Dolphins vs Jets: Top 5 takeaways from Week 15 matchup
In the Dolphins vs Jets game, Gang Green once again showed very little fight to come back and win against the Miami in Week 15.
Dec 17, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets quarterback Bryce Petty (9) is hit after throwing a pass by Miami Dolphins defensive end Andre Branch (50) during the first quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
The Week 15 Dolphins vs Jets matchup showed Gang Green play with no heart and very little desire as they lost to Miami 34-13. Once again, like they did in previous losing streaks, the Jets started off slow and were outplayed on both sides of the ball.
The Jets offense again couldn’t move the football when it was necessary and didn’t come away with points. The offense struggled and caused the defense to play more than they should have.
With the loss, the Jets fall to 4-10, and head on the road for a Christmas Eve matchup against the New England Patriots. If they want to get an early Christmas gift then they will have to pull off a miracle.
The Jets will need to play for respect and pride because they are becoming a laughing stock. They really need to try to defeat their divisional rival to have something worth mentioning this season.
Let’s take a deeper look and breakdown the top five takeaways from this Week 15 matchup.
5. Jets defense makes too many mistakes
The Jets were ramped up to face backup quarterback Matt Moore and running back Jay Ajayi but weren’t aggressive enough which hurt them big time. They had a lot of dumb penalties that caused many of Miami’s offensive drives to continue.
Also, they allowed Moore to throw four touchdowns and pass for 236 yards. He looked like he hasn’t missed a step for not playing in nearly five years.
They Jets were overpursuing on each play that allowed the passing game to be able to execute in Miami’s favor. Everyone needed to stay to their assignments and do what they are supposed to do.
They gave up a total of 303 yards of total offense to the Dolphins. The secondary was beaten bad for 236 yards and the Jets front line did well in going up against the run. The dominant presence and overpursuing allowed the Dolphins to open up the passing game beyond comprehension as they made an example out of the Jets.
Dec 17, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets running back Bilal Powell (29) is tackled by Miami Dolphins outside linebacker Jelani Jenkins (53) at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Schneidler-USA TODAY Sports
4. Offensive play calling once again is a major problem
Offensive coordinator Chan Gailey really has to change things up because it has not been working all season long. He seems to only continue to call the same plays over and over. You wonder what he is thinking because obviously, it is not effective.
Instead of trying to do screen plays the whole drive, Gailey should try to work in something different. He should try cross patterns and keep it basic, simply call plays that have been successful.
They have called numerous plays where as a fan you get frustrated and wondering what they see out there. They also need to get everyone involved instead of targeting the same player.
Like I have said all season long, missing Eric Decker is hurting the Jets offense. It seems that the offense Gailey has been running hasn’t worked and it would be surprising to see the Jets bring him back next season.
Dec 17, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets quarterback Bryce Petty (9) sits on the bench after sustaining an injury against the Miami Dolphins during the fourth quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
3. Bryce Petty struggles in his third start
Besides being almost severely injured from the Dolphins defensive line, quarterback Bryce Petty looked lost out there. Petty was focusing on one or two targets way too much. Petty was forcing the football into tight coverages.
He once again threw multiple interceptions trying to do something with the play rather than throwing it away. The one person he threw to with much success was Robby Anderson, who was his usual reliable target.
Petty needs to be more vocal and not be afraid out there while feeling confident. He needs to slow things down to his pace and take control of everything.
Petty has two games left in his audition and needs to show something that the Jets haven’t seen yet. If he doesn’t fix things he will find himself as a backup once again in his young career.
Oct 17, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; New York Jets guard James Carpenter (77) and guard Brian Winters (67) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Jets 28-3. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
2. Jets offensive line falters once again
Once again the Jets offensive line didn’t get any penetration to drive back the opposing defenders. They aren’t being smart in who needs to block who and when a blitz is happening at some point.
The offensive line was not able to contain the Dolphins defensive pressure which allowed them to cash in on the Jets mistakes. They also had too many penalties brought on themselves which hurt drives.
More from The Jet Press
They weren’t able to keep blitzes from coming at Petty which put him in a dangerous situation out there. They also couldn’t contain themselves from not showing their frustration. They were inconsistent and simply didn’t execute in the grand scheme of things.
Dec 17, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets head coach Todd Bowles coaches against the Miami Dolphins during the fourth quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
1. Todd Bowles once again doesn’t know what to do
In his second season as head coach, Todd Bowles hasn’t done anything to make Jets fans excited. He shows no emotion on the sidelines as he stands there with a poker face.
He needs to be more emotional and be on top of his players for the way they play. All the veterans on this team need to be held accountable for their actions.
This team seems to not care up to this point of the season, along with Bowles. Woody Johnson should not accept this at all and should discipline his team. It has been a rough couple of years and player personnel has to be changed up.
Bowles is being out coached every single game which as a fan you wonder if he is fully qualified to even be a head coach. He seems lost and is confused about what to call because of him being fairly new to his position.
