Dolphins sweep the Jets
Things have not been great for Jimmy Johnson’s Dolphins in 1997; however, if they played the New York Jets every week, they would have a banner year. The Dolphins defeated the Jets, 19-3, in front of nearly 74,000 people at Pro Player Stadium in Miami on Sunday to complete the season sweep of the Jets. The Dolphins beat the Jets 24-17 earlier in the year in New Jersey.
The now 4-6 Dolphins controlled the football on their way to victory. The Dolphins held a huge time of possession advantage as they ran the football 39 times in the game. The Dolphins possessed the ball 34:15 of the clock, while the Jets held it for just under 26 minutes.
The other story in the game was the Jets were without their starting QB Neil O’Donnell, who was out with a separated shoulder. Backup Glen Foley had a rough day as he was 17 of 37 passing for 168 yards and an interception. The Jets couldn’t get their run game going either. They were held to 58 yards on 17 carries.
Dolphins’ QB Dan Marino had a good day. He was 17 of 28 for 192 yards. He moved the Dolphins into scoring territory multiple times, but it seemed like when they hit the Jets’ 25-yard line, the Dolphins’ drive stalled out. Olindo Mare booted three 42-yard field goals on the day. He also kicked a 23-yarder late in the 4th quarter.
The only TD of the day was scored by running back Karim Abdul-Jabbar. He rushed 26 times for only 80 yards, but he did have the TD.
After starting 0-5, the Dolphins have now won 4 of their last five games and hope to keep it rolling against Buffalo at home on Monday Night Football next week. As for the Jets, they are still battling New England for the AFC East crown despite losing three of their last four games. The Jets are currently 6-4 and will go to Chicago next Sunday to try to get back on track. It sounds like O’Donnell may be back next week against the Bears.