Eric Decker has had a solid first half despite playing with a knee injury. (Getty)
FINAL SCORE
New York Jets 10-10-7-0 — 27
Miami Dolphins 0-7-0-7 — 14
FINAL: Jets Control Overseas Affair
It was never close in London, as the Jets beat up on the Dolphins, 27-14. The Jets looked every bit the more physical team, and over 200 of their 425 total yards were earned on the ground. Chris Ivory, who was coming off an injury, rushed 29 times for 166 yards and a score. Ryan Fitzpatrick wasn’t perfect, but was dealing for stretches of the game, and found Brandon Marshall seven times for 128 yards.
For the Dolphins, the concerns were immediate after a lackluster first quarter. Another week, another slow start. More questionable play-calling. More teams running on this expensive front seven. Reporters in Miami are calling not only for Philbin’s job, but also for the job of defensive coordinator Kevin Coyle. There aren’t many solid replacements available right now, but the Dolphins are in danger of losing their season.
Both teams have a bye next week.
Too Little Too Late for Tannehill
This Dolphins team is the 2007 London Dolphins team, not the 2014 London Dolphins team.
Jets letting this dumpster fire team hang around smh
The Dolphins have been a disappointment in London, but at least they’re not giving up. Jarvis Landry is playing his heart out, but he can’t play every position. The Dolphins showed some life here, getting a quick scoring drive together to start a turnaround.
But that can’t happen today, against a Jet team that is dominating on the ground. Ivory is running tough, and the Dolphins line is being pushed around. The Dolphins have real issues heading into their bye week.
Jets Stay Hot, Dolphins Fizzle in Third
After an uninspired first half, the Dolphins defense needed to make a plat to help their team get back in the game.
It never happened.
The Jets opened the second half with a nine play march, ending with Zac Stacy punching in a two-yard TD. The Jets went 78 yards over nine plays, and don’t show any signs of stopping. This could get ugly.
HALFTIME: Dolphins Struggling in London
It hasn’t been pretty as a Dolphins fan this season. It isn’t getting any better.
The Dolphins have started 0-6 on third down. They have 65 total yards. They have committed six penalties. It isn’t that the Jets are playing well, even though they are. The way the Dolphins offense tries to force the screen game is maddening. Their complete abandonment of anything resembling a run game is bizarre. The Jets have rushed for over 100 yards, and show no signs of slowing down unless Fitzpatrick fizzles out. That’s Miami’s only way back in. Fitzy’s thrown some sketchy balls already today, and turnovers will be the difference in this divisional matchup.
.@nyjets have won 41 straight games when leading by 13+ pts after halftime
Dolphins have lost 45 straight when trailing by 13+ after half
Late Fitzmagic Gets Jets 6 Before Halftime
Just as Ryan Fitzpatrick was showing us the bad Fitzpatrick he orchestrates a beautiful 2 Min drive. Good poise on a couple 3rd Downs.
With time running down in the first half, the Jets put one more quick scoring drive together. The spark came from Fitzpatrick, who picked up 19 yards on a third down scramble. After a hot start, Fitzpatrick cooled in the second quarter, but got into a rhythm on the last drive. He finished it off in nine plays, hitting Decker under the goalpost for the score.
Dolphins Use Penalties For First Scoring Drive
TOUCHDOWN MIAMI!!!!!!!!!!! Misdirection play from Tannehill on fake toss, rolls back and finds Jake Stoneburner in back of endzone.
The Dolphins finally put a drive together thanks to…the officiating crew. The Jets were flagged for pass intereference on two straight plays, giving the Dolphins a whopping 58 yards. Working from the eight yard line, Tannehill lobbed a pass to tight end Jake Stoneburner, who tapped his feet in the corner to put the Dolphins on the board.
Decker’s Hands Add to Jets Total
What a grab indeed. Great catch by Decker, we’ll see if that knee is okay #Jets
After a defensive holding penalty on the Dolphins extended the drive, the Jets got a big boost from Eric Decker. The former Broncos wideout, who is dealing with a knee injury, made a great catch to pick up big yardage for Gang Green. Decker hauled in a pass with one hand for 26 yards, but walked off the field gingerly. Devin Smith filled in for Decker, and was unable to complete two passes thrown his way. The Jets settled for three, extending their lead to 13.
