NFL
By: Rick
The Miami Dolphins return from their bye in Week 6 and need to get back on track. Sitting winless and firmly in the bottom of the AFC East, Sunday would be a good place to start if they want to work their way towards a respectable season. So how do they get it done?
Uphill Battle/Downhill Game Plan
The Dolphins offense is struggling where the Jets defense is thriving. New York is currently 8th in points allowed this season while Miami is dead last in points scored. The Dolphins don’t need to score in bunches, but they absolutely have to control the tempo and get in sync early. Luckily for Miami, the Jets seem to struggle against the run, so if they have to attack anywhere consistently, let it be in the run game.
Step It Up
Right now, the Dolphins are still searching for an offensive identity. They can run the ball well, but their passing game struggles almost negate it. Their tight ends can block but offer virtually nothing as receivers. The two rookie receivers have had their moments, but this team can’t win games on potential. No matter how you look at it, the offense needs to step it up and fast. The passing game needs to complement the strong run game, and the guys with potential need to turn it into progress.
Defend With Intent
It will take more than good defense to beat the Jets. With their offensive struggles, Miami needs turnovers to win the field position battle. Despite the Dolphins ranking 4th in defense for yards allowed, you have to factor in their bye week. They drop toward the middle of the pack in yards per game, and if you add their average total to their current total as if they didn’t have a bye, they’d fall all the way to 18th. Takeaways not only lower that average, but also put the team in position to score more points.
Both the Miami Dolphins (0-5) and the New York Jets (2-4) are struggling this season. If either team wants to go on a run, it will start against a division rival. The Dolphins face the Jets Sunday at 1:00 PM EST. Can they finally get their first win?
