Miami Dolphins linebacker Bradley Chubb earns our Week 15 “Player of the Game” honors after a dominating performance in the 30-0 shutout of the New York Jets.
In the contest, Chubb recorded seven tackles, a career-high three sacks and two forced fumbles.
The 27-year-old made the key play to set up the Dolphins’ first touchdown in the first quarter with the score still 0-0. Chubb and defensive end Christian Wilkins maneuvered quickly through the offensive line to sack Jets quarterback Zach Wilson.
Chubb took advantage of the situation causing Wilson to fumble the football, which was recovered by defensive tackle Zach Sieler.
Dolphins pass rusher Bradley Chubb crushes Jets QB Zach Wilson for a sack fumble. Christian Wilkins got there first.
Zach Sieler recovers at Jets 1 and leads to TD. Great opening sequence for Miami defense: pic.twitter.com/lUCziT2HfH
— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) December 17, 2023
This set up the Dolphins’ offense beautifully at the opposing goal line. Three plays later, running back Raheem Mostert turned the fumble into six points, giving the running back his franchise-record 17th touchdown run.
Chubb made life miserable for the Jets quarterbacks all game long. He ended the first half with six tackles, two sacks and two tackles for loss in addition to the forced fumble.
The second half was smooth sailing for the Dolphins, as the Jets offense had no answer. Wilson left the game with a head injury, and backup Trevor Siemian couldn’t do much better.
Chubb recorded his third sack of the day in the fourth quarter with the Dolphins up 30-0. He swerved around offensive tackle Mekhi Becton, stripping Siemian of the football and recovering it for another turnover. This was as textbook of a forced fumble recovery as it gets in the NFL, as it was a fitting icing-on-the-cake finish for one of the best games of Chubb’s career.
3 sacks, 2 forced fumbles & a fumble recoveryHave a day Bradley Chubb! Game Ball and give the man some cake 🎂! #Finsup pic.twitter.com/y1QPTv2p4j
— Josh Moser (@TheMozKnowz) December 17, 2023
This game against the Jets was the most dominant game thus far for Miami’s defense. What makes the shutout more impressive was the number of notable injuries in the secondary. Starting safeties Jevon Holland and DeShon Elliott were both sidelined along with cornerback Xavien Howard. These absences made the dominance of Chubb and the front seven more crucial.
Chubb has played great in 2023 for the Dolphins. He’s excelled in Fangio’s 3-4 scheme. Sunday’s game against a below-average offensive line provided a chance for everyone watching to see first-hand the impact Chubb can have on a game.
He’ll be a player to watch in these final three games, as the Dolphins look to secure the AFC East crown and potential number-one seed. They’ll need him to maintain this high level of productivity.
