The hated Jets stand in the way of Miami taking the next step forward
Miami’s Gase can’t get out schemed by Jets’ Bowels for a second time
Before the Atlanta Falcons game, the Miami Dolphins were 2-2, but it was an ugly 2-2 that could have easily been 0-4. However, the Dolphins were able to come away with two close victories against both the Chargers and Titans. This close win means they are an incredible 11-0 in their last 11 games decided by 7 points or less.
FWI, the NFL record is 14 straight by Peyton Manning when he was on the Indianapolis Colts.
Now all of a sudden, Miami is 3-2 and truly back in the thick of the playoff race.
The real question is, can we build off this 2 game winning streak and superb second half? If so, this game against the New York Jets is about as critical as they come.
It was only a month ago that the Dolphins got man handled by the Jets in New York by a score of 20-6. Former Dolphins, Todd Bowles out schemed Gase and made the offense all but non-existent.
But the one positive thing about getting so thoroughly beaten by the Jets is that there is no excuse of looking past them this time. And since Miami is home this time, the only excuse for losing is that they aren’t good enough… which is no excuse at all.
As the Pats learned, Jets won’t hand over a “W”
The Jets will likely come out with the same scheme from their first meeting since it was so successful: jam the box, spread wide, attack play side with run blitzes, and force Miami to pass the ball in order to open up the run. Knowing how good Bowles is, they’ll have a fall back scheme prepared as well.
Against the Titans, because of Parker’s injury, Coach Gase decided to go with more 2 Tight End sets to get an extra blocker on the line, which proved to be beneficial since we were able to run for 138 yards. This 2 TE set with Inside Zone blocking with counters added in have become the new identity of the 2017 Dolphins.
Under Coach Gase, Miami has proven that when they have success running the ball they score more points and win more games. Bowles will be prepared, so Gase must continue to expand and evolve the playbook, while shying away from the inside draws from 3 Wide and screens to Landry and Ajayi that have been continual losers.
At the moment, various pay per head software providers have the betting line as the Dolphins as the -3 point favorite. This is nothing special as home field gives a 3pts bump. Miami must stay hungry and keep the momentum rolling to move from the middle of the pack to an upper-echelon team. The Dolphins won’t get the same calls that the Patriots received to eck out a win. They must earn this one. What are the rest of the Miami Dolphins News fans thoughts about this upcoming game?