Jets-Dolphins Preview: Dolphins Travel To New Meadowlands Stadium For Divisional Showdown

On Sunday, the Jets are looking to return the favor and sweep the Miami Dolphins.

When: December 12, 2010 at 4:15 p.m. est

Television: WCBS-TV

Not too many teams can lose a football game while allowing only 10 first downs. The Miami Dolphins did just that last week against the Cleveland Browns. This loss put the Dolphins at 1-5 at Sun Life Stadium. They really defend their home field well.... </snark>

On the other side of the ball, the Jets come into this game off arguably their most embarrassing loss in the last decade against the Patriots, 45-3. They were dominated in all aspects of the game.

However, Rex Ryan buried the game ball, and it's time for us to do the same. The Jets will be looking to rebound this weekend against their division rivals. Let's break this one down.

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Rankings:

Rushing Offense: Jets rank No. 4 in rushing yards at 148.4 yards per game Vs. Dolphins who rank No. 18 in rushing yards at 106.6 per game.

Rushing Defense: Both teams defend the run well, Jets rank No. 3 at 87. 5 rushing yards allowed per game. Miami ranks No. 9 at 99.6 ypg 

Total Offense: Jets rank No. 8 in 305.9 total yards per game Vs. Dolphins who rank No. 4 in 300.8 total yards per game.

AFC East: Jets have excelled in divisional play this season and hold a 3-1 record against divisional opponents. Dolphins, have stunk like old Fish, going 1-2 in AFC East play this year.

JETS' KEY TO VICTORY - Stop the run

I cannot stress this enough. Everything in the Dolphins' offense revolves around establishing the run. If the Jets can stymie their rushing attack and force Miami into a one-dimensional offense, they should be in great shape on Sunday

Ronnie Brown hasn't had a run longer than 9 yards since the loss against the Ravens. The Jets have done a great job against Ricky and Ronnie in the past. 

Miami may look to run out of their WildCat formation, but the Jets have seen a lot of it and it has lost most of its deceptiveness; they defend it well.

The Jets have been stout against the run all season, and I expect more of that on Sunday. They have plenty of film regarding the WildCat offense and know the key to stopping it is by plugging all gaps, and keeping shape. 

Furthermore, the weather on Sunday is looking to be ugly, and the team that runs the football with more success should win. 

Which Young Quarterback Will Bounce Back?

Sanchez had a passer rating of 27.8 last week, but has shown the tendency to bounce back after awful performances.

Chad Henne is coming off one of his worst games in his short career, throwing three interceptions against the Browns and sporting a 37.8 passer rating.

Which quarterback will bounce back and lead their team to victory on Sunday?

Bottom Line:

Fact is, Jets have balance on offense, while Dolphins are quite one-dimensional. The Jets have playmakers on offense such as Holmes, L.T. and Edwards (who has historically had big games against Miami), and  Miami has a banged-up Brandon Marshall. 

The Jets are simply the better team right now. They match up well against the Dolphins, as they can keep their running game in check and put the pressure on QB Chad Henne, forcing him into making some errant passes on Sunday.

I look for Jets to get TE Dustin Keller more involved in the offense this week after a slow couple of weeks. He had  six catches for 98 yards and two touchdowns against Miami in week three.

The Jets have an advantage over Miami at nearly every position except safety/nickel back. Dolphins' wide receiver corps is banged-up right now (plus WR Brian Hartline is now on I-R), Jets will stop their rushing attack and allow their defense to carry them to victory.

Jets 24, Fish 13