Featured In-Game Matchup: Jets Face Dolphins' Fierce Ground Game

Can Quinnen Williams-led defensive front slow down high-flying Fins?

Author:
Ralph Ventre
Publish date:
Nov 24, 2023 9:31 AM EST

In this story:

Tyreek Hill and Tua Tagovailoa are the high-profile names, but the Miami Dolphins' high-octane offense doesn't run on passing alone.

The Dolphins are one of the NFL's top teams when it comes to moving the ball on the ground. They pace the circuit in yards per carry (5.61) and rank second in rush yards per game (143.0).

"It’s a tremendous challenge," said Jets' defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich about facing the NFL's top-ranked offense in yards per play (6.99). "There’s nothing I can say to you that you don’t already know. They’re fast, they’re coached really well, they play hard, they have a style that shines every time they touch the grass. We’re going to have to play really, really well."

Fins' RB1 Raheem Mostert leads the AFC in rush yards (691) and his 5.3 ypc average is third best. Rookie De'Von Achane, who has totaled 532 yards from scrimmage, averages 11.8 yards per carry but is not expected to play on Friday due to injury.

How well the Jets handle the Dolphins' rushing attack could go a long way in determining the end result on Black Friday at MetLife Stadium. Identifying one key in-game matchup for all 16 contests on the Week 12 slate, Sports Illustrated has honed in on the Miami run game vs. the New York defensive front.

The Jets were gashed on the ground at times during the 32-6 loss to Buffalo in Week 11. The Bills rushed for 130 yards, becoming the third opponent to hit that mark in the Jets' last four games.

Despite featuring All-Pro Quinnen Williams, the Jets have been thin up the middle at defensive tackle since losing Al Woods to a season-ending Achilles rupture. Linebackers C.J. Mosley and Quincy Williams have accounted for 192 combined tackles thus far this season.

From NFL Week 12 Best Matchups:

Miami Dolphins (7–3) at New York Jets (4–6)

Key matchup: Miami’s run game vs. Jets’ front seven

The Dolphins have the league’s leading receiver with Tyreek Hill, but they can also pound the rock. This season, Miami ranks first with 5.6 yards per carry.

Meanwhile, the Jets are one of the NFL’s best pass defenses but have been vulnerable against the run, ranking tied for 19th at 4.2 yards per carry against.