In a game filled with missed opportunities, the Jets found a way to capitalize on the one which always matters most. The last one.
Sam Fickens converted a 44-yard field goal attempt with time expiring to give the Jets a 22-21 victory over the Miami Dolphins, Sunday at MetLife Stadium.
Miami scored all of their points on seven field goals by their kicker, Jason Sanders. He would’ve had eight, which would’ve tied an NFL record, but his one miss was off a bad snap and hold.
The Dolphins came in with a top-five league ranking for red zone offense. Miami threatened six times inside the Jets’ 20 six times, however they were only able to manage field goals each time.
Fickens, meanwhile, converted field goals all three of his attempts for the Jets, including the game-winner.
The Jets needed this win to help flush away what was left from an embarrassing loss to the Bengals a week earlier. The fact they were able to do it while still getting hammered by injuries was an impressive achievement.
Jamal Adams and Le’Veon Bell were both inactive against the Dolphins. Adams is still recovering from a sprained ankle he suffered early in the loss to the Bengals. Bell was held out due to an illness he’s been battling.
With two impact players out, the Jets needed their franchise quarterback to step out and lead them to victory.
Sam Darnold completed 20 of 36 passes for 270 yards and he threw for two touchdowns. It wasn’t a lights-out performance from Darnold by any means. He missed on a handful of deep throws, specifically while trying to get the football to wide receiver Robby Anderson.
Anderson showed again why he should be considered as a long-term option in this team’s future. The playmaker finished seven catches for 116 yards and a touchdown catch.
Bilal Powell stepped in for Bell this week and contributed a much-needed lift to the ground game. The veteran running back carried 19 times for 74 yards. Powell’s play early in the first half helped set the tone for head coach Adam Gase to dial up his passing attack for Darnold.
Miami, which came into this week looking to sweep the season series from the Jets, almost came away with this one.
Darnold, while trying to lead his team on a winning drive, threw an incompletion to Vyncint Smith. Dolphins cornerback Nik Needham broke up the pass attempt, however the call was overturned by officials after a video review showed pass interference.
The Jets received a first down and, a couple of plays later, sealed it with Ficken’s game-winning kick.
What’s Next?
The Jets, now 5-8, must now prepare for a red-hot Baltimore Ravens team led by the dynamic Lamar Jackson, in a Thursday night matchup on the road.