3 quick thoughts from the NY Jets Week 15 loss to the Miami Dolphins

Despite a strong first half, the NY Jets fizzled out in the second as they lost to the Miami Dolphins 31-24. Let's take a look at a few quick thoughts from the game.

NY Jets put together a great first half

All was right in the world for the Jets in the first half as they went into the tunnel leading for the first time this season. Not only did Gang Green lead 17-10, but Zach Wilson was on fire completing 9-of-14 passes for 118 yards and a rushing touchdown.

“Obviously it’s something we’ll look at,” head coach Robert Saleh said. “I don’t know if there’s anything that I can put my finger on right now.”

In addition, the Jets did a tremendous job in the first 30 minutes handling Miami’s stout blitzing attack and even got some production from their tight ends within four catches for 69 yards. However, then came the second half…

The NY Jets still can't play a complete game

Despite all the goodwill Gang Green built up in the first half, they went back to looking like the Jets in the second half.

Whether it was the offensive line falling apart, Zach Wilson holding onto the ball too long at times, or the defense reverting to its old self, the Jets once again proved to be incapable of putting together a full 60 minutes of quality football.

“It is disappointing,” Saleh continued. “There’s a lot of missed tackles in the run game. It’s clearly not good enough.”

Despite a brutal first half, Tua Tagovailoa finished the game going 16-for-27 for 196 yards and two touchdowns. Miami’s running game also carved the Jets up as Duke Johnson had 22 carries for 107 yards and two touchdowns.

Mike LaFleur the magician

In yet another week of proving early naysayers wrong, offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur showed why the Jets had a lot of faith when handing the keys to the offense over to the 34-year-old.

“It’s not all on Zach, it’s on all of us,” Saleh said when discussing keeping the Jets’ offense in rhythm.

Despite being without their two leading receivers and starting left tackle, the Jets’ offense was able to dig into its bag of tricks far enough to come away with 126 yards passing and 102 running.

And in what might go down as the most innovative play of the year, the Jets executed a perfect hook and ladder play on 3rd-and-15 to pick up the first down. Mike LaFleur is the real deal.