Top Keys To A Dolphins Victory Over The New York Jets
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The rivalry between the Miami Dolphins and New York Jets is one of the best in the National Football League. While the Jets (2-9) have struggled to find wins this season, the Dolphins (6-5) are still confident that they can make a run at the postseason despite dropping a crucial game last week against the Denver Broncos. The loss dropped Miami from 7th in the AFC standings to 10th, giving them very little room for error during the final five weeks of the season.
Regardless of what either team has done up until now, things can always get interesting when the Dolphins and Jets meet up. Miami head coach Joe Philbin knows this as well as anyone and he will have his team well prepared to face a tough division opponent, not a two-win team in last place. There's little argument that the Dolphins have a much more talented team than the Jets this season, but as we all know, that doesn't guarantee a victory. With the season nearing its end, here are the Dolphins keys to victory in a must-win game against the Jets.
Put Pressure On The Jets Defense
The Miami Dolphins offense has been rolling during the past several games. Quarterback Ryan Tannehill has been in control of his offense, and the team appeared to resolve their red zone issues last week in Denver by converting all five of their trips inside the 20-yard line into touchdowns. The Jets have been rotating members of their secondary over the past few weeks, giving New York's defense a bit of a preseason feel. If Tannehill can continue running the Dolphins offense as well as he has been over the last couple of months, Miami should be able to move the ball efficiently and put some points on the board against the lowly Jets.
Don't Let Percy Harvin Get Going
Last month the Jets made a splash by trading for controversial receiver/returner Percy Harvin from the Seattle Seahawks. He got off to a good start in New York, catching 14 passes on 22 targets for 151 yards during his first two games, adding another 36 rushing yards and 232 yards on eight kick returns. In the two games since however, Harvin's been targeted just 10 times, catching four passes for 25 yards, rushing for 33 yards and returning six kicks for 102 yards. He's getting frustrated and it's showing in his decision making, constantly returning kicks from deep in the end zone and being unable to find footing in the inconsistent Jets offense. Miami needs to make sure he stays discouraged because as we all have seen, when Percy gets going he can be lethal.
Miami's Defense Must Have A Bounce Back Game
The Dolphins defense was pushed around during the team's loss in Denver last weekend. They gave up 22 fourth quarter points and couldn't hold a late lead for the third time this season. Miami's front seven doesn't usually have problems imposing its will and getting a good push at the line of scrimmage, but that wasn't the case in Denver. Tackling was also an issue for Miami, bringing back memories of their defensive issues from a season ago. This week they will face a Jets offense that has had all kinds of trouble both protecting the quarterback and sustaining a run attack. If the Dolphins defense can get back to its dominant ways, it will be very difficult for New York's offense to have success moving the ball.
Jump On The Jets Early
When playing against a team that is already eliminated from the playoffs, jumping out to an early lead can pay huge dividends. The fact that this is a rivalry game makes getting off to a quick start that much more important. Five of the Jets last six losses have been by double digits. Each of the Dolphins six wins have been by at least 13 points, with Miami having an average margin of victory of 19. If the Dolphins can open up a lead on New York and get in their heads early, it could take the last place Jets completely out of the game.
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