Miami Dolphins at New York Jets Week 8 Preview

By Marc Jenkins
Reggie Bush and the Dolphins Look to Run All Over the Jets Poor Rush Defense
Andrew Weber-US Presswire

For the second time this season AFC East foes will collide when the Miami Dolphins (3-3) head to MetLife Stadium to taken on the New York Jets (3-4). The Jets got the better of the Dolphins in the first meeting between the two division rivals 23-20 in overtime so this time Miami will be playing with an extra chip on their shoulder looking to tie the season series up at one game each.

Miami is surprisingly a .500 team this season and are currently ranked 21st in the league in both total offensive yards gained per game (343.2 yards) as well as passing yards gained per game (224.2 yards), 11th in rushing yards gained per game (119 yards) and 22nd in points scored per game (20 points) while on the other side of the ball they are 20th in total offensive yards allowed per game (363 yards), 28th in passing yards allowed per game (284.8 yards), third in rushing yards allowed per game (78.2 yards) and seventh in points allowed per game (19.5 points).

Running back Reggie Bush is going to be the focal point of the Miami offense is this contest for more than one reason; the first being that he is having arguably his best NFL season (98 carries for 434 yards and 3 TD along with 17 receptions for 140 yards) and because of his war of words with the Jets during the week in he media. Bush could be the key to this game if he goes off for a big day then he could lead the Phins to victory if he struggles then the Jets may be in pretty good shape to sweep the season series. Rookie quarterback Ryan Tannehill (1,454 yards, 4 TD, 6 INT and completing 59.6% of his attempts) is having a decent season thus far and will need to have a great game this week against a defense that will be looking to capitalize on his mistakes. Tannehill will look to get the ball to Davone Bess (28 receptions for 388) and Brian Hartline (29 receptions for 514 yards and a TD) so that Bush can find room on the ground. Cameron Wake (6.5 sacks)and Karlos Dansby (46 tackles and a sack) will be the major defensive playmakers for the Dolphins if these two can get into the backfield and cause and havoc then the Jets could be in for a long day.

The Jets have picked up their offensive play over the past few weeks and now rank 29th in total offensive yards gained per game (310.9 yards), 28th in passing yards gained per game (200.4 yards), 14th in rushing yards gained per game (110.4 yards), 22.7 points scored per game (22.7 points) while their usually stout defense has been up and down this season ranking 19th in total offensive yards allowed per game (362.9 yards), ninth in passing yards allowed per game (215.1 yards), 30th in rushing yards allowed per game (147.7 yards) and 21st in points allowed per game (24.3 yards).

Mark Sanchez has improved his play as of late and will need to have yet another good performance this week in attempts to get his squad back to a .500 record. This season Sanchez has passed for 1,453 yards for nine touchdowns, seven interceptions and completed 53.2% of his attempts with his job security being the constant topic of conversation in the Big Apple’s media. Shonn Greene has also been better as of late and this season the Jets starting running back has rushed for 432 yards and five touchdowns on 124 carries. Green will be key in the Jets efforts to win this game due to the fact that the Dolphins is so strong versus the run, if he can give them a good game then Gang Green will have a much better shot scoring and winning this game. Safety LaRon Landry is having a resurgent season this year with 50 tackles, an interception, three pass deflections, a forced fumble and a touchdown, he is a playmaker on defense for the Jets and he will probably come up with a few in this one.

This game should be just as close as the last one between the two down in Miami. It will be a nasty and physical defensive contest especially when you consider the fact both teams have been running their mouths all week. I’ll take the Dolphins this time with the same score just in reverse, 23-20.

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