Sam Ficken kicked a 44-yard field goal as time expired to give the New York Jets a 22-21 comeback victory over the Miami Dolphins on Sunday.
The Jets — who lost to the previously winless Cincinnati Bengals last week — overcame a Dolphins franchise-record seven field goals by Jason Sanders, including a 37-yarder that gave Miami the lead with 1:33 left. Ficken had three field goals in all.
Sam Darnold got the winning drive going with a short pass to Vyncint Smith, who turned it into a 37-yard gain that included a high-step over a would-be tackler. After a sack two plays later put the ball at the Dolphins 46, Darnold threw an incomplete pass to Smith — but the Jets argued that Nik Needham interfered with the receiver by wrapping his right arm around Smith’s right shoulder.
Officials overturned the call after a video review — giving the Jets a first down and new life. A 12-yard catch by Ty Montgomery got the ball to the 26. Two plays later, Ficken won it, helping the Jets (5-8) avoid a season sweep by the lowly Dolphins (3-10).
Miami coach Brian Flores appeared incensed as the game ended, upset by the officials’ reversal.
Darnold, who injured his right hand at the beginning of the fourth quarter, was off on a few of his late passes but finished 20 of 36 for 270 yards and touchdowns to Demaryius Thomas and Robby Anderson. Darnold also was intercepted once.
Anderson had seven catches for 116 yards and the score. Bilal Powell, starting in place of the ill Le’Veon Bell, had 74 yards on 19 carries.
The Jets had scored on their first possession in six straight games, but were forced to punt after a promising opening drive stalled at the Dolphins 40.
Gang Green won Sunday two of their best players with both Bell and safety Jamal Adams sitting out.
Bell was ruled out Saturday because of an illness. He practiced fully Wednesday, but then sat out Thursday and Friday.
Adams was officially ruled inactive 90 minutes before the game after he missed practice all week with a sprained ankle. It was the first game Adams has missed in his three-year NFL career.
Other key injuries suffered during the game: TE Ryan Griffin left with an ankle injury on New York’s opening drive and didn’t return. DL Quinnen Williams suffered a burner in the third quarter and didn’t return.
The Jets have a short rest before traveling to Baltimore this Thursday night for a prime-time showdown with Lamar Jackson and the Ravens.
— Dennis Waszak Jr.
