Limping In

By Mike Rifkin

The Dolphins will play the Jets for the second and final time this regular season. The Dolphins (9-4) are coming off a horrendous loss to the Tennessee Titans 28-27 on Monday Night. The Dolphins took a 27-13 lead with 4:30 left in the fourth quarter and inexplicably let that lead slip away. But the loss in the game is second nature because of the injuries suffered on the field. Center Connor Williams tore his ACL in the first quarter, which would possibly make ⅘ of the offensive line down. The statuses of Terron Armstead, Robert Hunt, and Liam Eichenberg remain unknown. Cornerback Xavien Howard suffered a hip injury but returned to the game. De’von Achane is dealing with a toe injury. Tyreek Hill has an ankle injury and has yet to practice this week. If you watched Monday night’s game when Hill went out, the Dolphins looked lost. The Dolphins’ last three games are at home against the Cowboys, at the current top seed in the AFC Ravens, and a showdown with the Bills at home, so resting Hill this week to make sure he’s suitable for those is essential, but if he’s healthy and the trainers think he’s good, then he should play. But the Dolphins are getting significant injuries at the worst time of the year.

The Jets are coming off a 30-6 win over the Texans. Zach Wilson threw for 301 yards and two touchdowns. The Jets’ defense sacked CJ Stroud four times in the win, and Garrett Wilson had nine catches for 108 yards. 

The first time these two teams played was Black Friday, and the Dolphins trounced the Jets 34-13. In that game, the Dolphins defense had seven sacks of Tim Boyle and two interceptions, including Jevon Holland’s 99-yard interception return for a touchdown before halftime. Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle had over 100 yards receiving, and the Dolphins ran for 167 yards as a team. 

Keys to the game

1. Spying Zach Wilson – Wilson made some big plays in the pocket last week, but he also used his legs wisely. David Long would have to play the spy role, but the Dolphin defense needs to get in Wilson’s face.
2. Others are stepping up. Even if Tyreek Hill plays, he’s not 100 percent. So Jaylen Waddle, Raheem Mostert, and others must step up and have good games.
3. Protecting Tua – As I said before ⅘, the offensive line could miss this game, so Tua will have to get rid of the ball quickly, which isn’t unusual, but the Jets have a great defensive line.
4. Short memory – You must put what happened on Monday in the past. Forget about it. Focus on the task before you, and avoid looking past the Jets.