The inaugural game held on Black Friday was unforgettable, particularly due to a player who made a remarkable impression with one of the most astounding plays ever witnessed.
In the second episode of HBO’s Hard Knocks: In Season with the Miami Dolphins, Dolphins safety Jevon Holland stole the show with a 99-yard pick-six to close out the first half against the Jets. Thanks to Hard Knocks, the cameras kept rolling to show fans all the action on the field and in the locker room.
Going back just a few moments before the pick-six, it was quarterback Tua Tagovailoa who had made a similar mistake when he threw a pick-six right into the hands of Jets cornerback Brandin Echols, seemingly changing the tone for the second half. Miami’s lead was cut to 10-6 following a missed extra point from Greg Zuerlein.
The Jets muffed that momentum, however, with two seconds left in the half. Yes, with just those two seconds, quarterback Tim Boyle launched a Hail Mary that fell perfectly into the arms of Holland, who went on to run as fast as he could to the end zone, with the help of a few good blocks from his teammates. Although it was a 99-yard TD, Holland actually ran 124.4 yards, per Next Gen Stats, which is the most distance traveled by a ball carrier on a scrimmage play this season. The 23-year-old safety erased Tagovailoa’s mistake and kept the Dolphins at a comfortable distance.
Mike McDaniel, the head coach, was so thrilled that he ran straight to the locker room immediately after that play, forgetting that his kicker was yet to attempt an extra point. McDaniel got as far as the opposite side of the field before he turned around to remind his coaching staff, “Extra point. Extra point.”
The Dolphins went on to win it 34-13, but the star of the day was Holland.
“In this game, there will be a memorable play made by a player that everyone will remember. ‘Jevon Holland, 99 yards,’ McDaniels spoke in the locker room as Holland was awarded the game ball.”
Although the Miami defense showed out, Tagovailoa fought it out as well, completing 21 of 30 passes for 243, one touchdown and two interceptions. Raheem Mostert also had a fire lit under him, recording 20 carries for 94 yards and two big touchdowns.
The Dolphins offense doesn’t stop there. Tyreek Hill had a day, recording nine receptions for 102 yards to record this NFL-high seventh 100-yard receiving game on the season.
Currently on a hot streak, the Dolphins, with an 8-3 record, lead the AFC East, followed by the Buffalo Bills at 6-6.
As they compete for the division title and a playoff position, their journey is being documented by Hard Knocks — in Holland’s case, all 99 yards of it.
Hard Knocks: In Season with the Miami Dolphins airs Tuesdays at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and is available to stream on Max until the end of the Dolphins’ season.
