The Miami Dolphins defeated the New York Jets 28-25 at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026, securing Miami’s first win of the season. The victory also marked Jeff Hafley’s first NFL head coaching win. Miami scored on its opening drive, built a 21-7 halftime lead and sealed the result by converting a fourth-and-1 with two minutes remaining.
Quarterback Malik Willis connected with Malik Washington for 12 yards before Ollie Gordon II broke free for a 25-yard run. Greg Dulcich then made a 32-yard reception to set up first-and-goal, and Willis finished the drive with a 7-yard touchdown pass to Caleb Douglas. Zane Gonzalez added the extra point for a 7-0 lead.
The New York Jets answered when Geno Smith hit Omar Cooper Jr. for a 52-yard gain before connecting with Mason Taylor for a 13-yard touchdown. Miami regained the lead after Jaylen Wright’s 39-yard kickoff return set up the offense, and Gordon II scored on a 1-yard run. Willis added a rushing touchdown before halftime after Miami’s offense completed a 15-play, 91-yard drive, sending the Dolphins into the locker room ahead 21-7.
Willis leads Miami’s offense
Willis completed 14 of 21 passes for 208 yards, two touchdowns and a 130.7 passer rating. He also carried eight times for 37 yards and a touchdown. Gordon II led Miami with 25 carries for 103 rushing yards and a touchdown.
Dulcich led the Dolphins with five receptions for 86 yards. Douglas had two receptions for 70 yards and two touchdowns, including a 63-yard scoring catch that extended Miami’s lead to 28-17 with 4:55 remaining. The second touchdown was the second scoring connection between Willis and Douglas in the game.
Dolphins defense withstands Jets rally
Miami’s defense held the Jets to 28 rushing yards and 86 passing yards in the first half. Michael Taaffe intercepted Smith, while Zeek Biggers recorded a pass deflection to help stall another New York possession. Malik Herring later brought down Smith for a 6-yard loss, and the Jets missed a field-goal attempt after the play.
New York cut into Miami’s lead when Smith found Cooper Jr. for a 60-yard gain that set up a touchdown. The Jets later reached first-and-goal, but Zach Sieler and Josh Uche made consecutive tackles for loss before Chop Robinson recorded a 12-yard sack to keep New York out of the end zone. New York settled for a 33-yard field goal on that possession.
The Jets moved closer again after Smith completed a 41-yard pass to Isaiah Davis and later threw a 12-yard touchdown pass to Taylor. New York converted the two-point attempt to make the score 28-25. Jordyn Brooks led Miami with nine tackles, including five solo stops and two tackles for loss, while the Dolphins defense finished with 55 tackles and six quarterback hits.
Miami closes out the victory
Miami sealed its first win of the season with two minutes remaining by converting a fourth-and-1 on a quarterback keeper. The Dolphins then ran out the clock to preserve the three-point victory. The late conversion ended New York’s final opportunity to regain possession.
Miami will return to Hard Rock Stadium next weekend to host the New England Patriots on Sunday, Nov. 1, at 4:25 p.m. The game will be Miami’s next contest after its victory at MetLife Stadium. The Dolphins will enter that matchup with their first win of the season secured.
FSB Take
The Dolphins’ late-game execution proved decisive after New York reduced the margin to three points. Miami converted the fourth-and-1 with two minutes remaining and then ran out the clock, turning a narrow lead into its first victory of the season. The result also gave Hafley his first NFL head coaching win.
Source: Original report