New York Jets vs. Miami Dolphins: Keys to Victory

Tomorrow night, the Jets come home, with Geno Smith back at quarterback and their 2-9 record in hand, to take on Ryan Tannehill and the Miami Dolphins. The Jets are out of the playoffs, officially as of last week, so they will have the chance to play “spoiler” to the Dolphins, who are very much in the hunt with a 6-5 record. That, and pride, if they have any left after last week.

It’s also Wayne Chrebet night, as he will be honored and placed in the Jets Ring of Honor during a ceremony to take place at halftime. Maybe, for nothing else, the Jets can put in a decent showing for their ex-wide receiver, who played with pride and dignity every time he put on the Jets uniform.

This is not an impossible situation for the Jets. They can win the game tomorrow night. Here are some keys for them to get it done.

Nov 24, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; New York Jets running back

(33) stiff arms Buffalo Bills outside linebacker

(53) during the third quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

It’s going to be cold tomorrow night at MetLife. The temperature will likely drop below 30 degrees as the game goes along, which can be a great equalizer in the passing game. So, the “X-Factor” can be the running game. Chris Ivory has run well in the cold. In two December games here at MetLife, Ivory has run the ball 38 times for 185 yards, a 4.87 average per carry. The Jets are going to have to get Ivory and company loose to have a chance tomorrow night.

Nov 24, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith (7) throws a pass under pressure by Buffalo Bills defensive end

(94) and defensive end

(55) during the second half at Ford Field. Bills beat the Jets 38-3. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

Despite the public comments, there is no way that Geno Smith is totally confident going into the game. It’s human nature. He was taken out and sat on the bench, it would naturally cause a player to question himself. Now that he is back, Jets offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg has to get Smith into the flow of the football game, and playing well.

He does that by getting Smith active in the game with short to intermediate passes. Start things with some slants to Eric Decker and Jeremy Kerley. Work the outside with Percy Harvin, as well as some running back screen passes. Give Geno plays that are high percentage, and give him confidence. This, combined with the running game, will put the Jets in business.

Nov 9, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Miami Dolphins wide receiver

(11) runs to scores touchdown during the third quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Detroit won 20-16. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

The Jets have had their problems with Mike Wallace in the past. In four past games against the team, Wallace has caught 24 passes for 283 yards and three touchdowns, averaging 70.8 yards per game. The Jets have their problems stopping the pass, as we all know. To win this one, they are going to have to roll help on the outside to keep Mike Wallace from having a huge impact on this one. If they don’t, the Jets are going to be out, and fast.

Nov 9, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Miami Dolphins defensive end

(91) during the fourth quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Detroit won 20-16. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

The Dolphins average nearly three sacks per game, and the Jets have had difficulty against teams will a good pass rush, see last week against the Bills. It’s simple, they have to keep Geno Smith reasonably upright to win this one.

What are your keys to the game?