ESTABLISH GROUND ATTACK
Too often this season, the Jets have relied heavily on their passing game, which has consistently struggled. Gang Green must improve its ground attack to be successful against a Dolphins team whose offense is a basketball team on grass. Surprisingly, the Jets are one of the worst rushing teams in the league, ranking 29th (87.3) in that category. They will be without Breece Hall, who was downgraded to out on Saturday because of a knee injury he suffered during the Jets’ Week 11 loss to the Colts. If Hall does not play, rookies Braelon Allen and Isaiah Davis will have a heavier workload against a Dolphins defense that has allowed the ninth fewest rushing yards per game in the league (107.5).
CONSISTENT PRESSURE ON TUA
In last week’s victory, the Packers revealed the blueprint to contain the Dolphins’ high-powered offense. Green Bay sacked Miami QB Tua Tagovailoa five times during the 30-17 win. The Dolphins also could not get anything going rushing the ball (39 yards). If the Jets’ defense is going to limit the Dolphins offensively, it must pressure Tagovailoa consistently. During the Jets’ three wins this year, they have averaged 6.3 sacks per game. Gang Green has averaged two sacks per game in their nine losses. Jermaine Johnson’s absence due to a season-ending Achilles injury has hindered the Jets’ pass rush. However, they have 37 sacks, which is fifth-best in the NFL. Many of the Jets’ sacks have come in bunches. Making Tagovailoa uncomfortable in the pocket must be on the agenda for Jets interim coach Jeff Ulbrich.
PLAY COMPLEMENTARY FOOTBALL
Through 12 games, the Jets have yet to play complementary football for 60 minutes. Last week against the Seahawks, the Jets took a 21-16 lead into halftime, but they were held without a point during the final 30 minutes and lost the game 26-21. Getting off to a fast start is a must for the Jets on the road against a Dolphins team they haven’t defeated in Miami in 10 years. Gang Green is not equipped to come from behind with offensive issues. The Jets need their offense to finally play up to standard and not put their defense in a position to keep going back on the field after coming up empty.
