Sunday’s game between the Jets and Dolphins could be the worst game in NFL history, but this is a chance for New York to find some relative success in the midst of a depressing season.
Miami ranks near the bottom of almost all offensive and defensive statistics and has only led for a few minutes in only a few games this season. The Jets aren’t trending upwards by any means, but they showed they can still string together solid offensive drives against the Jaguars despite eventually losing.
The Jets and Dolphins look almost completely different from when they faced off in 2018, especially when it comes to coach and quarterback. Ryan Fitzpatrick leads Miami just three years after leaving the Jets, and Adam Gase will face his former team for the first time as a coach. It’s an intriguing matchup for no other reasons than the revenge game scenarios, and the loser will likely earn a much better chance at the No. 1 overall draft pick next April.
Here are four things to know for the Jets’ Week 9 game.
Fitzpatrick plays better against his former teams
The revenge game cliche gets thrown around a lot in the NFL, but it’s no joke for Ryan Fitzpatrick. The former Jets quarterback has averaged 244.9 passing yards, two touchdowns and less than one interception in the 13 contests against his old teams – all of which are better than his career averages. His performances haven’t always translated to wins, though; Fitzpatrick is only 7-6 against his former teams.
Adam Gase knows how to stop Fitzpatrick. He won both games against the Jets in his first season in Miami in 2016, where he held Fitzpatrick to only 225 passing yards, one touchdown, three interceptions and a 56.7 completion percentage. Fitzpatrick is turnover-prone and can be easily taken down behind a makeshift offensive line, which should make things easier for Gregg Williams and the Jets defense.
Jets thin at linebacker
The Jets lost another important piece of their defense when they announced rookie inside linebacker Blake Cashman would be placed on injured reserve. With C.J. Mosley already ruled out and Neville Hewitt doubtful for Sunday’s game, New York will turn to Brandon Copeland, an outside linebacker, and James Burgess to lock down the middle of the defense.
It’s a less than ideal scenario for the Jets, who already have a tough time tackling in the open field. Gregg Williams will need to rely on his defensive line more in this game – a line that lost Leonard Williams at the trade deadline but could see the return of Henry Anderson.
Darnold is 0-2 vs. Miami
This game is the perfect spot for Sam Darnold to bounce back after his horrid stretch the past two weeks. However, Darnold hasn’t fared well against the Dolphins in the past – he lost both his games against Miami in 2018 and turned the ball over six times in those contests.
The Dolphins are significantly worse on defense this year, though, after losing cornerback Xavien Howard to injured reserve and trading away stalwarts like Oliver Vernon and Minkah Fitzpatrick. If Darnold can get over the mistakes that have troubled him throughout this season he could turn over a new leaf as the Jets head into the second half of the season.
Jets will trot out another offensive line
Add center Ryan Kalil to the list of Jets offensive linemen who won’t suit up this weekend. The Jets already ruled out Kalil with knee and elbow injuries, meaning Jonotthan Harrison will start. If left tackle Kelvin Beachum misses his third game Sunday, the Jets will be without all three of their five opening-day starters. That isn’t saying much considering how bad the line has played, but there has to be something said for consistency.
Fortunately for the Jets, they’ll face arguably the worst pass rush in the NFL. The Dolphins rank in the bottom six in quarterback pressures (39), hurries (15) and sacks (nine). Even with a makeshift line, Darnold should have plenty of time to find his receivers against an even more depleted Miami secondary.
