Miami defeats struggling New York

It’s all in the mind-set. “Scratch, claw, bite, kick, whatever you have to do make a play and win,’’ Dolphins defensive end Cameron Wake explained after Monday night’s dull but effective slugfest with the New York Jets ended in a 16-13 Miami victory.

“It’s December,’’ added rookie receiver Jarvis Landry. “The only thing that matters is winning, no matter how you get it done.’’

The Dolphins found the right formula to stay in the AFC playoff race: Simply let the Jets run the ball all night, and wait for them to make mistakes - something the Jets have done quite well all season.

Caleb Sturgis’ third field goal from 26 yards with 1:57 remaining gave Miami (7-5) the comeback victory over its archrival.

New York (2-10) rushed for 277 yards on 49 carries, but made enough key errors in the second half to lose.

“Can’t believe we’re 2-10,’’ Jets Coach Rex Ryan said, shaking his head and pausing. “It’s a joke.’’

The Dolphins remained a factor in the wild-card race thanks to special teams; Landry’s eight receptions; Lamar Miller’s four-yard touchdown run early in the fourth quarter; and plenty of defense when the Jets needed to pass.

New York’s Geno Smith threw only 13 times, fewest in the NFL this season, and gained 49 yards. The usually reliable Nick Folk missed two field goals.

“We had to draw a line in the dirt. No more,’’ Wake said of his team’s stinginess after halftime. “We came out in the second half scheme-wise the same, but guys played the way they’re supposed to play.’’

AP