The Dolphins will end their three-game homestand against the Jets this coming weekend. This game is a tale of two teams in different places. Miami has been on fire recently, as they have won five straight games. On the other hand, the Jets have been struggling as they have lost two games in a row by double digits. This feels like a letdown game for Miami as they have been riding high with a struggling team coming to town that they could very well overlook. The Dolphins are going into this game as eight and a half point favorites, which is a higher line than expected. This article will preview the Dolphins’ Week 15 game against the New York Jets.
The Dolphins had a game against the Jets recently, as they met in Week 11. This was a close game throughout, as points came at a premium the whole game. Tagovailoa looked sharp in this game as he went 27/33 passing the ball and two touchdowns. He was a big part as to why the Dolphins won their last game against New York. There were also other players who stepped up in this game such as Dolphins receiver Mack Hollins. He caught a 65-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter to give the Dolphins the lead. Myles Gaskin who has struggled this season also had his biggest game against New York as he ran for 89 yards and had receiving touchdown.
There is one key difference in this upcoming game against the Jets. This difference is that Zach Wilson will be at the helm for the Jets this time around. Joe Flacco played in the last game as Wilson was sidelined with an injury. Wilson is still trying to find his groove in the NFL, as he has struggled this season. He has a big arm but has struggled with accuracy. Wilson also has mobility, which the Dolphins did not have to worry about the last game with Flacco. It will be interesting to see how this game changes with Wilson in the lineup.
The biggest key to this game for the Dolphins is something they have been doing throughout this winning streak, which is blitzing. This will cause trouble for Wilson, as he will need to get the ball out of his hands quickly. Furthermore, blitzing will also cause mistakes from Wilson, as it will affect his accuracy and timing with his receivers. The Dolphins secondary will also have chances to create turnovers. Xavien Howard has managed to pick the ball off in their last two games. He has four interceptions on the season, which makes him tied for eighth in that category this year.
Photo courtesy of Timothy T. Ludwig/Getty Images
As for the offense, Tagovailoa will need to keep playing sharp and limit turnovers on offense. The Jets rank in the bottom of the league when it comes to giving up yards in the passing game. They give up 254 yards a game. This plays to the Dolphins’ strengths as they are primarily a passing team, with many weapons within their receiving core, which includes Jaylen Waddle and DeVante Parker. The Dolphins have also had success using their tight ends this season, as Mike Gesicki and Durham Smyth have both produced for the Dolphins during this season. As for Miami’s rushing attack they have still have been struggling in that department, but as mentioned before Gaskin has already had success against the Jets this year. With that being said, the Dolphins should not give up on Myles Gaskin and the rushing attack in this game.
What the Dolphins are doing right now is special. It is hard to win consecutive games in the NFL, especially five in a row like the Dolphins have done. They have confidence right now, and it is easy to overlook a team who has struggled mightily all season like the Jets. Miami is also coming off a bye week which could cause concern for a little rust. The Dolphins have lost six of the ten games coming off a bye in the past ten seasons. Not to mention, the Dolphins have a Monday night game against the Saints the next weekend that has playoff implications for both teams. The Dolphins need to focus solely on the Jets this weekend and not look ahead to the following weekend. The eight and a half point line for this game is a little much, it feels like the line should be four and a half to five points in favor of Miami. This concludes the Dolphins’ Week 15 game preview.
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