The New York Jets (5-8) defeated the Miami Dolphins (3-10) in a sloppy 22-21 game that featured 10 combined field goals from both teams, including the 44-yard game-winner from Jets’ kicker, Sam Ficken, as time expired.
A controversial defensive pass interference call on Miami’s Nik Needham ultimately decided the outcome of the game in the closing seconds. Instead of fourth-and-long, the Jets were awarded a first down.
“I thought it was pass interference,” said Jets QB Same Darnold. “And, obviously, they overturned it.”
Three plays later, Sam Ficken connected on a 44-yard field goal to win the game by one point as the clock ran out.
“Honestly, it’s just trash,” Needham said.
The Jets bounced back after an embarrassing loss in Week 13 to the previously winless Cincinnati Bengals. Even an ugly win is still a victory nonetheless.
“I had a couple of game-winners in college, but this is definitely the best moment kick I’ve had in my pro career,” said Ficken. “It feels really good.”
Of course it feels good, because Ficken propelled the Jets to a comeback victory to avenge an earlier-season loss to the Dolphins.
10 FG
Sam Darnold struggled on 20-for-36 passing with an interception, but he still threw two touchdowns for the Jets, including one to Robby Anderson.
Ficken connected on three field goals for a perfect 3-for-3 game, including the game winner. However, He went 1-for-2 on extra points, however.
Jason Sanders from the Dolphins connected on 7-for-8 field goals, including a 53-yarder. Combined, both kickers went 10-for-11 on field goal attempts.
Credit the Jets’ red zone defense for this victory. Gang Green’s defense prevented the Dolphins from reaching the end zone all game on 10 total drives. The Dolphins penetrated the red zone six times, but Ryan Fitzpatrick never punched the ball into the end zone. FitzMagic never materialized, so the Dolphins settled for seven field goals, which was nearly enough offense to win the game against the LOLJets.
No Bell and Adams
The Jets rallied back to defeat the Dolphins, but did so without starting RB Le’veon Bell and safety Jamal Adams. The Jets managed to secure a revenge win without their best offensive and defensive players.
Bell came down with a nasty case of the flu over the weekend, and he missed Sunday’s game. Bilal Powell came off the bench and rushed for 74 yards on 19 carries.
Adams injured his ankle last week against the Cincinnati Bengals. He missed practice all week, and was spotted with a walking boot. Adams couldn’t go on Sunday, and missed his first game in his short career with the Jets.
On Deck: Lamar Jackson on TNF
The Jets had it easy the last couple of weeks, facing opponents such as the NY Giants, Washington Redskins, Cincinnati Bengals, and the Dolphins. Aside from the loss to the Bengals last week, the Jets are 4-1 in their last five games.
The Jets currently own the ninth-worst record in the NFL. They can’t even tank properly. If the season ended today, the Jets would lock up the #9 pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. Not to fear, because the Jets will probably finish the season on an 0-3 clip.
Darnold and company will likely end this up-and-down season on a difficult note, facing three AFC opponents who are all bound for the playoffs. The Jets have two more away games against the Baltimore Ravens (11-2) and Buffalo Bills (9-4), and one more home game in Week 16 when they host Bell’s old team, the Steelers, at MetLife Stadium.
The Jets are +15.5 road dogs against the Ravens in Baltimore this week on Thursday Night Football.
For more weekly misery and angst from a jaded Jets fan, check out the #LOLJets chronicles.