Miami Dolphins defensive game preview vs. New York Jets

Dec 11, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins defensive end Andre Branch (50) causes Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) to fumble the ball during the second half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 11, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins defensive end Andre Branch (50) causes Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) to fumble the ball during the second half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
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Fans had multiple questions after the disaster against the Baltimore Ravens.  The biggest question revolved around the middle of the defense and the Miami Dolphins ability to defend the pass.

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Although last Sundays victory against the Arizona Cardinals wasn’t perfect it was certainly a step in the right direction especially after losing Kiko Alonso to a broken thumb.

The man that replaced Alonso was 2nd year linebacker Mike Hull.  Hull, in his first career start, did a great job filling in.  The former Penn State Nittany Lion set the tone early for the Miami defense with his interception on the first Cardinals series.

It wasn’t all rainbows and butterflies, however.  While the Dolphins secondary only gave up 125 yards through the air they surrendered 175 yards on the ground.

Looking forward to this Saturday nights game against the New York Jets, Miami is preparing to face an inexperienced Bryce Petty who’s making only his 2nd career start in the NFL.  To top it off New York’s top threat on the offense, Matt Forte, has reportedly been playing all season with a torn meniscus.

Regardless it sounds like Forte could still play this weekend.  We won’t know his availability until the Saturday.

Next man up is Bilal Powell.

Powell ran all over the San Francisco 49ers last weekend en route to 145 yards on 29 carries.  This late in the season with nothing to lose head coach Todd Bowles will certainly use Powell as much as possible.

The key to victory Saturday night will be to stop Powell and for Petty to throw as much as possible.