Jevon Holland's interception of Tim Boyles' Hail Mary pass on the 1-yard line seemed like an unlikely turn of events as the second quarter came to a close. However, Holland's remarkable 99-yard interception touchdown, weaving through the defense, symbolized the Miami Dolphins' dominance in their 34-13 victory over the New York Jets in the first edition of the "Black Friday" game broadcasted by Amazon.
"After throwing it in the air, I thought it was like a long field goal, a drop. I'm actually a punt returner, although many people don't know that," Holland told Amazon Prime after the game, as reported by the NFL.
"I want to give a shoutout to my defensive lineman and individuals out there blocking for me. I couldn't have done it without you all. I just got into the zone and could feel it. Once I made that cut, I knew I was there, and then I had to make it happen."
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Mike McDaniel went from being an intern with the Denver Broncos to being the mastermind behind the NFL's most thrilling offense.
The pick-six on a Hail Mary against the Jets was the first since at least 2006, according to ESPN Stats, and dashed the Jets' hopes for a comeback. After intercepting Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa twice, the Jets managed to narrow the Dolphins' lead to 10-6 with a touchdown by Brandin Echols.
Hollands remarkable performance only solidified the Dolphins' superiority, leading them to a dominant victory as the Jets were unable to score again until the final minutes of the fourth quarter. Tagovailoa ended the game with 243 passing yards and two interceptions, while Tyreek Hill had an impressive nine receptions for 102 yards and secured his league-leading 10th touchdown, celebrating by blowing a kiss and tossing the ball to his new wife.
The Jets' offensive struggles persisted as they started quarterback Tim Boyle instead of the benched Zach Wilson. They only managed to execute 22 plays before the game was effectively over by the fourth quarter. Boyle ended the game with 179 passing yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions.
With Aaron Rodgers sidelined due to injury, the Jets slipped to 4-7, while the Dolphins maintained their position at the top of the AFC East standings.
However, the Dolphins victory was marred by an Achilles injury to linebacker Jaelen Phillips who was carted off the field in tears.
Jaelan Phillips was carted off the field after being injured.
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"After feeling absolutely devastated, I find strength in knowing that this is all part of God's plan. I have an incredible team and support system around me," he posted on X, formerly known as Twitter. "I'll come back even stronger. Fins up."
According to ESPN, Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel stated that the injury "doesn't look great, but we will have more information tomorrow (Saturday)."