The New York Jets (3-9) are back at MetLife Stadium where they will host the Miami Dolphins (5-7) in Week 14.
The Jets defeated the Atlanta Falcons in Week 13, 27-24, on a Nick Folk 56-yard field goal. Miami defeated the Jets in Week 4, 27-21, at Hard Rock Stadium and will look to sweep the season series on Sunday.
With that, here are Jets Wire’s three keys to victory for the Jets vs. the Dolphins:
Tighten Up the Run Defense
While the run defense has improved overall since the trade of tackle Quinnen Williams to the Dallas Cowboys at the November 4 deadline, the Jets have allowed seven rushing touchdowns over their past three games including two to the Falcons last week. Bijan Robinson gashed the defense to the tune of 142 yards on the ground and a touchdown.
New York faces one of the top running backs in the league in De’von Achane, who will be looking for his fourth-straight 100-yard game. He has two touchdowns and 220 yards rushing combined over his last two games against the Jets. He’s still the key part of the Dolphins offense and they’ll need to keep him contained as much as possible on Sunday.
Feed Breece Hall
Hall scored a touchdown last week and the Jets overall are 18-7 when their top running back finds the end zone. The Dolphins have one of the worst rushing defenses in the league, allowing an average of just over 137 yards per game. Tanner Engstrand called a solid game in last week’s victory over the Falcons, not only utilizing Hall, but Tyrod Taylor’s legs as the quarterback ran for 44 yards and a touchdown of his own.
Breece Hall is their best offensive weapon. He needs to be featured as much as possible especially as a receiver, where he was not utilized enough in last week’s win.
Spread the Wealth in the Passing Game
Adonai Mitchell had a breakout game in Week 13 where he had eight receptions for 102 yards and a touchdown. His speed and separation were on full display and you could see why GM Darren Mougey made sure the Colts included him in the Sauce Gardner deal.
While it’s tempting, Engstrand should not try to force feed Mitchell targets on Sunday. The Jets offense works better when all their receivers are targeted. Mitchell will still play a significant role this weekend, but Taylor should continue to keep John Metchie III involved as well as tight end Mason Taylor. Metchie will be looking to redeem himself after a rough game last week where he had multiple drops. The injury to Garrett Wilson has allowed the Jets to spread the wealth a bit in the passing game. With GW still sidelined for Sunday’s game, they should continue the same strategy that is clearly working since Taylor replaced Justin Fields at quarterback.