The Miami Dolphins had a miserable run against New York Jets on Sunday afternoon at MetLife Stadium, falling 40-17 to their division foes.
With quarterback Tua Tagovailoa out due to injury, Teddy Bridgewater became the second Dolphin from Miami-Dade County to start at quarterback on Sunday, but it was short-lived.
Cornerback Sauce Gardner hit the seven-year NFL veteran in the end zone on Miami’s first offensive play of the game, compelling him to fling a last-second pass that was called intentional grounding and resulted in a safety. Bridgewater left the game to be examined for a head injury and an elbow injury but did not return.
Skylar Thompson, who replaced Teddy Bridgewater after he went down on Miami’s first drive, rushed for 113 yards and one touchdown, becoming the first Dolphin to hit the 100-yard rushing mark this season.
As Thompson adapted himself to Miami’s offense, New York (3-2) capitalized on the Dolphins’ offensive miseries.
The Jets built up a 12-0 second quarter lead thanks to a 34-yard field goal and a 79-yard pass to running back Breece Hall that set up a one-yard touchdown rush by Michael Carter.
When the Jets marked another touchdown, Thompson started to find his footing. On the last drive of the half, the Dolphins paced 75 yards down the field in 2:34 to score.
Thompson nearly had his first career touchdown pass with a nine-yard throw to Mostert on the drive, but he stepped out just before breaking the pylon. Moments later, a direct snap to tight end Durham Smythe on second-and-goal from the one made it 19-14 in favor of the Jets at halftime.
Thompson finished with 166 passing yards and an interception in his NFL debut. Tyreek Hill led all receivers with seven receptions for 47 yards.
Miami’s defense held New York scoreless in the third, allowing just 50 yards of total offense. Safety Brandon Jones registered the Dolphins’ second sack of the game in the quarter as he sprinted down quarterback Zach Wilson for a 17-yard loss.
The Dolphins return to Hard Rock Stadium to face the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Oct. 16. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m.
