In a matchup of two teams headed in opposite directions, the Jets overcame a sluggish day offensively to defeat the winless Dolphins 17-9 at Pro Player Stadium in Miami. (Box Score)
Jets defensive back Donnie Abraham's 66-yard interception return for a score was the lone highlight of an ugly second half that featured four turnovers by the fish. It was one of several examples of a dominating performance by the Jet defense on the afternoon. Rookie Jonathan Vilma had a respectable first NFL start, in his hometown no less, leading the team with 8 tackles (3 solo). Victor Hobson (pictured) got in the action with an interception in the third quarter.
With a rare 3-0 start, even the most grizzled local beat writers are (cautiously) beginning to hint that the team might possibly, maybe be beginning to show signs that this could be a special season for Herm "Mr. Warmth" Edwards and company.
"Winning's hard," he said. "Winning's not lucky. It's hard," said Edwards in his best George W. Bush debate voice (at least Gothamist likes to think so). But there are still a few wet-blanket throwing columnists out there.
For Miami, the 0-4 start is a new low for a season that had playoff promise only a few months ago (before Ricky Williams abruptly retired and began to tour with Phish or something like that). "If we don't stick together, we might as well give our helmets to the United Way," said Dolphins cornerback Patrick Surtain. "...We've got to get it together, or before you know it we're going to be 0-8, 0-9, 0-10."
The Jets return home to host Buffalo next Sunday at 4 p.m. in East Rutherford.
Image from REUTERS/Marc Serota
