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, FL – NOVEMBER 6: Owner Woody Johnson of the New York Jets meets with owner Stephen M. Ross of the Miami Dolphins on November 6, 2016 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. The Dolphins defeated the Jets 27-23. (Photo by Al Pereira/Getty Images)
MIAMI GARDENS, FL – NOVEMBER 6: Owner Woody Johnson of the New York Jets meets with owner Stephen M. Ross of the Miami Dolphins on November 6, 2016 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. The Dolphins defeated the Jets 27-23. (Photo by Al Pereira/Getty Images) /

Ownership

Ownership isn’t a strength for the Jets or the Dolphins. While the Johnson family has owned the Jets since 2000 and the team has been one of the more embarrassing franchises in North American sports, the Dolphins aren’t much better.

Stephen Ross bought a large percentage of the Dolphins in 2008 and he has been a disaster as well, with his most recent incident being his one-year suspension from all team activities for tampering violations related to his pursuit of then-New England quarterback Tom Brady and then-New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton. The violations also cost the Dolphins a 2023 first-round pick and a 2024 third-round pick.

Edge: New York

While neither franchise is known for competent ownership, Ross’ actions have actively cost his team valuable draft capital, while the Johnsons are more passively incompetent.

General Manager

Jets general manager Joe Douglas is still making a name for himself as an executive. He has some high-profile misses in the draft, most notably Zach Wilson in 2020, but also had a very good 2022 draft. With his first four picks, Douglas drafted corner Sauce Gardner, wide receiver Garrett Wilson, defensive end Jermaine Johnson II, and running back Breece Hall, all four of whom are major contributors of varying degrees. The Robert Saleh hire seems to be a good one at the moment, but that’s still to be determined.

Dolphins general manager Chris Grier, unlike Douglas, has the years under his belt. Grier has been the general manager since 2016 and has hired three coaches, all three of whom with different results. Adam Gase was fired after going 23-25 in three seasons. Brian Flores had on-field success in his second and third seasons but was fired for having a difficult relationship with ownership and the front office. It wasn’t until Mike McDaniel that it seemed Grier finally got the coach right, but it’s still early to classify McDaniel as a good coach or not.

Grier’s improvements have come in acquiring players, whether it’s through the draft, free agency, or trades. In the last three drafts, Grier has selected Tua Tagovailoa, Robert Hunt, Jaylen Waddle, and Jaelen Phillips. He also signed Terron Armstead and traded for Tyreek Hill. He’s not one of the great general managers, but he’s been able to make moves when needed.

Edge: Miami

Neither general manager is one of the greats, but Grier has more of a positive track record than Douglas. He’s had more success in the draft, signed better free agents, and made the biggest trade in the offseason for Hill.

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