Miami comes out of its bye week still searching for its first win, heading to MetLife Stadium to face the Jets. Caleb Douglas’s return gives the passing game a needed boost, but I want to see Miami establish its physical identity with Ollie Gordon and its big offensive line. Winning the turnover battle and finally generating consistent pressure will also be important.
Cameron Wake and Ndamukong Suh sandwich Bryce Petty
1. Caleb Douglas Gives the Passing Game a Boost
Getting Caleb Douglas back is something I am excited about. Miami has needed another option in the passing game, and his return gives Malik Willis another receiver to work with.
I want to see Douglas involved early, but his return alone will not fix the offense. Willis still needs to make accurate throws, take the available completions, and protect the football. More weapons only help if Miami takes advantage of them.
2. Establish a Physical Presence With Gordon
Miami averages 126.6 rushing yards per game, while the Jets allow 123. This is a matchup where I want to see the Dolphins commit to the run.
With Gordon and the size Miami has up front, this offense needs to establish the physical presence it wants to have. Give Gordon consistent touches and let the offensive line create movement. I want Miami to make the Jets defend the run throughout the game rather than moving away from it too quickly.
A productive rushing attack would also help keep Willis out of obvious passing situations. Miami needs to give itself manageable downs and opportunities to sustain drives.
3. Win the Turnover Battle
The Jets have forced eight turnovers and committed four, giving them a +4 turnover differential. Miami has the opposite: four takeaways and eight giveaways, for a −4 differential.
New York has been winning this part of the game, and Miami needs to change that. The Dolphins cannot keep giving away possessions and expect the defense to cover for them.
Defensively, I want to see more of the “Jacob Rodriguez effect.” Chris Johnson’s punch-out against Cincinnati was an encouraging example of another defender attacking the football. Keep looking for those opportunities while securing the tackle. Offensively, Willis and the rest of the unit need to value every possession.
4. The Edge Rushers Need to Get to Geno Smith
Miami has four sacks all season, with all four coming against Minnesota. That is nowhere near enough consistent pass-rush production.
I want to see Chop Robinson and Joshua Uche create more pressure against Geno Smith. Miami showed against the Vikings that its stunts and speed-to-power rushes can work. Now, that needs to happen more often.
Smith has had turnover issues during his career, but he has thrown just one interception this season. Miami cannot assume he will give the ball away. The defense needs to make him uncomfortable and force difficult decisions. He has already been sacked 19 times, so this front has opportunities to make an impact.
A Rivalry Win Would Still Feel Good
For me, the bigger goal is to leave this season with a top draft pick and keep developing the young players. That does not mean I am going to complain about beating the Jets. A win over a division rival is always a bonus, especially if Miami’s young core helps make it happen.
Miami comes out of its bye week still searching for its first win, heading to MetLife Stadium to face the Jets. Caleb Douglas’s return gives the passing game a needed boost, but I want to see Miami establish its physical identity with Ollie Gordon and its big offensive line. Winning the turnover battle and finally generating consistent pressure will also be important.
Cameron Wake and Ndamukong Suh sandwich Bryce Petty
1. Caleb Douglas Gives the Passing Game a Boost
Getting Caleb Douglas back is something I am excited about. Miami has needed another option in the passing game, and his return gives Malik Willis another receiver to work with.
I want to see Douglas involved early, but his return alone will not fix the offense. Willis still needs to make accurate throws, take the available completions, and protect the football. More weapons only help if Miami takes advantage of them.
2. Establish a Physical Presence With Gordon
Miami averages 126.6 rushing yards per game, while the Jets allow 123. This is a matchup where I want to see the Dolphins commit to the run.
With Gordon and the size Miami has up front, this offense needs to establish the physical presence it wants to have. Give Gordon consistent touches and let the offensive line create movement. I want Miami to make the Jets defend the run throughout the game rather than moving away from it too quickly.
A productive rushing attack would also help keep Willis out of obvious passing situations. Miami needs to give itself manageable downs and opportunities to sustain drives.
3. Win the Turnover Battle
The Jets have forced eight turnovers and committed four, giving them a +4 turnover differential. Miami has the opposite: four takeaways and eight giveaways, for a −4 differential.
New York has been winning this part of the game, and Miami needs to change that. The Dolphins cannot keep giving away possessions and expect the defense to cover for them.
Defensively, I want to see more of the “Jacob Rodriguez effect.” Chris Johnson’s punch-out against Cincinnati was an encouraging example of another defender attacking the football. Keep looking for those opportunities while securing the tackle. Offensively, Willis and the rest of the unit need to value every possession.
4. The Edge Rushers Need to Get to Geno Smith
Miami has four sacks all season, with all four coming against Minnesota. That is nowhere near enough consistent pass-rush production.
I want to see Chop Robinson and Joshua Uche create more pressure against Geno Smith. Miami showed against the Vikings that its stunts and speed-to-power rushes can work. Now, that needs to happen more often.
Smith has had turnover issues during his career, but he has thrown just one interception this season. Miami cannot assume he will give the ball away. The defense needs to make him uncomfortable and force difficult decisions. He has already been sacked 19 times, so this front has opportunities to make an impact.
A Rivalry Win Would Still Feel Good
For me, the bigger goal is to leave this season with a top draft pick and keep developing the young players. That does not mean I am going to complain about beating the Jets. A win over a division rival is always a bonus, especially if Miami’s young core helps make it happen.
