Have the Dolphins learned from their mistakes against the Jets?

Several weeks ago, the Miami Dolphins went up to Met Life Stadium and defeated the New York Jets, 16-13. While they came away with a victory, they were dominated by the Jets rushing attack as they compiled 277 yards on the ground by eight different players. It was only until quarterback Geno Smith was forced to pass the ball at the end of the game when the Dolphins defense was able to capitalize and seal the victory with an interception.

Joe Philbin gave a lot of credit to Rex Ryan and praised him for his excellent game-plans and the various ways he configures his defense to make life miserable for the opposing quarterback and offense.

“We talked about it as we watched the last games. Certainly, the game we played was a hard-fought, close game. It probably could have gone either way. It was a close football game. The next week they fly out to Minnesota. They play an overtime game. They had an opportunity there certainly to win the game. If they make a tackle, the guy probably doesn’t go 87 yards. The next week they go on the road and beat Tennessee. The film, I was just watching it again this morning, against New England, they played extremely well. I think he’s doing a heck of a job. They are a good football team. They’ve been playing very well. I think the week before we played them, they had a tough week up in Buffalo maybe, if I’m not mistaken. Since our game and the three games since, Coach (Ryan) has them playing very well.”

Mike Wallace says that the Jets haven’t changed much since they played them a few weeks ago. He did note however that they are playing more zone than they used to but doesn’t expect too much of a change on Sunday. He’ll expect the normal blitz packages and pressure they bring on the quarterback. Ryan Tannehill said that they are playing at a high level despite what their record says and knows they will have to be on top of their game if they want to come away with a victory.

“I thought they had a good plan against us last time. I’m sure they will again this time. It’s a good defense. It’s a good test for us and we’re going to have to play good.  They did some good things against us last time. We have to find a way to overcome those things and get the ball in the end zone.”  

With all that said, have the Dolphins learned their lesson? Jelani Jenkins says they have and noted that they are ready for whatever the Jets plan to bring.

“We expect them to try to run it again since they had success the first game. I think that’s something we will probably have to do, load the box, because they are good at what they do. They’ve been successful even when you do load up the box. I don’t think we’re going to treat it any way different with any team, but I think we’re going to still try and mix it up, keep them off balance, but at the same time, recognize that’s something that they want to do, something they’re good at.”

 This story was written by Matthew Cannata. Follow him on Twitter: @PhinManiacs 

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