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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DENVER, COLORADO – OCTOBER 23: Cornerback Sauce Gardner #1 and cornerback Justin Hardee #34 of the New York Jets celebrate after a play against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High on October 23, 2022 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
DENVER, COLORADO – OCTOBER 23: Cornerback Sauce Gardner #1 and cornerback Justin Hardee #34 of the New York Jets celebrate after a play against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High on October 23, 2022 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /

Defense: Jets

While the Dolphins have built their identity with their offense, the Jets’ image is tied more to their defense. Saleh’s background as a defensive coordinator with San Francisco has helped him turn around New York’s defense into a respectable unit for most of the season.

The conversation has to start with rookie cornerback sensation Sauce Gardner. After being selected as the No. 4 overall pick in last year’s draft, Gardner has more than lived up to the hype. He has already been named to his first Pro Bowl and will likely be named to the All-Pro team at the season’s end. Gardner earned PFF grades of 89 overall and 90.4 in coverage, both of which lead all eligible corners. To go with Gardner, PFF ranks fellow Jets corners D.J. Reed Jr. and Michael Carter II 19th and 33rd, respectively, giving the Jets three corners inside the top 35.

Star defensive tackle Quinnen Williams is tied for third with Los Angeles Rams star Aaron Donald among all interior defensive linemen, recording grades of 90.5 overall, 86.7 rushing the passer, and 79.3 against the run. Williams has 51 tackles, 12 sacks, 14 quarterback hits, and 23 hurries. After the Jets picked up his fifth-year option in April, Williams is expected to receive a monster contract extension. Fellow defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins comes in at No. 15.

The Jets also boast talent along the edge, with John Franklin-Myers (16th), Michael Clemons (28th), and Jermaine Johnson II (32nd) all ranking high among edge defenders.

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