Dolphins-Jets on Prime Time…?
The football gods have gifted us a match-up that promises thrills, spills and… actually none of those things.
On 29 September – well, technically the 30th in the UK – the New York Jets (0-3) descend upon Hard Rock Stadium.
The Miami Dolphins (0-3) are gearing up to host their AFC East rivals in what should be a beautifully chaotic showdown of awful defense and woeful offense.
Gang Green or gang gasping?
Let us talk about the Jets. Somehow still legally classified as a professional football team, the Jets enter this game looking to do what they have not done since colour TV became a thing: win in Miami.
Their defense? Respectable. Their offense? Like a microwave burrito: occasionally hot, mostly disappointing and liable to explode under pressure.
Injury and poor form mean it is still unclear who the starting quarterback will be. Tyrod Taylor would either be a sign of belief or a sign the Jets’ front office lost a bet.
He will be facing a Miami defense that has been bad, very bad. Not as bad as we all thought… but actually worse!
Tua much to handle
On the other side, Miami’s offense is less a football strategy and more a science experiment gone wrong.
Tua Tagovailoa continues to play like he has forgotten the cheat codes. We saw flashes of what could be in the first three quarters against the Buffalo Bills last week.
The reality of what has been this season came in the final quarter.
Mike McDaniel, Miami’s head coach and part-time stand-up comedian, has built a team that plays like it is late for a meeting that is already finished.
Everyone is running everywhere, all at once, yet for no apparent reason. Even now, however, one feels it is starting to come together offensively.
Keys to the game
For the Dolphins, the key is simple: run the ball to open up the passing game. The Fins are the better team and if they hit the level of last week, they will win… but one can also see the Jets going 2-1.
Miami must stay with the run, minimise errors and keep the defense off the field. Do not allow the Jets to hang around. Get Hill and Waddle more into the game.
The 16-play scoring drive against the Bills last week was a perfect example of how they have to play.
Prediction: Jet lag incoming
This game is Miami’s to lose and losing is not really something they can afford to do.
I predict: Dolphins 34, Jets 17.
PS: Perhaps the highlight of the evening will be the Dolphins’ Rivalry uniforms. Absolutely stunning in all black and, for the first time in franchise history, a black helmet!
