Miami Dolphins vs. NY Jets: Key Match-Ups

The Miami Dolphins are holding onto the smallest sliver of hope for the playoffs and today will make or break them. Taking on the NY Jets in MetLife stadium, the Dolphins desperately need their first division win. They’re going to need some major contributions from their players and coaching staff to pull this one out.

Dolphins Running Game vs Bill Lazor

It’s unfortunate that so much of what’s wrong with this team is self inflicted. The Dolphins need to find a commitment to the running game, it helps their offense in so many ways. The Fins have two running backs who are as dangerous as any in the league but yet can’t get the requisite carries in a game to be effective. When they do, it’s no coincidence the Dolphins win the game. The Fins need to run the rock and run it early and often. If it leads to some bad possessions, it’s fine; live to fight another drive, don’t throw the ball when backed up in your own territory, a punt is much better than a pick six or safety. The Dolphins need to establish the running game to slow down that aggressive pass rush of the Jets or it will be a long day.

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Jordan Cameron & Dion Sims vs Demario Davis & Calvin Pryor

The Miami Dolphins need to get the big men involved in the passing game, they can create mismatches with their frames and athletic ability. Also utilizing two tight end sets will help the running game and play action. Miami also needs to take full advantage of these guys in the redzone. Davis & Pryor have their strengths but coverage isn’t one of them, the Miami Dolphins need to exploit these one on ones should they arise.

Jamar Taylor vs Whoever Lines Up Across From Him

Taylor has been a complete bummer this season. Giving up a high completion rate, his inability to keep the opponents secondary targets in check is killing the Miami Dolphins. His weekend against the Cowboys is probably still kicking Dolphins fans in the nuts, every time the defense made a play, Taylor was there to bail out the Cowboys with either poor coverage or a penalty. Personally I’d like to see him on the bench with the rookie Bobby McCain getting his reps because at least that rookie plays with some confidence and swagger. Either way, the Miami Dolphins need to find a way to keep Eric Decker in check as Brent Grimes is likely to draw the task of covering Brandon Marshall most of the game.

Dolphins Run Defense vs Chris Ivory

Ivory had a career day against the Fins in London. Meanwhile in the Miami Dolphins losses this season, they’ve pretty much given every running back an opportunity at a career day. This week Ndamukong Suh started speaking up and became more vocal with his teammates, hopefully this helps tighten up their leaky defense. With an offense that is sputtering and a special teams unit that has had its struggles as well; a solid defense would go a long way in helping their chances. In order to do so, it starts with stopping the run.

The Miami Dolphins have a chance to do something about their playoff fates. While it’s only a sliver of hope, there’s hope there none the less. If the Dolphins plan on playing for anything other than pride at the end of this season, this would be the game to show up ready to play. We shall see…

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