ESTABLISH GROUND GAME EARLY
Sunday’s temperature for the 4:25 p.m. game is supposed to be in the high 20s come kickoff time. Because of that and the swirling winds occasionally coming to MetLife Stadium, establishing the run will be instrumental for the Jets‘ offense.
The last time the Jets played in these temperatures was two weeks ago in the 19-9 loss to the Rams. Gang Green registered just 75 rushing yards that day.
Miami has the ninth-best defense in terms of rushing yards allowed (102.8). Conversely, the Jets are 31st in rushing yards per game (90.2).
GET PRESSURE ON HUNTLEY
The Dolphins will start Tyler Huntley in Sunday’s game against the Jets. Starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa suffered a hip injury on Dec. 15 and missed last weekend’s game against the Browns.
Miami’s offensive line has been inconsistent this season and is now dealing with injuries. During the 20-3 victory against the Browns, Huntley was sacked four times and heavily pressured most of the afternoon.
The Dolphins could be without left tackle Terron Armstead, who missed practice on Wednesday and Thursday.
The Jets are 16th in sacks registered this season, but this is a game in which they need Will McDonald and Quincy Williams to both be active in the backfield. This would allow them to potentially force errant throws and turnovers by Huntley, setting the Jets’ offense up with excellent field position and scoring changes.
JUMP OUT TO EARLY START
Too often this season, the Jets have gotten off to a slow start and couldn’t recover. For example, the Jets’ defense did a solid job against the Bills last week for a quarter and a half before Aaron Rodgers was sacked for a safety, and the snowball effect began.
Rodgers could be playing in his final game with the Jets with a new general manager and coach coming to the organization in 2025. Expect Rodgers, who is sitting on 499 passing touchdowns, to try and push the ball downfield to Davante Adams to achieve the mark.
