Darren Waller Shines in Miami Dolphins’ Victory Over New York Jets

In a triumphant return to NFL action, tight end Darren Waller turned back the clock on Monday night, helping the Miami Dolphins secure a 27-21 victory over the New York Jets. After taking a year away from football following his stint with the New York Giants, Waller appeared rejuvenated in his first game of the 2025 season with Miami. The former Pro Bowler showcased his elite skills, carving up the Jets’ defense with precision and reminding fans of his glory days with the Las Vegas Raiders. His performance marked a significant milestone as he caught two touchdown passes in a single game for the first time since December 2020, and his first touchdown reception since October 2023 when he wore a Giants uniform. For the Dolphins organization, Waller’s seamless integration into their offense validated their decision to take a chance on the veteran tight end who had been out of the league for over a year.

The chemistry between quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and Waller was evident throughout the game, particularly in the red zone where they connected for two crucial touchdowns. The first scoring connection came in the second quarter after Tagovailoa orchestrated a creative drive featuring a clever flip to Malik Washington and several well-executed passes to Tyreek Hill. Later, in the third quarter, the duo struck again when Tagovailoa found Waller for a 9-yard touchdown catch, capping off an efficient six-play, 36-yard drive. Tagovailoa finished the evening with a solid stat line of 17-of-25 passing for 177 yards and those two touchdown passes to Waller. Meanwhile, running back De’Von Achane complemented the aerial attack with 99 rushing yards and a touchdown of his own, giving Miami the balanced offensive attack that has become their hallmark this season.

Despite the victory, the evening wasn’t without significant concern for the Dolphins, as star wide receiver Tyreek Hill suffered what appeared to be a devastating knee injury in the third quarter. Before his exit, Hill had accumulated six catches for 67 yards, continuing his impressive season. Multiple reports indicated that the team feared Hill had dislocated his knee—an injury that would likely sideline him for the remainder of the season if confirmed. This potential loss looms large for Miami, as Hill has been instrumental to their offensive success. Waller’s emergence becomes even more crucial in this context, as his three-catch, 27-yard performance may need to be expanded upon significantly in the coming weeks to help fill the massive void potentially left by Hill’s absence.

The Jets, meanwhile, showed flashes of brilliance but ultimately couldn’t overcome their self-inflicted wounds. Quarterback Justin Fields demonstrated his unique athleticism in the third quarter when, facing a 4th-and-1 situation, he evaded multiple Dolphins defenders before finding daylight and sprinting for a spectacular 43-yard touchdown run that momentarily shifted momentum. Later, receiver Garrett Wilson made an incredible sideline catch, showcasing remarkable body control to stay in bounds. Wilson finished with six receptions for 82 yards and a touchdown, while Fields completed 20 of 27 passes for 227 yards and added a team-leading 81 rushing yards. These individual performances highlighted the talent on the Jets roster but weren’t enough to secure victory.

Discipline issues severely hampered the Jets’ chances throughout the contest, as they committed a staggering 13 penalties for 101 yards along with three turnovers. These infractions repeatedly halted promising drives and negated big plays, including a potential touchdown from Fields to Wilson that was called back due to offensive pass interference. Instead of a touchdown on that sequence, the Jets had to settle for a field goal—a four-point swing that proved costly in a six-point loss. This pattern of self-sabotage has become all too familiar for Jets fans, who watched their team repeatedly build momentum only to see it evaporate with each yellow flag thrown by the officials.

The loss extends a troubling trend for the Jets, who have now dropped ten consecutive games to the Dolphins in Miami. This streak speaks to a psychological hurdle the Jets must overcome if they hope to compete for the AFC East crown. For Miami, the victory reinforces their status as contenders despite the potential loss of Hill. The emergence of Waller as a reliable red zone target provides an interesting new dimension to their already dynamic offense. As the Dolphins move forward, they’ll likely lean more heavily on Waller’s experience and talent, particularly if Hill’s absence is prolonged. The win keeps Miami in good position in the competitive AFC playoff picture, while the Jets return home with another frustrating defeat and plenty of issues to address before their next matchup.