Dolphins receive a “A-” for defeating the Jets on Black Friday, while the Cowboys receive a “A” for winning Thanksgiving.
The NFL played a game on Black Friday for the first time ever, and you didn’t miss much if you spent the day shopping.
The game included a few exciting moments even though the Dolphins defeated the Jets 34–13 in the end, including a 99-yard pick-six which occurred off a Hail Mary attempt from the Jets at the end during the first half.
Week 12 saw the Dolphins continue their pattern of dominating victories. The 49ers, Cowboys, and Packers all easily won on Thanksgiving Day on Thursday.
Let’s begin by grading each of the four games, beginning with Miami’s victory over the Jets. Well, you did, indeed.
The Miami Dolphins took on the New York Jets in the NFL’s inaugural Black Friday encounter, and they emerged victorious, 34-13. Once again, Miami’s offense seemed to be a little off.
With left tackle Terron Armstead sidelined due to a quad injury, left line Isaiah Wynn placed on injured reserve, center Robert Hunt sidelined due to a hamstring injury, and right tackle Austin Jackson expelled, they were briefly down to only one starting offensive lineman.
70% of Tua Tagovailoa’s passes for 243 yards, a touchdown, and two interceptions—including a botched pick-6—were completed by the quarterback.
Tyreek Hill as well as Jaylen Waddle were the only pass catchers he was able to establish any sort of rapport with.
Together, Waddle and Hill hauled in 17 passes for 216 yards plus a touchdown. Hill had a chance to score even more when Tagovailoa put a gorgeous fade pass into his glove, but he dropped it.
The run game was another strategy the Dolphins committed to, particularly in the second half.
With the most touches—94 yards of running, 4.7 yards per attempt—Raheem Mostert entered the end zone twice, scoring the 12th and 13th touchdowns, which led the league.
Jeff Wilson Jr., who gained 56 yards with 5.1 yards per carry, was the more productive back, though. Three receptions for another 17 yards were added by him.
It appears that Jordan Love has finally found his game as he appears to be among the NFL’s top quarterbacks.
Love had already destroyed the Chargers in Week 11, and he outperformed himself against the Lions.
Love passed for 268 yards plus three touchdowns on a day when he only grew better after starting the game by completing a 53-yard strike to Christian Watson upon the opening play from scrimmage.
Seven different Packers receivers, including Watson, whose finished up five catches spanning 94 yards and a touchdown, caught at least one ball. The defense was superior to the offense in every way.
Jonathon Owens had a standout performance. In the first quarter, he not only led the squad in tackles but also recovered a fumble for a touchdown, which gave Green Bay a 20–6 lead.
Jared Goff was sacked three times by Rashan Gary, who the Lions were unable to slow down.
For a Packers club that is now very much alive within the NFC playoff chase, this was an incredibly stunning effort.