The Miami Dolphins have been witnessing a fabulous season this year with an impressive winning streak. Just after a 14-21 loss to the defending champion Kansas City Chiefs, they buckled up and ensured two back-to-back wins. After defeating the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 11, the team has smashed the New York Jets with a big win.
The Dolphins’ past few victories have made a record due to their huge winning margin, and seemingly, it is going to get stronger only. With the latest win, they are closing in on their eighth victory this season. However, their defense might witness a nightmare in the upcoming games, as they might have lost one of their key defensive players for a long time.
Jaelan Phillips suffers severe leg injury
The notorious MetLife Stadium’s turf continues to spark controversy and concern among NFL players due to its potential role in severe player injuries. The recent incidents involving Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers potential season-ending injury have reignited the criticism.
Rodgers’ debut match for the Jets ended in a devastating left Achilles tendon tear just moments into the game against the Buffalo Bills,leading to his sidelining for rehabilitation. He is now out of the team to rehab from the injury.
Now, the MetLife Stadium is once again in the light of criticism as Dolphins linebacker Jaelan Phillips sustained a scary leg injury on the turf. The veteran’s injury, occurring without contact, took place as he collapsed while stepping out of his stance during the fourth quarter of the match against the Dolphins. The aftermath of the third-year star’s injury suggests a grim outlook, with speculations pointing towards a torn Achilles or ACL, both potentially sidelining him for the rest of the 2023 season.
Dolphins Miami safety Jevon Holland didn’t mince words while bluntly labeling the stadium’s turf as “trash” following his teammate’s distressing injury. Holland’s comments echo past statements shared by other players who have expressed concerns about the safety of the turf at the stadium.
“Since I’ve been in the league, I’ve heard the field is trash. I don’t know the statistics or anything like that, but I do know turf does increase the chances of getting hurt, he said via AP News.
Phillips’ absence will be a huge blow for the Dolphins, as he had four tackles, a sack, two quarterback hits, and three tackles for loss on Friday before getting carted off. Prior to entering the match on Friday, he had recorded 5.5 sacks, 39 tackles (25 solo), four tackles for loss, and nine quarterback hits.
Dolphins ease past Jets to maintain dominance in AFC East
The Jets’ woeful season hit a new low on Friday at MetLife Stadium as they sank deeper into despair with a lackluster 34-13 loss to the Dolphins. The game marked Tim Boyle’s debut as the starting QB following Zach Wilson’s failure to prove his caliber in past games.
However, Boyle, after a 27-of-38 passing performance, amassed only 179 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions before getting benched eventually.
Meanwhile, the Dolphins dominance shone through as their defense just smashed the Jets’ offense by securing seven sacks and two interceptions.
Their D-side also severely limited their opponent to a mere 159 yards of total O-lune. Holland intercepted Boyle’s Hail Mary attempt just before halftime, returning it an astonishing 99 yards for an incredible touchdown.
Signal-caller Tua Tagovailoa showcased his mettle once more by completing 21 of 30 passes, although he encountered two interceptions beside his touchdown throw as well. Raheem Mostert recorded two touchdowns, and the dynamic wide receiver duo of Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill combined for an impressive 216 yards.
This whopping victory has firmly positioned the Dolphins two games ahead of the Buffalo Bills. Conversely, for the Jets, the season continues to be marred by only setbacks and challenges.
