Dolphins solidify playoff chances with big win over Jets
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — The Dolphins can relax Sunday, watch some football and know they kept themselves in a strong position to make the playoffs.
Miami’s 34-13 rout of the New York Jets on Saturday night was its eighth win in nine games. At 9-5, the Dolphins guaranteed themselves a winning record for the first time in eight years and put some pressure on other wild-card contenders such as Denver, Baltimore, Houston and/or Tennessee to keep winning.
Not that coach Adam Gase or backup quarterback Matt Moore — who, with Ryan Tannehill (knee) sidelined, threw for four touchdowns in his first start since Jan. 1, 2012 — are concentrating on the playoff chase.
Well, at least that’s what they claimed.
“I don’t know if we’re worried really about final records or anything right now,” said first-year head coach Gase. Our guys are focused on just making sure whatever opponent we have next, that we come out of that week 1-0.”
Moore seconded that mantra.
“It’s good right now, but we’ve got to keep the focus and keep going,” said Moore, who completed only 12 throws, but saw receivers Jarvis Landry and Kenny Stills break long TDs. “Guys obviously know what’s on the table and what’s out there. We’ll enjoy this one and get back on to next week.”
That would be at Buffalo, followed by hosting New England, which figures to have the AFC East and possibly home-field advantage throughout the playoffs wrapped up by then. Should Miami get to 11 wins, it almost certainly will get into the Super Bowl chase.
Other takeaways from Miami’s manhandling of the Jets (4-10):
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