The Jets hurt themselves with penalties throughout the first half in Miami, which is part of the reason why they trail the Dolphins after two quarters.
Their deficit would be even bigger if not for a couple of late Miami penalties, however. Jakeem Grant had a 57-yard punt return for a touchdown called back on an illegal block in the back penalty by running back Kenyan Drake. The Dolphins had three timeouts to work with and moved the ball into Jets territory, but an illegal hands to the face penalty on right tackle Ju’Wuan James offset a roughing the passer penalty.
Ryan Tannehill was sacked a couple of plays later and the Dolphins let the clock expire on the second quarter with a 14-13 lead.
The Jets were guilty of six penalties for 60 yards, including a pair of personal fouls that set up the first Dolphins touchdown. That score came on a 20-yard run by Jay Ajayi, but he’s mustered just six yards on his other nine carries against a strong Jets defensive front.
That front played the first quarter without defensive ends Muhammad Wilkerson and Sheldon Richardson. No reason for their absence was given by the Jets, although the fact that both entered on the first play of the second quarter suggests some kind of disciplinary action.
