5 takeaways: Dolphins get first win of season vs. Jets but lose Tyreek Hill

C. Isaiah Smalls II, Miami Herald on Sep 29, 2025

Published in Football

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MIAMI — The Miami Dolphins might have come out on top, but their first victory of the season doesn’t feel sweet at all.

Miami beat the New York Jets 27-21 but lost star wideout Tyreek Hill to what many believe to be a dislocated left knee.

The play occurred early in the third quarter after the star receiver caught a 10-yard pass. When Jets safety Malachi Moore went to tackle Hill, the wideout’s leg got caught underneath him, mangling the appendage in the process. Hill’s leg was quickly put in an air cast, and he was carted off.

Tua protects the ball

Tagovailoa had committed a turnover in every single game to start the season. His four interceptions — five total turnovers — were among the highest in the league.

The franchise quarterback played a clean game against the Jets, however, as he smartly protected the ball. Tagovailoa also played rather efficient, completing 68% of his passes for 177 yards and two touchdowns.

Arguably the best part? Tagovailoa connected with both Jaylen Waddle (25 yards) and Hill (28 yards) for huge gains.

Darren Waller came back with a bang

Well, that’s certainly one way to announce your presence. Waller finished with three catches for 27 yards and two touchdowns.

The stats, however, don’t tell you the circumstances of each grab.

His first catch – a 14-yard gain – helped the Dolphins convert on third down. Waller’s touchdown came as he mossed Jets All-Pro cornerback Sauce Gardner on fourth down. He then caught his second touchdown after Hill’s injury, providing a much-needed energy boost after what can only be described as a gruesome moment.

After missing all of training camp and the first three games of the season, Waller certainly made his presence felt.

Dolphins defense ends turnover drought

The Dolphins spent much of the weak practicing how to strip the ball.

Well, it looks like their hard work paid off.

The Dolphins forced three fumbles – two via the defense and one on special teams – that led to 14 points.

Arguably the best turnover came in the first quarter when cornerback Jack Jones ripped the ball from running back Braelon Allen just before he crossed the goal line.

Dolphins run defense has issues

Miami came into Monday night as the fifth-worst run defense, ceding roughly 145 yards per game on the ground.

That much didn’t change as the Jets ran for 197 yards. This was in large part due to duo of quarterback Justin Fields, who finished with seven carries for 81 yards plus a touchdown, and Breece Hall, who added another 81 on 14 touches.

By halftime, the Jets had racked up 115 rushing yards. On the Jets’ first possession after the break, Fields scored on 43-yard scramble.

This must be fixed as the Dolphins will play quite a few teams with successful rushing attacks before the season ends including the Baltimore Ravens, Buffalo Bills and Washington Commanders.

The Jets might’ve found their tight end of the future

And he’s from down the street.

St. Thomas graduate Mason Taylor led all Jets pass-catchers in receptions (five) and yards receiving (65, both of which were career highs. Taylor also happens to be the son of Dolphins legend Jason Taylor. The six-time Pro Bowler was in attendance, noticeably wearing neither Jets nor Dolphins colors, choosing instead to rock his golden Pro Hall of Fame jacket.

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