Three Keys for Sunday

Today I have another cross post event with Matty I from The Phinsider. We are both giving three keys for victory Sunday and giving the other guy a chance for a rebuttal.

Here are my three keys for the Jets to win:

1. Take away Brandon Marshall: Miami hasn't really had a big play offense in recent years. Marshall is a legitimate game breaker. The Jets should give Antonio Cromartie plenty of help to make sure they limit Marshall's effectiveness. The Jets have a tough defense to put together long drives against on a consistent basis. If the Jets take Marshall away, Miami will have to do just that.

Matty's Rebuttal: The Jets obviously have a great defense - there's no denying that. But the Dolphins were able to put together touchdown drives of 12 plays, 15 plays, and 13 plays against this defense last year in Miami. And that was with a defense that featured Darrelle Revis, Calvin Pace, and Kris Jenkins. I agree that the Jets have to prevent Marshall from beating them. But I also think it would be a mistake to short-change Miami's other offensive weapons.

More after the jump.

 

 
2. Win battles against Miami's offensive line: It probably sound obvious, but Miami's offensive line outmanned the Jets' defensive front in the first meeting between the teams last year, a Dolphins win. The Jets' defense so dominated the second meeting that they had a chance to win the game in the final minute even after allowing 21 nonoffensive points. Against a team that loves to run it, execution might be more important than the scheme.

Matty's Rebuttal: Can't argue this at all. The Dolphins dominated up front in their first meeting last year but struggled mightily in the second meeting. I still haven't decided if this Miami offensive line is better or worse than a year ago. I'll likely have a much better idea after Sunday's game.

3. Come out with intensity: The Dolphins have the look of a really good team. The stadium should be electric in the home opener against a division rival. If the Jets aren't up to the moment out of the gate, there's a chance they could get run out of the building.

Matty's Rebuttal: From the sound of things, it's going to be a playoff atmosphere at Sun Life Stadium on Sunday night. It's the Dolphins' home opener in prime time with a chance to make a statement on national television against a team that is not only a hated rival but also a trendy Super Bowl pick this offseason. And I agree completely that the Jets will have to come out ready to play. The Dolphins have a team that is really built to play with a lead and finish games - they run the ball well and get after the opposing quarterback. But I'll admit that I have no idea how they'd respond if they fall behind big early in the game. For some reason, though, I'm not too worried about that actually happening. This is going to be a game decided in the fourth quarter.

Matty has his keys for a Dolphins victory and my rebuttals over at The Phinsider. Head over there to check it out, and remember to play nice.