Phin Phanatic
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Dolphins vs. Jets is an audition for free agent QBs

By Neil Patrick Healy

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - OCTOBER 09: Myles Gaskin #3 of the Miami Dolphins is tackled by Michael Carter II #30 of the New York Jets during the fourth quarter at MetLife Stadium on October 09, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - OCTOBER 09: Myles Gaskin #3 of the Miami Dolphins is tackled by Michael Carter II #30 of the New York Jets during the fourth quarter at MetLife Stadium on October 09, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – NOVEMBER 13: Jaylen Waddle #17 and Tyreek Hill #10 of the Miami Dolphins celebrate after a play in the first quarter of the game against the Cleveland Browns at Hard Rock Stadium on November 13, 2022 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – NOVEMBER 13: Jaylen Waddle #17 and Tyreek Hill #10 of the Miami Dolphins celebrate after a play in the first quarter of the game against the Cleveland Browns at Hard Rock Stadium on November 13, 2022 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images) /

Skill position players

Both the Jets and the Dolphins have pieces on offense that are intriguing. The Jets have a young core of weapons to get excited about, including two rookies that look like potential building blocks. Wide receiver Garrett Wilson from Ohio State was taken 10th overall in last year’s draft and has more than lived up to the hype, leading all rookie receivers in targets (130), receptions (74), and receiving yards (1,014). Wilson is also second in yards per game (63.4) and third in touchdowns (four).

Running back Breece Hall from Iowa State was taken in the second round and was on an early surge this season before tearing his ACL and meniscus in Week 7. In a little less than seven games, Hall had 80 carries for 463 yards and four touchdowns while averaging 5.8 yards per carry.

While the appeal of the Jets’ skill guys is based on the future, the Dolphins’ is based on the now. Miami has the best one-two wide receiver combination in the league in Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. After acquiring Hill from the Chiefs in the offseason, he has continued to stretch defenses and put up big numbers, hauling in 117 catches for 1,687 yards and seven touchdowns and averaging 14.4 yards per catch and 105.4 yards per game.

Waddle, despite having some no-show games here and there, finished his second season with 70 catches for 1,312 yards and eight touchdowns. Waddle showed how dangerous of a big-play and yards-after-catch threat he is even with Hill taking away targets, leading the league in yards per catch (18.7) while being tied with Hill for ninth in yards after the catch.

Miami also has good options in the running back room. Raheem Mostert rushed for 820 yards and three touchdowns and added even more speed to this already fast offense. Jeff Wilson Jr. was acquired at the trade deadline from the 49ers and has been a capable backup, carrying the ball 68 times for 320 yards and three touchdowns.

Edge: Miami

The weapons the Dolphins have, combined with McDaniel’s play calling, give them the nod over the Jets. Two game-breaking wide receivers and a solid stable of running backs make Miami a desirable landing spot for a quarterback.

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