12/02 — The Jets' 231 yards from scrimmage are their most in a first half since the 260 they gained at Minnesota in Game 14 last season.

Meanwhile, the Dolphins, who had 123 yards at the half, announced that Jesse Chatman, who had 10 carries for 24 yards in the half, has reinjured his sore ankle and his return is questionable. Samkon Gado is in the game right now.

C.J. Mosley continues his dynamic spot pass-rushing by hand-fighting past LG Chris Liwienski and stripping John Beck of the ball on third down. The Dolphins recover but have to punt, and Brandon Fields' kick goes into the end zone.

Things are still moving in the Jets' direction. But this would be a great time to take control of a game like they haven't this season since ... well, since Game 3 against the Dolphins in the Meadowlands.

But the Jets endure their first three-and-out drive this afternoon (their two three-play drives previously ended on turnovers). And now the defense could really use a three-and-out of its own.

They go two plays better. Bryan Thomas speed-rushes past TE David Martin on Beck's blind side and blasts the rookie QB for another strip fumble. This one is recovered by the Jets, specifically fellow OLB Victor Hobson on the Dolphins 33.

The offense moves to the 17 and stalls, so Nugent is on for FG No. 3 from 35. And it's good.

Jets 23, Dolphins 13

It's the Green & White's first third-quarter points since Nugent hit a field goal at Cincinnati in Week 7. And while a 10-point lead is hardly safe in this somewhat steamy stadium, it beats the alternative at the moment. Also keep in mind the Dolphins have fallen behind by 10 or more points in the second hlaves of seven of their 11 losses. Needless to say, the 'Fins didn't come back to win any of them.

From the Dolphins' 36, the Dolphins spread the field, so the Jets blitz. And rookie LB David Harris, coming off the left side of the Jets' defense, gets to Beck, swats the ball out and recovers at the Miami 29. That's three strip sacks on the last three drives. Shades of John Abraham.

Brad Smith picks up a third-and-1 when he lines up at QB and Clemens makes a couple of juke steps as a flanker on the far right of the formation.. Then on third-and-13, Clemens flips a shovel pass to Leon Washington, who motors to the 1.

Thomas Jones gets the ball on first-and-goal. Will he get his first TD in green or even navy? Not yet. Ref Mike Carey blows the play dead and announces to the crowd that a whistle came from out of the stands. With that many of the Dolfans in this end zone start whistling at Carey.

"Sounds like a bird sanctuary," says CBS analyst Steve Tasker.

And on that note, the third quarter comes to an end. The Jets are a yard away from a three-score lead and 15 minutes away from dodging the embarrassment bullet by beating the winless 'Fins.