JB: Miami’s passing attack going against the Jets’ defensive secondary and defensive line. The Dolphins’ speed on offense will be a test for the Green & White. QB Tua Tagovailoa, hitting on 69.7% of his passes (62 of 89 with 5 TDs, but also 4 INT) is tethered to the play of WRs Tyreek Hill (15 catches, 198 yards, 13.2 per catch, 1 TD) and Jaylen Waddle (17-137-9.8-2), with RB Da’Von Achane (18-141-7.8-2) also presenting a challenge coming out of the backfield. The Jets’ defense needs to start fast and find ways to get off the field on third down, especially in the heat and humidity of South Florida. CB Sauce Gardner (who missed both games against the Fins last season), could stick with Miami’s WR1,Hill, while Brandon Stephens will need to be at his best dealing battling Waddle. The Jets have yet to register an interception and have forced 4 fumbles without getting a recovery. Miami’s offensive line has allowed 6 sacks so far, while the Jets have generated an identical number and added 18 TFL. On the Jets’ D-line, Jermaine Johnson (ankle) will miss another game, which puts more pressure on Will McDonald IV and Micheal Clemonson the edges. Quinnen Williams and Harrison Phillips, and others are a lot to handle for Miami, or any team for that matter. “We got to find a way to finish,” Jets DC Steve Wilks said. “That’s the key thing for us on defense. One touchdown, holding those guys [Tampa Bay] to 5 field goals. That doesn’t really mean anything when you can’t finish in the end.
SW: In order to “get over the hump” that HC Aaron Glenn has been referencing, the Jets need to get back to the offensive identity the staff has preached — and one that flashed in Week 1 — to secure their first victory, on Monday night at Hard Rock Stadium. After rushing for 182 yards in Week 1, the Jets only recorded a combined 199 rushing yards in Weeks 2 and 3, and QBs Justin Fields and Tyrod Taylor led the team on the ground in those games. The Green & White will have an opportunity to get the ground game going again this week as they face a Dolphins’ defense that has allowed an average of 145 rushing yards per game, which is the fifth most in the league. The Jets should not shy away from the passing game, either — Miami ranks last in opponent completion percentage and passer rating allowed, and they have given up the most average points per game (32.2) this season. Whether it’s Fields or Taylor under center, the Jets have a great opportunity to find an offensive rhythm early and take advantage of a defense that has struggled so far this season.