The Miami Dolphins earned their first win of the 2026 season over their AFC East rival New York Jets in Week 7 by a score of 28-25.
The Dolphins hadn’t led on the scoreboard at any point this season, and today they never gave up the lead after an opening-drive touchdown. Miami was able to hang on to the three-point win as the Jets almost pulled off a second-half comeback.
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Jeff Hafley has his first victory as the Dolphins head coach in the first divisional game of the season. Here are five takeaways from a big win for the Dolphins.
Quality game by Malik Willis
There is no doubt this was the best game Malik Willis has played at quarterback for the Dolphins. Willis started this game red hot and led the Dolphins on three touchdown drives in the first half.
Willis finished the first half completing 10 of 13 attempts for 128 yards and scored two of his three touchdowns as the Dolphins established a 21-7 lead. The Dolphins controlled the time-of-possession for over 21 minutes in the first half.
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Willis finished the game with 208 passing yards and three total touchdowns, two passing and one rushing. Willis was more decisive on his throws and when to utilize his running ability, rushing for 37 yards on 8 attempts. He also didn’t commit a single turnover and was only sacked twice.
Career day for Ollie Gordon II
Ollie Gordon II continues to run the ball effectively and posted the best game of his career. Gordon totaled a career-best 103 yards on 25 attempts and a touchdown.
Gordon has found the end zone in four straight games as he continues to shine in relief of De’Von Achane, who’s out for the season with an ACL tear. Gordon is in his second season and looks to have a bright future if he can keep this production up.
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Key defensive plays stopped the Jets from tying the score
In close games like this, there are often a few key plays that a team needs to come out victorious. Looking back on this contest, there were two defensive stops that allowed the Dolphins to maintain the lead and keep momentum.
The first key stop of the day was an interception by rookie safety Michael Taaffe in the second quarter. This game initially had the makings of an offensive shootout with three touchdown drives to begin the game and Miami up 14-7. New York’s offense responded by effectively moving the ball back into Miami territory, looking poised to tie the game at 14.
But Taaffe put an end to this drive with the second interception of his career on a play where he read quarterback Geno Smith perfectly.
After Taaffe’s interception stopped the potential game-tying drive, the Jets offense didn’t cross midfield again for the rest of the first half as the Dolphins established a 21-7 lead. This play solidified momentum for Miami early, which allowed them to earn a multi-score lead.
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The second key defensive stop occurred on another potential game-tying drive for the Jets, this time in the fourth quarter with Miami up 21-14. The Jets were set up perfectly on the Miami goal line with a fresh set of downs.
After the Dolphins stopped the Jets twice at the goal line, edge rusher Chop Robinson recorded a sack on third-and-goal and forced the field goal.
The sack by Robinson forced the Jets to settle for 3 points and cut the Miami lead to 21-17. The Jets had a golden opportunity to tie the game and put pressure on the Dolphins offense. Instead, the Dolphins maintained the lead, which they did not give up.
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These big plays in big moments are often the difference in the outcome of football games.
Caleb Douglas needs to be used more consistently throughout the game
Rookie wide receiver Caleb Douglas returned to action today after being out multiple weeks with an ankle injury and caught both of Willis’ touchdown passes. Douglas totaled 70 yards on his two touchdown receptions, his first from seven yards out on the opening drive, and his second for 63 yards to give the Dolphins a 28-17 lead with under five minutes left in the fourth quarter.
However, the two touchdowns were Douglas’ only receptions of the game, and he only had three targets.
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Even though Malik Willis had his best game as quarterback for the Dolphins, the offense is still lacking consistent production out of the wide receiver group. The leading receiver on the day was tight end Greg Dulcich, who totaled 86 receiving yards on five receptions (all in the first half).
At some point, the Dolphins will need to make Douglas a part of the game plan consistently throughout the game. In the limited time he has played this year, Douglas has shown the potential to be a go-to wideout for this team
The offense came out flat for the Dolphins after an impressive first half. Miami punted on its first three drives to begin the second half as New York attempted to mount a comeback. Making Douglas a priority more consistently could be key to the Dolphins not taking their foot off the gas and keeping a comfortable lead.
Dolphins’ defense did a better job pressuring the QB, but struggled to stop the Jets’ rushing attack
The Miami defense did a better job applying pressure to the quarterback in the pocket, recording two sacks and six QB hits on Geno Smith.
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However, the Dolphins struggled to contain running back Braelon Allen, who totaled 104 yards on 17 attempts, averaging 6.1 yards per carry.
The Jets’ ability to run the ball allowed them to stay creative offensively and keep the Miami defense honest. Jeff Hafley’s defense has been inconsistent against the run this season, and today it was instrumental in the Jets putting together scoring drives in the second half and staying within striking distance.
This article originally appeared on Dolphins Wire: Takeaways from Dolphins’ 28-25 win over Jets in in Week 7
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