Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle put together a signature performance against the New England Patriots.
The fourth-year receiver recorded eight receptions for 144 yards — the second highest total of his career — and a touchdown in a 34-15 win for the Dolphins.
Waddle’s 23-yard touchdown gave the Dolphins a 31-point lead, effectively putting the game out of reach, despite a late 15-point surge by New England in the fourth quarter.
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It was without a doubt Waddle’s best game of 2024 with the receiver recording season-highs in receptions and yards. With Tyreek Hill still dealing with a wrist injury, the Dolphins have needed Waddle to step up in a big way. Prior to Sunday, his only 100-yard performance came in Week 1 against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
His Week 12 performance showed that he has the ability to take over a game with momentum-changing plays. Waddle recorded receptions that picked up 29 and 24 yards, in addition to his 23-yard touchdown. Six of Waddle’s eight receptions resulted in a first down and a seventh was a touchdown.
Since selecting Waddle in the 2021 NFL draft, the Dolphins are now 9-3 in games when Waddle records at least 100 yards. If he can continue to perform at a high level in addition to Hill and De’Von Achane’s contributions, it will be very difficult for the rest of the AFC to keep the Dolphins out of the playoffs.