Jets quarterback Zach Wilson (2) looks to throw vs. the Steelers on Oct. 2 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Matt Durisko, AP)
Here’s a look at how the Miami Dolphins (3-1) and New York Jets (2-2) match up in six key areas ahead of Sunday’s Week 5 game at MetLife Stadium (1 p.m., CBS):
When the Dolphins run: Miami has not gotten its ground game going in the first four games of the Mike McDaniel era. The Dolphins rank 29th in the league with 277 yards rushing and 28th at 3.5 yards per attempt. They haven’t broken 100 yards rushing in any of their games this season.
Raheem Mostert, who has familiarity with McDaniel going back to San Francisco, seems to have a slight edge on Chase Edmonds. Mostert is averaging 3.8 yards per carry while Edmonds is at 3.0.
The Jets have not been bad in run defense. Their 3.7 yards per attempt against them is sixth in the NFL. They held the Ravens to 63 rushing yards and Bengals to 69 in their losses, but they actually allowed more in their wins (119 against the Steelers, 184 against the Browns). Quinnen Williams is solid for them at defensive tackle, and they have veteran linebacker C.J. Mosley at the heart of the defense, leading New York with 41 tackles in four games. Edge: Jets
When the Jets run: New York doesn’t have a scary running game either — 28th in total rushing (350 yards) and 22nd in yards per attempt (4.1). The Jets have two upstart young tailbacks, though, in rookie Breece Hall and second-year runner Michael Carter. Hall has the leg up early on this season, at 4.7 yards per carry to Carter’s 3.7. Veteran guard Laken Tomlinson, whom McDaniel and Jets coach Robert Saleh are both familiar with from the 49ers and made a Pro Bowl last year, was a key offseason pickup on the line.
The Dolphins have been above average stopping the run, and that’s even though they have given up a few long scampers, specifically against mobile quarterbacks, that have skewed the stats. Their 415 rushing yards against through four games actually position them No. 11 in the league. Defensive tackles Christian Wilkins and Zach Sieler are the key up front, and nose tackle Raekwon Davis is another week removed from his knee injury. Linebacker Jerome Baker and strong safety Brandon Jones are tied for the team lead with 27 tackles. Edge: Dolphins
When the Dolphins pass: Tua Tagovailoa is out recovering from his concussion, and Teddy Bridgewater is set to make his first start for his hometown Dolphins. Bridgewater is an experienced backup who has 63 NFL starts to his credit. He’s 33-30 in those games, and the last time he filled in for an injured starter, he had a 5-0 stretch with the 2019 New Orleans Saints while Drew Brees was injured.
He said this week, “I honestly believe it’s the most firepower that I’ve ever been around,” in speaking of the playmakers he has at his disposal, led by receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. Hill leads the NFL with 477 receiving yards, and Waddle is sixth with 381. The Dolphins’ passing offense ranks third in the NFL.
Rookie first-round pick Sauce Gardner and fellow cornerback D.J. Reed will have their hands full. Veteran free safety Lamarcus Joyner, a Southwest Miami High and St. Thomas Aquinas High alum, is coming off an immense game in the win over the Steelers, with two interceptions and four pass deflections. Quinnen Williams, rushing from the interior, has 2 1/2 sacks already, and rookie defensive end Jermaine Johnson has his 1 1/2. Edge: Dolphins
When the Jets pass: Quarterback Zach Wilson’s return from his knee injury may have provided a spark for the Jets against Pittsburgh, but he only completed 50 percent of passes, threw one touchdown and was intercepted twice. He was on the receiving end of another touchdown thrown by University of Miami alum Braxton Berrios, though.
Corey Davis, rookie Garrett Wilson and second-year standout Elijah Moore (a Western High and St. Thomas Aquinas alum) provide a formidable receiving trio. Tight end Tyler Conklin and running backs Hall and Carter get active in the passing game, too. The Jets actually rank right behind Miami, fourth in the NFL in passing offense. The banged-up Dolphins secondary will have its hands full as Xavien Howard and Keion Crossen’s health is a concern while Byron Jones is still not coming off the PUP list.
The Dolphins haven’t been able to get their pass rush going early in the season, but facing the Jets could provide the opportunity to get it rolling. New York has Mekhi Becton, Duane Brown and George Fant as tackles on injured reserve, and Max Mitchell appears unlikely to play Sunday. Look for Emmanuel Ogbah, Jaelan Phillips, Melvin Ingram and the Miami edge rushers to eat against the Jets’ backup tackles. Edge: Even
Special teams: If it’s not a kick return allowed for a touchdown, it’s a “butt punt” or a missed extra point. The Dolphins have had their share of special teams blunders in recent weeks. Berrios is always solid in the return game, too. As much talk as there was in the preseason about Miami using its stars on kick and punt returns, it hasn’t produced big special teams plays.
One positive for the Dolphins has been punter Thomas Morstead pinning opponents down with the help of his gunners. Kicker Jason Sanders is 5 of 6 with his one miss coming beyond 50 yards. Greg Zuerlein for the Jets is 7 of 8 on the year and has also missed an extra point. New York’s Braden Mann is averaging 45.7 yards on his punts. Edge: Jets
Intangibles: The Jets are rolling off their win over the Steelers and playing at home. The Dolphins are coming off the downer of having Tagovailoa go down the last time they played. Miami is also coming off the mini-bye of playing Thursday night the week before, so they had time to regroup. The Dolphins also have the psychological advantage of winning the past four in the rivalry series and eight of the past nine. The McDaniel-Saleh coaching matchup will be interesting as with the former 49ers assistants going against each other. Edge: Dolphins
PREDICTION: Dolphins 27, Jets 20
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Originally published at Tribune News Service