Jets Spell It Out for Dolphins: D-e-f-e-a-t

The Miami Dolphins’ latest fourth-quarter nightmare against the New York Jets unfolded in a mostly empty stadium. Many frustrated fans already were headed home and clusters of transplanted New Yorkers gleefully chanted “J-E-T-S!”

New York staged late comebacks to beat Miami last season and again in October, but no rally was needed Sunday. The Jets’ typically opportunistic defense scored on interception returns of 60 yards by Aaron Glenn and 63 yards by Victor Green to spark a 24-0 rout.

That made it eight consecutive losses for the Dolphins against the Jets, who took over first place in the AFC East.

“I’m convinced there’s a curse,” Miami cornerback Patrick Surtain said. “Those two interceptions--it only happens to us against those guys.”

The Jets (7-3), bidding for their second playoff berth in 10 seasons, earned their fourth victory in a row and overtook the Dolphins (6-3) atop the division.

“They can’t play us every week,” Dolphin linebacker Zach Thomas said.

But the teams could meet again in the playoffs.

“Eight in a row--they’ve got to think, can they beat the Jets?” Green said.

Beat the Jets? Now the Dolphins can’t even score against them.

Miami was shut out at home for the first time since 1970. It was the first shutout by the Jets since 1997 and their first on the road since 1993.

“If I don’t have to see them again, I wouldn’t be mad,” Miami defensive end Jason Taylor said. “For some reason they’re kind of beating us in our minds. All that stinking talk you hear about the streak, I know we can’t avoid it, but I think sometimes it can affect us.”

The Jets improved to 5-0 on the road by following their formula of recent weeks, stuffing the run and forcing five turnovers while committing none. The Jets gained only 162 yards, their lowest total in a victory since 1971, but they improved their turnover differential to plus-22 with 33 takeaways, both NFL highs.

“It’s been that way all year,” Coach Herman Edwards said. “We try to put people in difficult situations and create turnovers. It seems our players become hungrier for more turnovers after each turnover.”

The Dolphin offense was so hapless that by the middle of the third period the sellout crowd of 74,259 jeered almost every play. With eight minutes left, only a few thousand fans remained.

“To stink up the place in front of the home fans, it’s difficult,” Surtain said.

New York had possession for less than three minutes in the opening period and nonetheless led, 7-0, when it ended, thanks to Glenn’s interception.

Green’s interception made it 21-0, and the Dolphins were on their way to their longest losing streak against any opponent.

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Jet-Propelled Defense

After giving up 234 yards rushing in a 34-14 loss to the Rams Oct. 21, the Jets have tightened the reins considerably. For the fourth consecutive week, the Jets have kept their opponent in check, holding the Dolphins to only 242 yards of total offense. The defense continued to create turnovers as well, forcing five against Miami, which led to 17 points, two touchdowns and a field goal. A look:

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Opp. rush Avg. Opp. pass TDs Int. W-L First 6 games 167.5 5.2 217.8 9 8 3-3 Last 4 games 94.5 3.6 124.0 1 9 4-0

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