Miami Dolphins special teams coordinator Craig Aukerman received some constructive criticism after his unit allowed a touchdown to the New York Jets in their Week 14 game.
Aukerman told reporters that his wife texted him after the game about coaching better when Isaiah Williams returned a punt 78 yards for a score in the first quarter.
The Dolphins cruised to a 34-10 win against the Jets, so it’s not like it was costly mistake. But it was the only real blemish on any unit for Miami in the game.
Williams’ 78 yards on that one play were 13 more than the Jets had rushing for the entire game. It was also the only time in the first quarter that New York got the ball past midfield.
If it’s any consolation to Aukerman’s wife, the one thing that the Jets have had going for them this season is special teams. They are tied for the lead the league with three return touchdowns (two punt returns, one kickoff).
The Dolphins did respond well after that one blip on the radar. They only allowed Williams to gain 13 yards on his two other punt returns in the game.
Miami has quietly played itself back into postseason contention, even though the odds to get in remain incredibly long.
The Dolphins have won four straight and five of their last six games to get to 6-7 going into Monday night’s matchup with the Pittsburgh Steelers. A win would get them back to .500 for the first time all season.