MIAMI GARDENS — Breaking down the Miami Dolphins vs. the New York Jets:
Miami Dolphins (0-3) vs. New York Jets (0-3)
The coaches: Miami – Mike McDaniel. New York – Aaron Glenn.
Last game: Dolphins lost to Buffalo 31-21. Jets lost to Tampa Bay 29-27.
Last meeting: Jets won 32-20 in the Meadowlands on Jan. 5.
Key matchups
Dolphins OL vs. Jets DT Quinnen Williams
Williams is a three-time Pro Bowl pick who has a 12-sack season on his resume. This season he has just one sack and 13 tackles, 4 tackles for loss and 3 QB hits. He’ll be out to cause headaches for Dolphins LT Patrick Paul, who is having a good season, and LG Jonah Savaiinaea, who is going through rookie growing pains.
Dolphins WR Tyreek Hill vs. Jets CB Sauce Gardner
Gardner is a two-time Pro Bowl cornerback looking for his first interception of 2025. Hill’s last encounter with the Jets is one he’d like to forget. He managed two catches for 20 yards in a 32-20 loss in last season’s finale, followed by his infamous meltdown in the visitors’ locker room.
Scouting report
Dolphins run offense vs. Jets run defense
Three games into the season, the Dolphins are still trying to develop an identity with their run game. De’Von Achane continues to be the featured back and the third-down option out of the backfield, but rookie Ollie Gordon II is being worked into the rotation while becoming the choice for churning out the tough yards. Miami’s rushing attack is ranked 26th in the league. The Jets’ run D is tied for ninth.
Edge: Jets
Dolphins pass offense vs. Jets pass defense
Sandwiched around Tua Tagovailoa’s 315-yard performance against New England are two games in which he couldn’t top 150 yards through the air. This week he admitted his play has not been up to his standards. The Jets have the 14th-ranked pass defense.
Edge: Dolphins
Jets run offense vs. Dolphins run defense
Breece Hall is averaging just 52.3 yards per game but it would be a mistake to overlook him. QBs Justin Fields and Tyrod Taylor are threats, both averaging more than 30 rushing yards per game. Miami’s run D ranks among the NFL’s worst at 145.0 yards per game.
Edge: Jets
Jets pass offense vs. Dolphins pass defense
Regardless of who’s throwing the passes, New York is managing just 144.7 passing yards per game. Miami’s pass D has sprung several leaks, but can Garrett Wilson (21 receptions, 229 yards, two TDs) capitalize?
Edge: Even
Special teams
New York’s special teams are flying high after the Jets blocked a 43-yard field-goal attempt by Tampa Bay and Will McDonald returned it 50 yards for a touchdown. New York’s Kene Nwangwu has returned four kickoffs for touchdowns. Miami’s Riley Patterson has capably filled in for the injured Jason Sanders, who could return next week.
Edge: Jets
Prediction
The idea of the Dolphins bidding farewell to September with zero wins and four losses — including getting swept by all three divisional rivals, two of whom are supposed to be rebuilding — it’s too depressing to think about. Although the Jets have the edge in certain areas, the feeling going into this game is the Dolphins have the better overall team. But check back on that after this game.
Pick: Dolphins 20, Jets 16
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Miami Dolphins vs. New York Jets scouting report, prediction for Monday night
Reporting by Hal Habib, Palm Beach Post / Palm Beach Post
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
