1 Six feet under and on to the Miami Dolphins
The Jets ceremoniously buried a game ball from Monday night’s 45-3 loss at New England this week.
Their opponent is a Miami team that, at 6-6, is in must-win mode to try and salvage their slim playoff hopes. With a win, the Jets could possibly clinch a playoff berth, but they’d also be taking a big step towards officially putting to rest their last game.
“We better start by beating Miami, who is going to give us everything they’ve got,” head coach Rex Ryan said. “They’re coming in here with slim playoff chances. They’ve got to beat us. It’s as simple as that.”
2 A little ground, and a little pound
Miami boasts a top-five pass defense, spearheaded by CB Vontae Davis.
With the Jets passing game having struggled through the past two games, including a 27.8 passer rating for Mark Sanchez on Monday, New York would be wise to pound the ball.
The Dolphins’ defense isn’t bad vs. the run, but in what should be a cold and wet Sunday, the Jets can eat up clock and move the chains with hard running from Shonn Greene.
3 Wolverines usually growl vs. Gang Green
What is it about former Michigan quarterbacks and the Jets?
Not only was Tom Brady brilliant Monday, but Sunday’s signal-caller is a former Wolverine whose numbers haven’t been too shabby against Gang Green. In three starts, Chad Henne has completed 63.7 percent for 716 yards with five TDs. Henne has had his struggles, causing Miami coach Tony Sparano to say he was going to re-evaluate the position at the end of the year.
Key Matchups
Mark Sanchez vs. Miami’s secondary
The scoop: Sanchez will be called on to manage the offense and limit mistakes. His job should be made easier if the Jets aren’t down 17-0 at the end of the first quarter. But watch out. The Dolphins secondary is deep and highly rated.
Edge: Even
Jets offensive line vs. Karlos Dansby
The scoop: The inside linebacker leads the team with 84 tackles. Dansby has great pursuit, is good at stopping the run and in three games against the Jets, boasts an impressive 17 tackles. The Jets O-line must keep him from stuffing the gaps.
Edge: Miami
Jets secondary vs. Brandon Marshall
The scoop: Whether corner Darrelle Revis or Antonio Cromartie draw the assignment, either player will have his hands full. Marshall is arguably the game’s most complete receiver and has 15 catches in two career games against New York for a total of 221 yards.
Edge: Miami
