The Miami Dolphins did well to get a win on Sunday and move to 6-7 on the year. The Dolphins went to New Jersey (not by choice, the NFL schedule said they had to) and obliterated the New York Jets 34-10 to put another nail in a Jets’ coffin that didn’t need any more nails.
Their recent four-game winning streak may be too little too late, but it could end up being enough for Mike McDaniel to keep his job.
During the big win though, they did lose their best offensive player. Following a 29-yard run, running back De’Von Achane took himself out of the game with a rib injury and didn’t return.
The good news for the Dolphins is that he could have come back in the game if they needed him to.
“He was hurting, but he was available to come back in the game in an emergency,” McDaniel said after the win. “You worry about breaks — that takes time. Didn’t see that, but he will be getting treatment. He was available to come back in the game. I just chose not to put him in.”
Jaylen Wright stepped up in Achane’s absence
Achane was off to the races on Sunday, putting up 105 total yards and a touchdown on just eight touches. Go Jets?
In his place, Jaylen Wright came in and took over. Heading into the game, Wright had only played in five games this year and picked up 65 yards on 18 carries.. Against the Jets, he ran 24 times for 107 yards and his first career touchdown.
Count Wright as amongst those who weren’t surprised.
“I mean, this is what I expected — I know I can do this,” he said. “Just give me a ball. I know what I’m going to do.”
Ollie Gordon also grabbed 17 yards and a touchdown on his five carries.
Mike McDaniel has high praise for Jaylen Wright
McDaniel was pleased to see Wright have some success after a bit of a tough training camp. With Achane battling a camp injury, Wright struggled in preseason games and Gordon looked like the better back.
But, on Sunday, Wright got the lion’s share of the work with Achane out and McDaniel took notice.
“My favorite part of coaching guys isn’t when everything is going well,” McDaniel said. “Jaylen had expectations going into the season and it didn’t start off totally the way I think he pictured it, but what did he do through that? He focused on finding ways to contribute in any way — whether that be special teams or getting reps not only on the live action units, but also as the [scout] team.
“You really find out about people when things don’t go their way. So, to see him flourish, that’s what we’re counting on as a team, that’s what I was counting on and that’s why all the guys really got excited for him to get his first a hundred-yard game.”
The Dolphins next travel to Pittsburgh to play the Steelers on Monday night, which could mean something to both teams. The Steelers just beat the Ravens and need to keep winning in order to maintain their slim lead in the AFC North. The Dolphins…probably need to win out and cross a lot of fingers.
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