New York Jets vs. Miami Dolphins: Keys to Victory

Nov 24, 2013; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17) prior to the game against the Carolina Panthers at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports

Good morning Jets fans. Week 13 is here, the “Road to MetLife Stadium” hits the final stretch. Tomorrow afternoon, Geno Smith, Chris Ivory, and the rest of our New York Jets host Ryan Tannehill and their AFC East rival Miami Dolphins from MetLife Stadium.

It is a key AFC matchup, as both teams enter the game with a 5-6 record, in the thick of an AFC Wild Card race. Both teams are coming off a loss, the Jets to the Baltimore Ravens, and the Dolphins to the Carolina Panthers. Both teams will be hungry for a win and to keep their slim playoff hopes alive.

Here are some keys to victory:

KEEP MIKE WALLACE WHERE THEY CAN SEE HIM: Here is one that has been far easier said than done for the New York Jets in 2013. We have seen it time and time again, the Jets getting beaten down the field by the long pass. Mike Wallace brings a skill set to the table that could give the Jets fits.

Mike and Ryan Tannehill connected last week for over 25 yards per reception on five Mike Wallace receptions. If the Jets let him get behind them, it could be a problem. The Jets have not been able to close on receivers when they get behind the defense. If the Jets can keep Wallace in front of them, his damage will be minimized.

LET THE KID PLAY: We have talked about this many times already, the “kid” I am referring to is Geno Smith. They have to let the kid play. Marty Mornhinweg is trying to protect his young quarterback, which is understandable. If it’s working. But, if you look at the result, they are turning out a quarterback that is becoming scared of his own shadow, despite what he says to the press.

If the quarterback is scared, he will be rendered useless. He must be strong enough to throw an interception, and come back down the field to lead a strong drive. They won’t have a quarterback that can do that if they don’t let him play. It has to start this week.

Furthermore, the Dolphins have the 7th worst pass defense in the league, another reason Geno needs to play well. Miami can be thrown against. Let’s get it done.

WAKE UP OFFENSIVE LINE: D’Brickashaw Ferguson and Austin Howard will have their numbers called a lot on Sunday, and will need to come up big. It has not been pretty to watch Geno Smith run for his life, but we have been taken to that movie more than once.

Cameron Wake and Olivier Vernon have posted 6.5 sacks each so far in 2013. The Jets will have no shot tomorrow if Vernon and Wake are in the backfield at all. The guys up front are going to have their work cut out for them.