Rookie problems: Devin Smith not even looking for the ball and miscommunication with Fitz. Suh, meanwhile, beats Brick to hit Fitz
Another Sack Forces Another Punt
The Dolphins had hoped to put a nightmare first quarter behind them, but Ryan Tannehill was sacked on the first play of the 2nd. Tannehill was helpless against the blitz, and was dumped by David Harris. That forced a 3rd and extra long, and eventually, another Dolphins punt.
Jets Blitz Causing Miami Problems
First-quarter scoring this season: Opponents 37, Dolphins 3.
Jets defense comes out smoking, forcing three straight punts. Lot of pressure on Tannehill, who’s having trouble w/ screens. #NYJ
The Dolphins, probably playing for their coaches’ job, have come out flat. again.
Dear offensive line,
If you are wearing aqua, please stand in front of people wearing white.
Sincerely,
Dolphins fans (and Ryan Tannehill)
The Jets are bringing the heat, and there’s nothing the Dolphins can do. The Jets’ front is forcing the Dolphins into obvious passing downs, allowing the Todd Bowles to dial up the pressure. Tannehill has started 3/7 for 25 yards.
Former Dolphin Marshall Getting Fed
Brandon Marshall is getting plenty of looks early. He’s feasting on Miami’s smaller defensive backs, and has hauled in Fitzpatrick’s first three completions for 89 yards.
If Marshall is the lightning, then Ivory has been the thunder. He’s been vintage Ivory, spinning and smashing his way for extra yardage. The Jets put a nother drive together, but were forced to kick a field goal from inside the red zone.
Hey Chris Ivory is running well.
Let’s throw three straight downs, twice to Brandon Marshall!
Jets Go Deep Early
Jets coach Todd Bowles took a page out of Cardinal coaching mate Bruce Arians on the first play, taking a deep shot to open things up. Fitzpatrick reared back and launched a bomb to Brandon Marshall, who pulled the ball out of the air for 58 yards.
After the bomb, the Jets pounded the ground with Chris Ivory, who showed no signs of a quad injury during two physical runs. His first rush went for 12, and his second rush went for three yards and the game’s first touchdown.
Touchdown stands, a 3-yard run by Ivory. Bold play call on first play, going after Miami’s best CB, Brent Grimes. #NYJvsMIA
Dolphins First Drive Stalls
If this Jets D gets Sheldon Richardson back, look out.
After a run by Lamar Miller reminded us who he is, the Dolphins looked like they were ready to move on the Jets. That quickly changed, as the offense made several small mistakes that ultimately doomed the drive. Tannehill was inaccurate, missing his first two throws. A false start penalty pushed them to 3rd and 15, when a called bubble screen didn’t pick up nearly enough yards.
Rishard Matthews with a critical false start. Third and 15 & Dolphins throw quick hitch to Jarvis Landry? Talk about miracles?
A decent start, but the Dolphins will punt.
Game Preview
Lamar Miller hopes to avoid another week of struggles against a tough Jets defense. (Getty)
Two teams will take the pitch Sunday for a classic league fixture.
Sorry, couldn’t resist.
Fans will enjoy a timeless rivalry with a twist Sunday morning, as the Jets and Dolphins square off in the first of three scheduled games this season. This has the unique distinction of being the first divisional game to be played in London, adding to the notion that the NFL is serious about studying abroad.
For the two teams involved, this couldn’t be a worse time for a European vacation. The Dolphins are on the heel of arguably their worst loss of the Joe Philbin era, a 41-14 beatdown courtesy of Buffalo. This week Jets will try to improve to 2-1 under Todd Bowles, and Ryan Fitzpatrick hopes to rebound after a shaky start against Philadelphia. Geno Smith is currently active, and another bad start from Fitz could stir up a controversy.
Forget controversy in Miami, because the Dolphins are in full on panic mode. As if losing to Jacksonville wasn’t enough, the Dolphins, a preseason playof pick, could be looking at 1-3 heading into their bye week. If Miami has another lousy performance against the Jets at Wembley, Philbin may need to purchase his own ticket home.