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NFL New York Jets

Pass Protection is Key to Jets Win Over Dolphins

By @GregSulik

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When the New York Jets host the Miami Dolphins on Monday Night Football this week, they will be at a distinct disadvantage. The Dolphins outrank the Jets in a number of key statistical categories, and they appear to be the far superior football team. The Jets will also put Geno Smith back in the starting lineup, something that isn’t exactly encouraging optimism among the players and fans.

Of all the issues the Jets are facing in this game, perhaps the biggest is their ability to protect Smith. The Dolphins rank 4th in the NFL with 31 sacks this season, while the Jets have allowed the second most at 36. The Jets had all kinds of problems with Buffalo Bills last week, allowing seven sacks and nine quarterback hits.

Right tackle Breno Giacomini simply could not handle Mario Williams, and expect the Dolphins try to get Cameron Wake one on one with Giacomini as often as possible. Third down back Bilal Powell should be back this week, which will help out a little. However, if the Jets want to have any chance of winning this game then they must be able to protect Smith.

The right side of the line in particular has been like a sieve for the Jets all season, as Giacomini and Willie Colon are both far weaker pass protectors than they are run blockers. Wake will have to be double teamed in all passing situations, even if it means keeping a tight end in on third downs. Smith has huge problems in dealing with pressure, and if he is feeling the heat he will throw the ball up for grabs. The Jets have to play turnover free to win, and that starts up front.

On the other side, D’Brickashaw Ferguson needs a rebound game after having some issues with the speedy Jerry Hughes last week. Oliver Vernon is a different type of pass rusher, but he is certainly one to be respected with 5.5 sacks on the year. Next to him, Oday Aboushi needs to hold up against Earl Mitchell and Jared Odrick, though Nick Mangold will obviously play a big role in that.

The Jets need to establish the run early and then expand to short passes that get the ball out of Smith’s hands quickly. Screens could also be a big part of the game plan as they attempt to slow the rush. The Miami pass rush is their biggest advantage in a game where they have plenty, and if the Jets allow the Dolphins’ front to consistently get to Smith then this will be a very long night.

Protecting Smith is not the only thing the Jets have to do to pull the upset, but it is the most important.

Greg Sulik is a New York Jets writer for Rant Sports. Follow him on Twitter @GregSulik or add him to your network on Google

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