New York Jets at Miami Dolphins: Keys to Victory

Dec 1, 2013; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan walks off the field after losing to the Miami Dolphins 23-3 following a game at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

The “Road to MetLife Stadium” may be over for the New York Jets, but it isn’t for the Miami Dolphins. Granted, they need a win and a lot of help, but a trip to MetLife Stadium is still not out of the question for Joe Philbin’s squad. So, it’s with playoff implications that the Jets take on the Miami Dolphins from Sun Life stadium in Miami.

It will be tough for the Jets tomorrow, in what could be Rex Ryan’s final game as head coach. The Jets have not played well on the road, with only one win to date. We all saw how the team played when the Dolphins came up to New York. This is a team not to take lightly.

But it can be done. Here is how:

GOOD GENO: This is an obvious one, but it has to be said. The Jets are 5-0 when Geno Smith has posted a passer rating greater than 80. Last time these two teams met, Geno went 4-10 in the first half, before heading to the bench in favor of Matt Simms.

Geno Smith needs to build upon the excellent performance he posted against the Browns last week. He needs to show that he is moving forward, and that this coaching staff has him moving in the right direction. It will do a great towards winning the game, and saving the coaches job.

STOP THE AIR ATTACK: Ryan Tannehill has a chance to make history. If he throws for 291 yards tomorrow, he joins Dan Marino as the only two Dolphins’ quarterbacks to throw for 4,000 yards in a single season.

This cannot happen if the Jets are to have a shot.

Three guys posted 80 yards receiving or more in the first matchup, Brian Hartline, Mike Wallace, and Charles Clay. All three of them posted plays of 25 yards or more, which has been the achiles heel for the Jets’ defense all season long. .They are going to have to keep this passing attack in front of them. Otherwise it might be a long afternoon in the Miami sun.

STOP OLIVIER VERNON: Last time these two teams played, Olivier Vernon posted three of his team high 11.5 sacks. He has turned into a guy that can wreck a ball game all by himself. They must keep him out of the backfield tomorrow.

Hopefully they can get it done, and end the season with an 8-8 record, giving them some momentum as they head into the off-season.