Thanksgiving In The Big Apple

Posted byMichael RifkinPosted inBlitzers, NFLTags:,

By Mike Rifkin

The Miami Dolphins will play in the first-ever Black Friday NFL game this week as they take on their division rival, the New York Jets, for the first time this season at MetLife Stadium. The two teams split their two meetings last year, each winning at home. Due to concussions, Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa didn’t play in either game against the Jets last season. Skylar Thompson wound up playing in both meetings, including an 11-6 win in Week 18 to send the Dolphins to the playoffs.

The Dolphins are coming off a 20-13 win over the Raiders. The stars shined bright as Tua Tagovailoa threw for 325 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception; Tyreek Hill had another 146 yards and a touchdown. Jaelan Phillips had two sacks, and Jalen Ramsey had two interceptions.

The Jets are coming off a 32-6 beatdown at the hands of the Buffalo Bills. Very little has gone right for the Jets this year after Aaron Rodgers tore his Achilles on the fourth play of the season. Zach Wilson has been benched in favor of Tim Boyle, who’ll make the start on Friday. The Jets’ offense did accomplish something in the loss to the Bills; they scored their first touchdown in over 40 drives and 13 quarters. 

The Dolphins can take advantage of this Jets offensive line being brutal this season. They’ve given up 40 sacks so far on the season, and now right tackle Mekhi Becton is dealing with an ankle injury. 

Keys to the game

  1. Protect Tua – The Jets’ defensive line is deep, and they can get to the quarterback. 
  2. Braxton Berrios and Cedric Wilson – DJ Reed and Sauce Gardener will be on Tyreek Hill and Jalen Waddle; if Berrios and Wilson can come up with some big catches, that could be huge.
  3. Christian Wilkins – The big man in the middle can set the tone. The Jets will want to run the ball with Breece Hall and Dalvin Cook; if Wilkins can reset the line of scrimmage and put the Jets in must-pass situations, Vic Fangio can send the house on Tim Boyle.

The Dolphins and Jets play for the first time this year on the first-ever Black Friday game. If the Dolphins can find a way to win, it might eliminate any thoughts the Jets have about bringing Aaron Rodgers back this season. 

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