In search of their fourth victory in six games, the New York Jets (3-10) fell into a big hole early and lost QB Tyrod Taylor to a groin injury in a 34-10 loss to the Miami Dolphins (6-7) at MetLife Stadium on Sunday.

The Dolphins erupted for 21 points in the first quarter and the Jets were forced to turn the offensive controls over to rookie Brady Cook when Taylor departed following 6 offensive saps. The Jets had targeted some payback following their 27-21 Week 4 loss at Miami. But Miami took control from the outset, and the hosts never were able to mount a comeback.

In a 21-point hole, WR/returner Isaiah Williams gave the Jets life with an electrifying 78-yard punt return for a score with 20 seconds remaining in the opening quarter. With the house call, Williams became the third player in franchise history with 2 punt-return TDs in a season.

Then trailing by 24-7 late in the second quarter, Williams drew a 39-yard pass interference on S Minkah Fitzpatrick to get the Jets inside the red zone. But Cook was intercepted by CB Rasul Douglas and the deficit remained 17 points at halftime.

"Definitely a challenge but a great challenge, one that comes with the job of being a backup quarterback," said Cook, who was 14 of 30 for 163 yards and was intercepted twice and sacked 6 times. "I felt ready to play today and obviously didn't do enough to get a win."

Chris Banjo's special teams unit provided another spark the third quarter with a fake punt. Malachi Moore took a snap and ran a speed option, pitching to RB Isaiah Davis for a 20-yard gain up the home sideline. Cook and the offense were able to move to the Miami 7-yard line but were forced to settle for a Nick Folk 31-yard field goal after John Metchie III dropped what could have been a walk-in score.

For the second time this season, the Jets fell behind Miami to the 'Fins by double digits. Miami exploded out of gates, taking a 14-0 lead on Tua Tagovailoa's 3-yard TD pass to Jaylen Waddle and DeVon Achane's 13-yard run.

Then on the Jets' second possession, LB Tyrel Dodson was the benefactor of a deflected pass after Taylor threw a bit behind rookie TE Mason Taylor. The ' 'Fins' takeaway, which was initially ruled an incompletion but overturned after a replay review, gave them possession at the New York 29. Six plays later, Jaylen Wright scored from 2 yards out and it was 21-0.

While neither team's offense had third-down success during the first two quarters (MIA 0 of 5 and NYJ 0 of 6), the visitors went 4 of 4 in the red zone and outgained the Green & White, 358 to 207 in total net yards. The Jets were outrushed 239 to 65 and Cook finished 14 of 30 for 163 yards and 2 INTs.

Next week, the Jets will begin a two-game road trip against the Jaguars in Jacksonville.

"This game was definitely disappointing, really hard to put into words," said HC Aaron Glenn. "The only thing I can say is I didn't have these guys ready to play and that was obvious by the way we went out there and played, so I have to take a look at myself, take a look at the staff, take a look at the players and come back next week and get ourselves ready to play against a good team who's playing well right now."

Jetcetera

Targeted 8 times, rookie TE Mason Taylor had 51 yards receiving on 5 catches. … LB Jamien Sherwood led the defense with 15 tackles and 2 PDs. LB Quincy Williams added 7 tackles and 1 sack…. After S Tony Adams (groin) was listed among the inactives, the Jets started Isaiah Oliver at S alongside rookie Malachi Moore. … LB Kiko Mauigoa exited in the first half and cleared concussion protocol but also sustained a shoulder injury. He was replaced in base looks by Mykal Walker. … Rookie DE Tyler Baron exited in the first half with a knee injury. … Dolphins star RB De'Von Achane had 92 rush yards (13.1 on 7 carries) before departing with a rib injury.