Miami Dolphins: need to know about Jets offense

Sep 27, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Brandon Marshall (15) catches a touchdown pass during the second quarter under pressure from Philadelphia Eagles free safety Malcolm Jenkins (27) at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steven Ryan-USA TODAY Sports

The Jets made a trade in the off-season for former Miami Dolphins wide-receiver Brandon Marshall and he is making his case for a valuable trade. Marshall is ranked 8th in the league in receiving with 23 receptions for 272 yards. He has adjusted well to the his team and Todd Bowles who coached the Dolphins defense and served as interim head coach while Marshall was in Miami knows him well.

Marshall averages 11.8 yards per catch and has five touchdowns but more impressive is his eight receptions for over 20 yards. That is an area where the Dolphins have failed to protect. The Dolphins secondary can’t give Marshall the kind of space they have given other receivers so far. Marshall isn’t a blazing fast receiver but he is very good at using his body to shield defenders, especially smaller ones.

Opposite Marshall is Eric Decker who is having a quiet season thus far. He has 10 receptions for 134 yards and two touchdowns. Decker is very good in creating space with solid route running and the Dolphins will find it difficult to cover him if Fitzpatrick has time in the pocket. Whether it’s Brice McCain or Brent Grimes, Decker could be the receiver who has the better game for the Jets this weekend.

The Jets tight-ends are not a huge threat as starter Jeff Cumberland has two catches on the season for 10 yards. New York tends to keep the tight-ends to block and Cumberland will likely be tasked with helping the edge on Cameron Wake. The lack of tight end threat should help the Dolphins linebackers who have struggled with coverage thus far.