NewsDolphins Beat Jets 28–25: Malik Willis Leads Miami to First Win of 2026
Miami finally broke through against an AFC East rival after Malik Willis produced three touchdowns and protected a narrow late lead.
Representative editorial photograph, not the reported event or people. Photo: Wendy Wei / Pexels (Pexels free-use license).
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J., Oct. 26, 2026 — The Miami Dolphins defeated the New York Jets 28–25 at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, October 25, claiming their first victory of the 2026 NFL season. Quarterback Malik Willis accounted for three touchdowns and then delivered a short fourth-down conversion to prevent a final New York possession.
Dolphins vs. Jets score: Miami's fast start mattered
Miami opened with a touchdown drive that featured a 25-yard Ollie Gordon II run and a 32-yard reception by Greg Dulcich. Willis completed the possession with a seven-yard scoring pass to Caleb Douglas. The Dolphins continued to move the ball in the first half and led 21–7 at the break, while the defense limited New York's opportunities.
The Jets cut the deficit during the second half, but Miami produced a key answer with less than five minutes remaining. Willis connected with Douglas on a 63-yard touchdown, their second scoring combination of the afternoon, to stretch the lead to 28–17. New York responded with a late touchdown and two-point conversion to get within three.
Malik Willis' stats and decisive fourth down
According to the Dolphins' official recap, Willis completed 14 of 21 passes for 208 yards and two touchdowns. He added 37 rushing yards on eight carries and scored on the ground. His passer rating was 130.7.
After the Jets trimmed the lead to 28–25, Miami faced a crucial fourth-and-1 with about two minutes remaining. Willis pushed ahead for the necessary yardage, allowing the Dolphins to exhaust the remaining clock. It was a small gain with a major consequence: New York never got the ball back.
What the rest of Miami's offense contributed
Ollie Gordon II rushed for 103 yards on 25 carries and scored a touchdown. Dulcich led the receiving group with five catches for 86 yards, while Douglas made his two receptions count for 70 yards and two scores. Miami's ability to threaten defenses both on the ground and downfield made this a different offensive performance from its earlier losses.
The Jets' comeback was driven in part by Geno Smith's long completions, including a 41-yard pass to Isaiah Davis and a 12-yard touchdown throw to Mason Taylor. But the Dolphins' defense produced a vital red-zone stand earlier in the game, with sacks and tackles for loss forcing New York to settle for a field goal.
What does the win mean in the AFC East?
Miami moved to 1–5, while the Jets dropped to 2–5, according to the NFL's team records. The result also marked Jeff Hafley's first victory as an NFL head coach. It does not suddenly make Miami a contender, but it offers evidence that the offense can finish drives and execute under pressure.
The Dolphins are scheduled to host the New England Patriots on Sunday, November 1. The Jets' next listed opponent is the Las Vegas Raiders. Both teams still have substantial work to do in the division.
Sources and verification
This original NewsTrendus report is based on dated primary records and independent reporting. Search interest does not verify claims; the accompanying licensed photo is representative, not a photograph of the event.
- Miami Dolphins: official Oct. 25 game recap
- NFL: Dolphins results and updated record
- ABC7 New York: Jets' late rally and final score
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