Dolphins crush the Jets 34-13 on their way to a winning season.
Dolphins crush the hated Jets and their old image in one fell swoop.
The Miami Dolphins trekked up north for a meaningful, December game against their hated division rivals, the N.Y. Jets; And in the cold, down early, with the pressure on, they didn’t blink — they just kicked @$$.
It started off ugly with the defense giving up a touchdown on the Jets first offensive drive of the game. And as Petty drove the Jets down the field for a second time, a familiar worry started to creep in.
However, the Dolphins caused a sack-fumble and a turn-over, and never looked back — except to look at the trail of carnage they left behind to the tune of 4 defensive turnovers and 3 sacks, and Matt Moore tossing 4 touchdowns.
Miami is now 9-5, and at the very least, they have secured their first winning season since 2008. But the real goal is making the Playoffs.
The Dolphins now hold the rights to the 6th and final playoff spot and will be quietly keeping an eye on the New England Patriots vs. Denver Broncos game today — along with a few other AFC games that will have impact on Miami’s playoff hopes. The pay per head sportsbook websites in the world have the Patriots as the -3 point favorite against the Broncos, and the public is loading up on the Patriots at a ridiculously lopsided ratio of 10 to 1. As we have said in the past, when the public is that lopsided on one team, then the other team generally covers. So, even though most fans are writing the Broncos off against the Patriots, don’t be surprised if they sneak away with the home victory.
Jets were a sweet stepping stone to a winning season.
If the Broncos win, then they would take hold of the 6th and final playoff spot, but the silver lining in this would be that the Dolphins would then only be two games behind the Patriots in the AFC East. Sure, there would only be two games left for both teams, and the Dolphins would still be extremely long shots to win the division. But, if the Patriots lost their last two games and the Dolphins won their last two games, then the Dolphins would miraculously win the division — dreams, while fragile, can be sweet.
If the Patriots win today, then the Broncos would fall to 8-6, and Miami would stay in sole possession of the 6th and final playoff spot. If this situation were to occur, then Miami would have a legitimate chance to lock up a playoff spot next week with a victory against the Bills. Also, a loss by the Broncos would be followed up by a road trip to play against a very good Kansas City Chiefs team.
By now, we Miami fans should have learned to prepare for good things with this 2016 Dolphins team. It’s been a good ride so far, no matter how it ends. But, there’s plenty of room and opportunity for more, so let’s get ahead of the curve and start expecting it. Go Fins!!!