The Drive South: Week 4 – Dolphins 27, Jets 21
Week 4: Finally, Something to Celebrate
Remember last week when I wrote about needing to see fight, progress, and identity from this team? When I said I wasn’t looking for miracles, just signs of life?
Well, the Miami Dolphins heard the fans!
The drive back to St. Augustine hit different Tuesday afternoon. After three weeks of misery, after all the speculation in the media about this team, after questioning why I keep making this trip—the Dolphins finally gave us something to celebrate. A 27-21 rivalry battle of the New York Jets on Monday Night Football, in front of a rocking Hard Rock Stadium, wearing those new rivalry jerseys for the first time at home!
And I was there for all of it (with my mother-in-law) — who actually makes it a point to deliver cookies to Miami Dolphins staff members, showing our appreciation towards them. And in the midst of the madness and schmoozing — Sadie and I got to be on the field level of the game! While we were questioned by security — our simple innocence and honesty regarding ‘cookie deliveries’ actually made this guy realize that we were simply just looking for a family experience at the game. Mr. Security ended up taking several angles of photos for us, and while we never got his name — we will definitely be delivering cookies to you sir.
The Atmosphere Was Electric
There’s something different about Monday Night Football in Miami. Especially the classic vibes of Dolphans chanting J-E-T-S SUCK! SUCK! SUCK! Our section is in 107 — and we had some fans behind us that started the chant, and it certainly carried through the entire section (even the kids got in on it!). But taking a step back, night games at the Hard Rock are special. The energy, the lights, the food!—it all matters more. And when you’re unveiling new rivalry jerseys at home for the first time against the Jets? The place was absolutely booming! I was actually surprised how many fans actually had the new jerseys. It truly made me feel that I was back in the element of PROUD Miami Dolphin fans, following their team no matter what.
From the moment I walked into Hard Rock Stadium, you could feel it. This wasn’t the deflated crowd from the first three weeks. This was a fanbase desperate for something—anything—to believe in. And for one night, the team delivered. The defense. brought ‘violence’ as coach Anthony Weave mentioned to the media the week leading up to the game. Additionally
Jaelan Phillips in passing during a locker room interview surfaced that they know what they believe in, and understand what they gotta do.
Look good — feel good. The new rivalry jerseys looked incredible under those lights. The crowd was loud. Tua and the offense finally clicked. The defense showed up, and even our special teams came to play! All of these different elements of the game are so important to manage, and come away with a win. It was everything we’d been waiting for.
What I Saw That Gives Me Hope
Look, I’m not here to tell you we’re suddenly Super Bowl contenders because we beat a Jets team that’s had its own struggles. But after three weeks of watching this team shoot itself in the foot, Monday night showed flashes of what this team can be when things come together.
The offense found rhythm. Plays that had been leaving points on the field finally connected. The protection was better. The play-calling felt more confident.
The defense was aggressive. They didn’t just show up—they imposed their will. That’s the kind of energy that can build momentum.
The crowd was a factor. When Hard Rock gets loud, it’s a real advantage. Monday night reminded everyone what that atmosphere can do.
Reality Check: It’s One Win
Before we get too carried away—and trust me, I want to get carried away—it’s one win. We’re 1-3. However, we have a pretty promising way to go, and the schedule looks pretty…pretty…pretty good. But sometimes one win is exactly what you need in order to pivot and shift gears.
The Tyreek Concern: Of course, nothing comes easy for Dolphins fans. Tyreek Hill’s injury late in the game cast a shadow over an otherwise perfect night. Watching him carted off the field is the kind of moment that makes your stomach drop—especially when you’ve just started to believe again. Lets start to believe that Malik Washington, and Waddle can come through as the new era of weapons on our offense.
That being said — for one night, we got to wave those keys at the Jets fans heading to the airport. For one night, it felt like the team we believed in during the offseason showed up. For one night, the drive south was worth every mile.
What’s Next
This is just the beginning of this weekly journey. Some weeks will be celebrations like this one. Others might feel like therapy sessions. But they’ll all be honest takes from someone who’s making the drive, buying the tickets, and living and dying with every snap.
Next home game: Breaking down the real cost of being an out-of-town season ticket holder
Final Score: Dolphins 27, Jets 21
Record: 1-3
My Drive Home: Actually enjoyable for once
Fins Up—and yes, I waved my keys with pride.
