FOUR DOWNS: Keys to the New York Jets in Week 9
The New York Jets have a golden opportunity to double their win total this Sunday at the Miami Dolphins.
Both teams have struggled this year, with the Jets (1-6) taking a nosedive the past two games in getting blown out at home against the New England Patriots and then getting physically dominated at the Jacksonville Jaguars. This stands in stark contrast to the Dolphins (0-7), who gave up a 14-point lead at the Pittsburgh Steelers to find a new way to lose this year.
Miami might be trending up, making this anything but a gimme for the Jets.
‘Four Keys to Sunday’s Game @ the Dolphins’:
1. Run the ball – There is ne denying that the Jets offense has struggled this year to move the ball, but that can change this weekend at Miami. Not only are the Dolphins are a putrid team offensively but defensively they are pretty terrible, bottom of the league in overall defense.
Their run defense isn’t horrible, giving up 4.1 yards per carry, but the Jets should still be able to move the ball against this unit. Establishing running back Le’Veon Bell early should take some of the pressure off quarterback Sam Darnold, who has been a turnover machine the past two games.
2. Run the ball…Then protect Darnold – It seems pretty clear. If the Jets can establish the ground game, it could open things up down the field for Darnold. The second-year quarterback needs time under center, especially after being sacked eight times a week ago in Jacksonville.
When given time in the pocket, as he was three weeks ago in the win over the Dallas Cowboys, Darnold can be effective. Establishing the run and getting the ball out of Darnold’s hands quickly to hot reads can help ease the pressure valve in the pocket.
3. Continue to find Griffin – Last week was a big game for tight end Ryan Griffin who had four catches for 66 yards and two touchdowns. Griffin became a reliable outlet on an afternoon when the Jets receivers didn’t always have time to develop their routes, given the amount of pressure Darnold was under.
Griffin has prototypical size to be a solid contributor at tight end. He could be a valuable asset for the offense the second half of the season.
4. Win one for the Gipper – This is Adam Gase’s return to Miami, a team he coached for three years until he was fired following the 2018 season. In a season where the Jets have little hope of making a run at the playoffs, the motivation this week can be found in winning one for Gase.
Gase downplayed the emotions of this weekend but his return should be enough to fire up a team that hasn’t quit on their head coach.
