Coming off of a disappointing 24-17 loss to the New England Patriots, the Jets look to get back on track when they take on the 3-2 Dolphins in Miami. After having their three game win streak halted, the Jets dropped back down to .500 at 3-3. Jets defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson is listed as questionable with shoulder and foot injuries. Having to sit Wilkerson will likely be a case of addition by subtraction as the Temple product is not only sackless this season, but he’s yet to come up with a single QB hit.
Who: NY Jets (3-3) at Miami Dolphins (3-2)
When: Sunday at 1 pm
Where: Hard Rock Stadium
Point Spread: Jets +3
Let’s take a look at some key match-ups along with position groups and players to watch.
Jets O-line vs Dolphins D-line: The Jets’ offensive line has been so bad against the run this season that picking out any one player against a stellar Dolphins D-line would be pointless. The bottom line in this game is that if the Jets offensive line can’t manage to get some push in the run game, the Dolphins defense is going to be able to feast on quarterback Josh McCown who will be facing 3rd & longs all day.
CB Buster Skrine vs. WR’s DeVante Parker and Kenny Stills: Parker is listed as doubtful for this contest as he battles a foot injury which will mean Stills will have to step up if Parker is in fact out. Either way, Buster Skrine will have to step up and continue to play at a high level. Yes Jets fans, you read that right. Buster Skrine has strung together what may be his three best games as a Jet over the past few weeks. Against the Patriots, he was targeted by Tom Brady and company 10 times, allowing just two receptions while picking up an INT.
Can Buster Skrine continue his stellar play for a fourth week in a row?
TE Austin Seferian-Jenkins vs. S Reshad Jones: Resahd Jones might be one of the most underrated safeties in the NFL and he played a great game against the Jets in their first meeting earlier this season. Seferian-Jenkins leads all tight ends in receptions (23) since returning from his two-game suspension. If the Jets are going to have any success against the Dolphins, they’ll need Seferian-Jenkins to make a play.
ILB Darron Lee vs TE Julius Thomas: Lee has looked like an improved player over the past few weeks as well, but he’s been far from perfect. In taking on the 6′ 4” Thomas, Lee, as always, will be facing off against a much taller opponent who could be in for a big day if Jay Cutler looks his way often enough. Lee won’t be alone in being a key against Thomas as first round pick Jamal Adams will likely get the nod to cover him a fair bit as well.
DL Leonard Williams vs. OC Mike Pouncey: Williams is struggling mightily and like Wilkerson, is still in search of his first sack of the season. Pouncey has struggled for Miami this year and hasn’t practiced this week due to a concussion, but it’s believed he will be active against the Jets. If Williams can get things going and disrupt Jay Cutler up the middle, it will make things easier for the Jets’ defense all day.
Kickoff is less than 24 hours away Jets fans. Is 4-3 on the horizon, or will Jay Ajayi carry the Dolphins to their fourth win of the season? Thoughts? Comments? Click here to log in and join the discussion in our forums.
