Jets-Dolphins: First Quarter

Randy's Radar

Jets-Dolphins: First Quarter

Published: Sun, December 2, 2007 - 1:31pm EDT
Randy Lange

By Randy Lange

Lange is editor-in-chief of newyorkjets.com. He covered the Jets for 13 years for The Record of Hackensack, N.J.


File Under: Laveranues Coles, Kerry Rhodes, Leon Washington, Jason Taylor, Jesse Chatman, Andre Goodman

12/02 — The visitors' pressbox is located on the corner of the Dolphin Stadium end zone, giving a good three-quarters view of action. And it is an excellent perch from which to watch one of the several centerpiece plays of the Jets' opening 84-yard drive. Laveranues Coles puts on a burst and separates past the Miami safeties to gather in Kellen Clemens' 32-yard post completion to the 'Fins 30.

Apparently, LC's sore ankle is good to go, much to Miami's surprise.

That was the second third-down conversion completion by Clemens on this drive. The third is also by Coles on a short slant on third-and-5 for 7 yards to the 18. Even corner Andre Goodman being draped over Coles and called for pass interference doesn't faze No. 87.

And on the next play, the Jets score their first rushing TD since Game 4. No, it's not by Thomas Jones, seeking his first TD in Green & White — or on this day, in Blue & Gold. It's by Leon Washington, taking a direct shotgun snap from C Nick Mangold, dancing in the backfield, then firing through the aqua and coral uniforms to go 18 yards and get all the way to the end zone.

Jets 7, Dolphins 0

The winless hosts put together a drive of their own, beginning with Ted Ginn's kickoff return to the 37 and moving 10 plays into Jets territory. But the Jets are hitting sore-ankled Jesse Chatman hard in the process — Sione Pouha stopping him after a yard gain, C.J. Mosley taking him down for no gain on third-and-1, then Kerry Rhodes run-blitzing to notch a 4-yard TFL.

Jay Feely comes on, and even though he's facing a 53-yard field goal attempt, he hits it incredibly well. It's one of those kicks that would have been good from 63. And it puts the 'Fins on the board.

Jets 7, Dolphins 3

The visitors' next drive isn't as nicely turned as their first. On third-and-8 at their 48, Clemens is taken down for a 13-yard sack by blitzing corner Goodman. But Coles moves before the snap — false start, no sack, no play. Third-and-13 ... and Jason Taylor gets his second sack of the first quarter.

On top of that, Ben Graham's first punt goes off the side of his foot and out of bounds for 26 yards.

The quarter ends with Chatman being taken down for no gain by CB Hank Poteat on second-and-2 near midfield. The first 15 minutes weren't bad, but the Jets have hardly established dominance in this battle with a winless division rival.

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chris n Said:

Sun, December 2, 2007 - 10:16pm EDT

"I have been a Jets fan for over40 years now. I have stuck with them through thick and thin. I am from Kentucky - not even close to New York. The throwback uniforms are Ok maybe once a year but I don't think we need to see them more. Jet fans have come to love the green & white and it's a part of our heritage."

zack nolan Said:

Mon, December 3, 2007 - 3:32pm EDT

"the jets are the best 2 me i dont care if they win or lose they still will be my fav team. i always want them to win but they sometimes dont.I think leon washington should have more playing time because he is good and better than thomas jones to me.L.washington and jonathon vilma are my fav players because there really good!and the new uniforms are awesome!"