Previewing the Jets vs. Dolphins NFL matchup this Monday:
Highlight Matchup
Jets CB Sauce Gardner vs. Dolphins WR Tyreek Hill
This season, the Jets are allowing Gardner to face the opposing team’s top receivers, a shift from previous coaching strategies. He performed well against DK Metcalf from the Steelers in the first week but had some challenges against Tampa’s Mike Evans last week.
Hill, often referred to as a “cheetah,” is known for his speedy play, which might create difficulties for Gardner. It’ll be intriguing to see whether the Jets allow Gardner to match up against Hill one-on-one throughout the game, or if they opt for a different strategy.
“I believe there’s a specific way to handle that speed,” Gardner mentioned regarding Hill. “We’re fully aware that they call themselves an Olympic track team. They’re quick. But we’ll go there and do our job.”
Hill has recently been mentioned in trade rumors, tallying 15 receptions and one touchdown for 198 yards so far this season. The Dolphins didn’t stretch the field against the Bills last week, with both Hill and Jalen Waddle only managing about 40 yards each.
Four Points
Back in Action
The Jets are set to see quarterback Justin Fields return after missing last week’s game due to a concussion. The question now is which version of Fields will show up. Will it be the one who efficiently ran and passed against the Steelers or the one who struggled against the Bills?
“We didn’t play well at all,” Fields stated regarding the game against Buffalo. “We didn’t run enough, and I turned the ball over. We didn’t come out strong. That pretty much sums it up.”
The Jets’ offense lagged significantly until backup Tyrod Taylor led two touchdown drives in the fourth quarter last week. The whole Jets’ strategy was centered around Fields during the offseason, so his return is crucial.
AFC Landscape
The Jets and Dolphins are positioned in the AFC East, and as it stands, they might stay in their current spots unless the Patriots make a significant move. This division seems to revolve around the Bills and the rest.
Games within this division hold weight, and the Jets have struggled for too long, with an abysmal 6-25 record in the AFC East since 2020. They have already dropped their first division game this season. To aim for a seven or eight-win season, clinching at least one victory against the Dolphins is essential, and the Dolphins likely view the Jets similarly.
Running Challenges
The Jets aimed to establish a strong ground game, but that hasn’t materialized over the last two weeks. The quarterback has relied more on scrambling than on designed runs. Running back Breece Hall only managed 29 yards against the Bills and 21 against the Buccaneers.
“We need to improve our running game,” Jets coach Aaron Glenn remarked. “Sure, we faced three solid teams recently, but that’s not my concern. I’m focused on how we can perform better.”
Tua’s Struggles
Meanwhile, Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has had a rocky start to the season, ranking low with a 35.8 rating and four interceptions. He received criticism from former MVP Cam Newton, to which Tagovailoa had a pointed response.
“Anyone can play quarterback in this league,” he countered. “But it’s easy to judge when you’re not the one facing the pressures on the field.”
The Jets have yet to force any turnovers this season, so Tagovailoa must be careful not to give them opportunities.
Predictions
Both teams are in dire need of a win, with the Dolphins arguably more desperate for success. The Jets have struggled in South Florida, with no wins there since 2016, and the trend may continue.
Dolphins 31, Jets 26
