a four-yard run from Hall, the Jets took a timeout with 3:35 remaining in the game. After an incomplete pass, Miami declined an ineligible player downfield penalty to set up 3rd-and-6. New York converted on a 17-yard run from Hall. After a one-yard run, Miami called their last timeout. Rodgers avoided the pass rush and threw a short pass to Hall, who turned up field and scored on the six-yard catch and run.
Yep, that seems about right. The Dolphins just never bothered to show up for this game.
Jets 32-20.
Dolphins 12th possession
An eight-yard pass to Waddle was followed by two incomplete passes, setting up 4th-and-2 as the clock reached the two-minute warning. Huntley was able to scramble for the first down, but the clock continued to run and Miami had to hurry to the line. Huntley threw over the middle to Cracraft for 15 yards, then again for eight yards. After a New York timeout, Huntley threw to Smith for four yards. A holding penalty negated a six-yard gain from Achane, with Huntley then sacked for a six-yard loss. The game, and season, ended there.
Just…thank goodness it is over.
Final Thoughts
This game was just an embarrassment. There were some individual flashes throughout the game, but as a whole, the team just did not show up. They had a chance to finish with a winning record. They had a chance – if the Chiefs had not packed it in for Week 18 – to make the playoffs. And they came out unable to do anything.
The defense started the game well, but when the offense could not do anything, the defense lost steam. Special teams made plays, but again, the offense could not do anything. When the offense finally found itself late, the defense was done and the Jets answered every score.
This game leaves the Dolphins with a ton of questions that have to be answered. After all of the contract extensions this offseason and summer, it seems like the team will run it back for 2025 with much the same core, but there has to be a lot of introspection and self-evaluation to figure out what has happened and how to fix it.
This offseason is going to be an important one for Miami. They have built this team to win now, and they did not win. How can they make sure 2025 is not another waste of a year.
