The 3-1 Miami Dolphins travel to New Jersey on Sunday to take on the surprising 2-2 New York Jets. The Dolphins hope to stay on top in the AFC East and pick up a win without starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who is still recovering from a head injury. The Jets can move into a tie with the Dolphins as they play their first AFC East opponent this season. The opening kick for this AFC East battle is set for 1:00pm EST.
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It has been a tumultuous several days for the Dolphins since their 27-15 loss at Cincinnati last Thursday night. While the Dolphins lost their first game of the season, that was hardly the topic of conversation following the game. Starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, fresh off a questionable return to the previous week's game after what appeared to be a head injury, had to be carted off the field after being slammed to the ground in a scary moment that left both teams visibly shaken. He was taken to the hospital and released but will be out for the foreseeable future as he remains in concussion protocol and the NFLPA investigates all the circumstances leading up to his latest injury. Backup quarterback Teddy Bridgewater stepped in and played well under the circumstances, completing 14-of-23 for 193 yards with a touchdown and one interception.
“Very scary moment,” Miami first-year head coach Mike McDaniel said. “He was evaluated for a concussion. He's in the concussion protocol, but he's being discharged. It's an emotional moment. It's not a part of the deal you sign up for.”
The Dolphins continued to feed wide receiver Tyreek Hill, who had 10 catches for 160 yards. The Dolphins' special teams were not so special as kicker Jason Sanders had one field goal blocked and missed a PAT in the team's first loss. Defensively, the Dolphins gave up 371 total yards of offense but were particularly burned on third downs, giving up 7-of-15 3rd down conversions compared to their own dismal 2-of-11 third down conversion rate.
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— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) October 6, 2022
The Dolphins hot start to the season has been one of the surprise stories of the season as new coach Mike McDaniel has implemented his offensive philosophy to the team seamlessly. After four week, the Dolphins rank 9th in scoring offense this season. They are just 29th running the football but 3rd in the league in passing. The Dolphins red zone efficiency has been outstanding as well, ranking 6th in the NFL. On the defensive side of the ball Miami is ranked 16th in scoring defense. They are ranked 11th against the run but that number may be skewed because of how inefficient they are against the pass. Miami is ranked 31st in the league against the pass. The bend but don't break defensive philosophy seems to be alive and well in Miami as the team is ranked 6th in red zone defensive efficiency.
Key Injuries: Tua is out for this game and Bridgewater will be under center. The Dolphins announced that all-pro CB Xavier Howard (groin) missed prac tice towards the end of the week as well as starting wideout Jaylen Waddle (groin). Monitor their health on Sunday morning as the loss of either would be huge.