Keys to the Game: NY Jets @ Miami Dolphins

This week feels like a special week.  Why?  Because it's Jets week.  Living in New Jersey, I've had to endure listening to the Jets and their fans claim how good they are for the last 8 months.  I even had a business associate take me to the Monday night game when the Jets lost to the Ravens.  After all of this nonsense, I have an even deeper loathing for the Jets.  They are cocky, arrogant, and truly have taken on the 'win at all costs' approach of their head coach.  With that, I would love nothing more than our Orange Offensive led Dolphins wipe the floor with them this Sunday night.  Here are the keys to victory:


Key #1 - Stop the Run
Last week Adrian Peterson ran wild over the Dolphins.  He's one of the best backs in the league, so that has to be taken into consideration.  There were runs were he was stuffed, but made something happen.  The Dolphins must limit the yards for Greene and Tomlinson early and often.  If the Dolphins can force Sanchez and the Jets into 2nd and 9, 3rd and 7's, he will make mistakes.  The Jets are at their best when they have short down and distance equations.  The Dolphins must keep the Jets running game in check and under 100 yards.

Key #2 - Air it Out
The Dolphins have won 2 games because of their defense.  The offense has been conservative, in part because of the play calling and in part because of breakdowns in the passing game that have not allowed for big plays to happen.  The Jets secondary was thrown on and penalized greatly against the Ravens.  IF (big if), IF Derrelle Revis doesn't play, they will be starting Antonio Cromartie and Kyle Wilson.  Cromartie is a solid corner, but can be beaten.  Wilson can be exposed, especially by the Dolphins veteran receivers.  The Dolphins have to open up the playbook and stretch the field.  The Jets defense is very stout against the run.  I watched first hand as they held the Ravens to under 2.0 yards per carry in the Monday Night game.  The Dolphins must stretch the field and make the Jets respect a balanced offense.  I'd say Henne will need to throw for about 200 +  yards for this to happen.

Key #3 - Get the lead early
This goes without saying.  However, it means even more when the atmosphere at Sun Life is going to be crazy on Sunday Night.  From the Orange Offensive, to the crowd howling on when the defense is on the field, the Dolphins will be jacked up.  The Dolphins must feed off the crowd in their home opener.  They CANNOT let the Jets get out to an early lead and take the crowd out of the game.  Plus, if the Dolphins can get an early lead, they will force Mark Sanchez and minimize the Jets running attack.  We know he led the league in interceptions last year...The Phins must force him into mistakes and getting the early lead will help that.  Fun Fact - The Dolphins have not trailed yet this season.  Not for a second.

There you have it, the 3 keys to the game that we here at Phin Nation think will go a long way in determining if the Dolphins advance to 3-0 and knock the Jets to 1-2.  LETS GO DOLPHINS!!!