Opponent Profile: Jets Hope To Deliver Devastating Blow To Dolphins Playoff Hopes
By Abraham Gutierrez
After closing out the month of November with a 2-2 record, the Miami Dolphins hope to get back top their winning ways in December, as they travel to MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, to take on the hated New York Jets in Week 13 of the 2014 NFL season.
Opening kickoff for this old school AFC East showdown is scheduled for Monday night at 8:30 p.m. Eastern Time and it will be broadcast live on ESPN. With just five weeks remaining on the regular season, Gang Green will be looking to deal the Fins a devastating blow to their playoff chances for a second straight year.
The Jets are led by controversial head coach Rex Ryan, who finds himself in the proverbial "hot seat" after what is destined to be another disappointing campaign. In fact, one has to look all the way back to the 2010 season to find the last time the J-E-T-S! finished above the .500-mark, which coincidentally also marks its most recent playoff appearance.
New York Jets On Offense
The Jets' offensive coordinator is former Detroit Lions head coach, Marty Mornhinweg. In his third year at the helm of Ryan's offense, the 52-year-old from Edmond, Oklahoma, should be looking to update his resume by season's end.
The Jets start Week 13 ranked 30th in points per game (17.4), 26th in total yards per game (319.4), last (32nd) in passing yards per game (178.5), and the only bright spot is in their running attack, which ranks third in the NFL with 140.9 yards per contest.
Well-traveled veteran Michael Vick is the Jets current starting quarterback, as he overtook Geno Smith in the team's depth chart. Thus far, the 2010 NFL Comeback Player of the Year has connected on 57 of 102 pass attempts for 528 yards, three touchdowns and an interception.
As expected, Vick has also been able to scramble out of the pocket and create opportunities for himself in the running game. In eight games (2 starts), the former Virginia Tech standout has rushed for on 24 carries, for an average of 6.2 yards per carry.
Other offensive leaders include: running backs Chris Ivory (123 rushes, 548 yards, 5 TDs), Chris Johnson (85 rushes, 360 yards, TD), and wide receivers Eric Decker (43 receptions, 450 yards, 4 TDs), Jace Amaro (34 receptions, 291 yards, 2 TDs) and Jeremy Kerley (26 receptions, 237 yards, TD).
New York Jets On Defense
With defensive coordinator Dennis Thurman in charge, the Jets "D" is without question this team's strong point. They start Week 13 of the season ranked third in rushing yards per game (83.2), seventh in total yards per game (323.7), 14th against the passing game (240.5), and 26th in points per game (26.5). Defensive standouts in the tackle department include: Demario Davis (75 combined, 49 solo, 26 assist, 2.0 sacks), Dawan Landry (71 combined, 42 solo, 29 assist, 1.5 sacks) and David Harris (73 combined, 41 solo, 32 assist, 2.0 sacks, forced fumble).
In addition, the Jets' sacks leaders are: Muhammad Wilkerson (48 tackles, 28 solo, 4.5 sacks, forced fumble), Calvin Pace (28 tackles, 21 solo, 4.0 sacks) and Sheldon Richardson (48 tackles, 27 solo, 3.5 sacks, forced fumble) just to name a few. Finally, the Jets' interception leaders include: Jaiquawn Jarrett (2 INTs, 10 yards) and Phillip Adams (INT).
Dolphins vs. Jets Head-to-Head History
The Fins and the Jets have met a total of 97 times throughout their prolonged history. Gang Green comes in leading the series with a record of 50-46-1, but Miami has actually outscored New York to the tune of 2116 to 2048.
Their last meeting dates back to Dec. 29, 2013, when the Jets defeated the Dolphins at home by a final score of 20-7. Nevertheless, Miami has won seven of their past 11 games against New York.
For more Dolphins news and updates, visit Dolphins Central.
Abe Gutierrez is a criminal justice admin whose love for sports led him to become a writer and editor. His expertise make him a valued addition to Examiner.com and its partners. His work can be found on Examiner.com. .