Jets Look To Snap Two-Game Skid Versus Struggling Dolphins In Week 12
By Abraham Gutierrez
Facing a must-win situation, the New York Jets prepare to host an old nemesis, as the unpredictable Miami Dolphins invade MetLife Stadium with hopes of an upset in Week 12 of the 2015 NFL season. Both teams are coming off disappointing defeats in Week 11, but for Gang Green it was their second loss in a row.
Miami Dolphins 2015 NFL Season
It has been a turbulent season for the (4-6) Miami Dolphins, to say the least, as coaching changes and injuries have really tested this team's spirit. Under interim head coach Dan Campbell, the Fins have definitely showed signs of improvements, but it hasn't been nearly enough to consider them playoff contenders in the American Football Conference.
In their first meeting of the season with the Jets, Miami found itself on the losing end of a 27-14 decision at Wembley Stadium, which led to Joe Philbin's firing. On that eventful day, the Jets running game was clicking on all cylinders. With Miami's run defense struggling, Chris Ivory ran for 166 yards on 29 carries and a score.
Dolphins On Offense
Offensively, the Dolphins operate under offensive coordinator Bill Lazor, who's one of the few coaching to survive the Philbin era. Unfortunately for Dolphins fans, very little has changed offensive, as this team is very much one sided, and rank among the bottom of the league in their attack.
Under Lazor's tutelage, Miami's offense is 19th in the league in rushing yards (99.7), 21st in passing yards (236.5) and 26th in both, total yards (336.2) and points per game (20.5). Running back Lamar Miller is the team leader in rushing yards (565 yards on 114 carries, 5 TD), while Jarvis Landry is their biggest threat through the air as well as in kick and punt returns.
Dolphins On Defense
Prior to the start of the season, the Miami defense was expected to take the league by storm. However, injuries and poor play has really put an end to all that chatter, as the Fins "D" turned out to be more sizzle than steak. There's no question that after Kevin Coyle's firing, this team picked up its level of play, but they've failed to find any consistency.
Entering Week 12, the Dolphins defense ranks 20th in the National Football League in both, points (24.9) and passing yards per game allowed (251.2). In the other two defensive areas, this team has left a lot to be desired, earning a ranking of 26th against the pass (389.8) and a disappointing 31st against the rush (138.6).
Dolphins Players To Watch
Offensively, everything starts and ends with the quarterback, and thus, Ryan Tannehill will be the offensive player to watch. With a weak offensive line, this has been another stressful year for the Texas A&M product. Nevertheless, he comes in having completed 63 percent of his passes, going 225-for-358 for 2640 yards, 17 touchdowns and 10 interceptions for a quarterback rating of 89.4.
On the defensive side of the football, the void left by Wake Cameron's season-ending injury cannot be ignored. As a result, the Dolphins defensive player to watch is none other than strong safety Reshad Jones, who is having a sensational year. In his sixth season out of Georgia, the 27-year-old from Atlanta comes in leading the team in tackles (91), interceptions (3) and pick-sixes (2) and will certainly be looking to make Ryan Fitzpatrick pay for any misfires.
Abe Gutierrez's (Twitter: @GutierrezAbe) passion led him to ditch law school journey in order to launch his own publishing company. His expertise make him a valued addition to Examiner.com, AXS.com and the CBS-Sports family. Some of his work can be found on CBS-Miami (Dolphins), CBS-LosAngeles (Chargers), CBS-BayArea (Raiders), CBS-NewYork (NY Jets), CBS-TampaBay (Buccaneers), AXS.com, Examiner.com and other online publications.