Which Dolphin will bounce back against the Jets?

Many of the Dolphins against the Chargers excelled and helped the team win. However, some Dolphins didn’t have a good game and hopefully will play better this week against the New York Jets.

Laremy Tunsil

The expectations for Tunsil are high. Many in the organization, and the fans, expect him to be a Pro Bowl tackle. He did not play well on Sunday. He had a false start in the first half and on a few plays his pass protection was subpar.

One of the worst plays on Sunday was when Melvin Ingram went around Tunsil and sacked Cutler on third and goal when the Dolphins were trailing by seven points. The Dolphins were unable to get a touchdown and could not take the lead.

It was Tunsil’s first career start at left tackle. Offensive Coordinator Clyde Christensen said about Tunsil, “He’s just going to improve, improve, improve,” which he can this week.

The Jets play a 3-4 defense. Tunsil will face defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson or an outside linebacker – either Josh Martin or Jordan Jenkins. Wilkerson is questionable for the game. Tunsil has the capability to shut down those players and allow no sacks this week.

Xavien Howard

Howard is another player whose expectations are high and did not play up to those expectations against the Chargers. Phillip Rivers picked on Howard. He gave up 10 receptions for 87 yards. Pro Football Focus graded Howard with a score of 46.8 and ranked him as one of the worst cornerbacks in week 2.

This week against the Jets, Howard will play a less talented quarterback and group of receivers. He will most likely be matched up against Robby Anderson, Jermaine Kearse or Jeremy Kerley. Howard should improve this week and dominate this receiving group.

Mike Hull

Hull had 10 tackles and helped the defense hold the Chargers to only 44 rushing yards. However, he had a difficult time covering the tight ends and the running backs. Tight end Hunter Henry had 7 receptions for 80 yards and future Hall of Famer Antonio Gates had 2 receptions, 11 yards and one touchdown. Meanwhile running back Melvin Gordon had 7 receptions for 65 yards.

The Jets have had very little production from the tight end position for years. Tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins is returning from a suspension and two other tight ends might not play due to injury.

Another player Hull must be aware of is running back Matt Forte, who Gase knows from Chicago. The Jets have a lack of receivers and Hull must be ready to improve his play and shut down Forte and Seferian-Jenkins in the passing game.

Defensive Ends

Cameron Wake, Andre Branch, and Charles Harris made few plays last Sunday. Phillip Rivers had short drops and got the ball out quickly, which negated the ability of the ends to get to the quarterback.

The tackles of the Jets are Kelvin Beachum and Brandon Shell. The three defensive ends should have more opportunities for big plays and will most likely have a sack this week.

Coach Adam Gase

Gase criticized his own play-calling in the first half. On Thursday, he said “I wasn’t giving our guys a good chance.” He knew his play-calling in the beginning of the game was too conservative and could be better.

This week Gase will be more aggressive against the 30^th ranked Jet defense. The Dolphins offense will score more points and the play caller will definitely bounce back against the Jets.

Many players should improve this week against the Jets since they shook off some rust and have better matchups. Who do you think will have the biggest bounce back game?