Jets TakeOff! Week 8 Preview: New York Jets vs Miami Dolphins

Oct 21, 2012; Foxboro, MA, USA; New York Jets player Shonn Greene (23) celebrates scoring a touchdown against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Farrell/THE STAR-LEDGER via US PRESSWIRE

It’s week number 8, and the Jets head home to take on the Miami Dolphins in their second matchup of the year. The Dolphins are an improved bunch, coming off of their bye week well rested and with a 3-3 record. The Jets, however, come into this game off of a heartbreaking loss to the New England Patriots last week in OT, dropping their record to 3-4. They are still in the thick of the divisional race, but need desperately to get to 4-4 heading into the bye week. Let’s take a look at the overal history between these two teams.

The last game was this season, we remember the result, Jets win 23-20 in OT. The last time these two teams played in New York was last October, when the Jets beat the Dolphins 24-6 on Monday night. This was the night of the pick six that Revis ended up disputing on the radio with Mike Francesa that ended in him hanging up the telephone. The Jets lead this series overall with a record of 49-43-1, but the Dolphins have one 5 out of the last 8. Here are some keys to victory:

BREAK OUT THE FRANK’S RED HOT

Oct.14, 2012; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins running back Reggie Bush (22) eludes St. Louis Rams outside linebacker Rocky McIntosh (50) during their game at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-US PRESSWIRE

I had to break out my favorite brand of hot sauce for this one. Despite Reggie Bush taking offense, the Jets have to put some hot sauce on this guy. Don’t worry Reggie, all it means is that the Jets have to pay more attention to you. It’s well deserved, as for his career, Reggie Bush has averaged 6.5 yards per carry against the Jets. He also averages 86.3 yards per game against the AFC East as a member of the Dolphins. He is by far their most dynamic threat, he has to be stopped.

What do the Jets need to do? They need to set the edge, which has been a difficultly for the Jets in recent years. But they have a better chance this time. Why? Because the younger players are making an impact. Quinton Coples, Demario Davis, and Antonio Allen are getting quality time on the football field. Not coincidentally, the Jets defense has beem several degrees faster. These guys are going to be huge on Sunday, setting the edge and keeping them, therefore keeping Reggie in check.

Oct.14, 2012; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17) during a game against the St. Louis Rams at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-US PRESSWIRE

GET IN RYAN TANNEHILL’S FACE

To his credit, Ryan Tannehill is rapidly improving. With every snap he takes, he is providing the Dolphins more and more evidence that he is becoming the franchise quarterback that they have been looking for since Dan Marino’s retirement. The stats bare it out as well. Over the last two games, Tannehill has completed over 69% of his passes, not thrown an interception, and put up a passer rating of over 100. This is not the same guy that the Jets faced in week 3.

The key to making any quarterback uncomfortable, especially a young one, is a good pass rush up the middle. A rush from the outside will help, but a quarterback can step up against a rush from the outside. If you get in the quarterback’s face, up the middle, consistently, he will fluster. It gets him running from the pocket, and having to make snap decisions. His reads are off, his timing as well. The offense becomes disjointed, startign with the quarterback feeling uncomfortable in the pocket. Tannehill has had a tough time on the road, with only 1 TD and 5 INTs. Quinton Coples, both as we said before against the run, and against the pass, will have a chance to make a huge impact on this football game.

MARK SANCHEZ MUST BE ON POINT October 21, 2012; Foxboro, MA USA; New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez (6) throws the ball down field during overtime against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-US PRESSWIRE

This could be a point we bring up every week, but it will be extra important this week. Why? Because of the weather. All of us long time Jets fans know that the wind has an interesting swirl to it, both in the old stadium, and at MetLife. It has a history of giving visiting quarterbacks fits, and always plays to the advantage of the home team quarterback, who should be acclimated to the situation. It does, however, put the spotlight directly on Mark Sanchez to be accurate as ever on Sunday.

Mark has been playing well. Despite the loss last week, Mark did post the 7th 300 yard game of his career, and did complete 68% of his passes. He makes his curious decisions, but is improving overall. With the weather likely to be rainy, he probably won’t be given the opportunity to throw for 300 yards, but they will need to throw a bit. He will have to be accurate when given the opportunity if the Jets are going to win.

There are your keys to victory. Thanks for reading.