Ryan Fitzpatrick threw three touchdown passes as the host Miami Dolphins won their second straight game, defeating the winless New York Jets 24-0 on Sunday afternoon.
It was Miami’s first shutout over New York since the 1982 postseason, and the game also marked the NFL debut of rookie first-round pick Tua Tagovailoa, who went 2-for-2 for 9 yards in garbage time for Miami.
The Dolphins (3-3), who have won five straight games at Hard Rock Stadium against the Jets, were led by Fitzpatrick, who completed 18-of-27 passes — including a shovel toss with his off (left) hand while under duress — for 191 yards. He was intercepted twice.
Dolphins cornerback Xavien Howard intercepted a pass for the fourth straight game, tying a franchise record.
Jets safety Marcus Maye also had an interception, and it was spectacular as he caught it up against his back.
New York (0-6) is the only winless team in the NFL, and Sunday’s loss amped up the pressure on Jets coach Adam Gase — formerly of the Dolphins — who is considered on the hot seat to be fired.
The Jets played without quarterback Sam Darnold (shoulder injury) for the second straight week. Left tackle Mekhi Becton also was out (shoulder).
Jets fill-in quarterback Joe Flacco, who entered the game 7-0 in his career against Miami, took the loss, completing 21 of 44 passes for 186 yards, with one interception. New York was outgained 302-263.
The Dolphins were without starting linebacker Kyle Van Noy (foot, groin injuries). His replacement, Andrew Van Ginkel, left in the second quarter due to a concussion.
Miami, playing as the favorite for the first time in 21 games, had the only score of the first quarter. Fitzpatrick completed a 4-yard pass to tight end Adam Shaheen, who got into the end zone for the second straight week. On this play, Shaheen slipped out by running laterally behind the line of scrimmage.
The Dolphins went into halftime with a 21-0 lead as Fitzpatrick tossed two more TD passes. First, he threw a 3-yard slant to Preston Williams, who beat rookie cornerback Lamar Jackson. Then, with 1:53 left in the half, Fitzpatrick threw a 4-yarder to tight end Durham Smythe, who was alone.
Miami extended its lead to 24-0 with the only points of the third quarter — Jason Sanders’ 24-yard field goal.
Neither team converted a third-down conversion until the Jets did it on a play when the ball was snapped with 10:47 left in the game. To that point, New York was 1 of 13 on third downs, and Miami was 0 of 7. The Jets finished 2 of 17 while the Dolphins were 1 of 9.
But New York’s last drive ended on downs at Miami’s 7-yard line with 2:27 left. Tagovailoa and the Dolphins then ran out the clock.
–Field Level Media
