In their first meeting of the season, the New York Jets topped the Miami Dolphins 27-14 to move to move to 3-1 on the season. Since then, the Jets have won four of their last six, while the Dolphins have won just three games. Both teams are quickly falling behind in the playoff race and are in desperate need of a win.
This pivotal divisional matchup will have big implications on the AFC wild-card picture. Neither team will win the AFC East with the New England Patriots sitting at 10-0, but a wild-card berth is still a possibility.
Here are three keys to the game for both the Dolphins and the Jets.
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1. Stick with the run for four quarters
Lamar Miller tied his season low in carries this season with just seven on Sunday. What's most surprising about that number is the fact that it was a close game throughout, yet the Dolphins still chose to abandon the run for some reason. Miller averaged 6.3 yards per carry in the game, so it's not that he was ineffective. The Dolphins need to continue to run the ball with either Miller or Jay Ajayi to balance the offense.
2. Stop the Jets' rushing attack
The Jets offense goes as Chris Ivory goes. He's the catalyst for that team, and if the Dolphins can limit his production, it'll force Ryan Fitzpatrick to throw the ball more than the Jets would like him to. Ivory only had 36 yards on the ground last week against the Houston Texans, and the Jets lost that game. It's a trend that's held true all season, and it's an big key to Sunday's game.
3. Move Ryan Tannehill outside the pocket
Tannehill doesn't often get credit for his athletic ability, mainly because the Dolphins don't utilize his mobility. He's a great quarterback when he gets outside of the pocket, extending plays with his legs. Whether he scrambles for a first down or allows his receivers to get open downfield, moving Tannehill outside of the pocket will greatly help the Dolphins offense.
1. Let Chris Ivory carry the offense
Ivory struggled once again on Sunday, carrying it just eight times for 36 yards. The Jets don't win often when he doesn't run the ball well, so they'll need to get him going early against the Dolphins' 31st-ranked rush defense. Ivory shouldn't have any trouble running on the Dolphins as few backs have this season.
2. Get the ball to Brandon Marshall
Marshall has gone cold of late, averaging just four catches for 38 yards over the past three games. He's the Jets' best wide receiver, but he hasn't been nearly as effective as he's needed to be recently. He'll likely draw Brent Grimes in coverage; he's a great cornerback, but he struggled against the bigger Sammy Watkins. Marshall can get back on track this week, and the Jets desperately need him to.
3. Force Tannehill to beat you
The Dolphins have two solid running backs in Ajayi and Miller, but the coaching staff fails to utilize them properly. Miami is quick to abandon the run, so if the Jets can stop Miller and Ajayi early in the game, the Dolphins will put the ball in Tannehill's hands, something he hasn't handled well this season. Stopping the Dolphins' rushing attack is the first step to taking away the play action and balance in Miami's offense.
