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Dolphins keep a running tab on Jets and rally for 16-13 victory

Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill passes during the first quarter of a 16-13 victory over the New York Jets on Monday night.
(Elsa Garrison / Getty Images)
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The Miami Dolphins found the right formula to stay in the AFC playoff race: Simply let the Jets run the ball all night, and wait for New York to make mistakes.

It worked effectively in an old-fashioned — some might say dull — slugfest.

Caleb Sturgis’ third field goal, from 26 yards with 1:57 remaining, gave Miami (7-5) a comeback 16-13 victory over its archrival.

New York (2-10) rushed for 277 yards in 49 carries, but made enough key errors in the second half to lose. The Dolphins remained a factor in the wild-card race thanks to special teams, rookie Jarvis Landry’s eight receptions, Lamar Miller’s four-yard touchdown run early in the fourth quarter; and plenty of defense when the Jets needed to pass.

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New York’s Geno Smith threw only 13 times, fewest in an NFL game this season, for just 49 yards. The usually reliable Nick Folk missed two field-goal attempts.

All of that offset a season high on the ground as Chris Johnson had his best performance for the Jets with 105 yards.

“We had to draw a line in the dirt. No more,” Dolphins defensive end Cameron Wake said of his team’s second-half stinginess in erasing a 10-3 halftime deficit. “We came out in the second half scheme-wise the same, but guys played the way they’re supposed to play.”

Sturgis also made field goals of 43 and 44 yards.

“Can’t believe we’re 2-10,” Jets Coach Rex Ryan said, shaking his head. “It’s a joke.”

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