Miami Dolphins at New York Jets Preview

Friday, September 12, 2003
Robert Henderson
MDBW Staff Writer

The Dolphins have a very important game ahead of them. So do the Jets. Starting off the season 0-1 is bad enough, but you're digging yourself into a deeper hole should you start 0-2. This weekend, both teams have to try and avoid falling into this trap, and the Jets have the advantage being at home where the Dolphins haven't won since 1997.

The Jets were expected to lose their opener in Washington, and did. On the other hand, Miami was a 14 point favorite to destroy the second year Texans. Miami lost as well. Dolphins' fans are hoping this game was just a fluke. The only high point was Chris Chambers' two touchdown catches and 118 yards which should indicate that he might break out this year.

The Jets didn't look all that great against Washington. There running game was inconsistent or nonexistent, and Vinny Testeverde was very rusty. He had commented before the game on how the speed of the game made him nervous. It's way faster than practice during the game, and you have to keep your mind going. This Sunday he will get to face the Dolphins who in the past he has picked apart. However, in their last meeting which was down in Miami, Testeverde played horribly contributing to a 30-3 triumph by Miami.

The Dolphins need this game. It's a division game, they need to avoid 0-2, and they are expected to do big things this year. Nobody could have guessed that based on their performance against the Texans. It is vitally important that Jason Taylor and the defensive ends get some sort of pressure on Testeverde, and sack him a few times. This will offset the Jets' game plan which the Dolphins failed to do to the Texans' (who gave up an NFL record 76 sacks last season). Also, it is imperative that Ricky Williams gets more than 17 carries. Wannstedt needs to be stubborn about giving this guy the ball. If he gets 25-30 carries a game, the Dolphins control the clock, and thus, the game. Ricky can get it done, he's durable and will ware the defense down by the 4th quarter. Where was Derrius Thompson last week? He was thrown at 4 or 5 times and didn't record one reception. Very disappointing.

As for the Jets, they will need to stop Ricky Williams. That is the overall most important thing. They did last year, limiting him to under 100 yards, and won the game 13-10 up in New York (or New Jersey [snicker]). Testeverde has to be consistent, and he cannot turn the ball over. Miami's defense has something to prove this week, so Vinny will have to be a little more careful. Hopefully Madison washes the butter off his hands before the game this week.

These are two excellent teams. Don't let the records fool you, it is only week 2. However, Chad Pennington's absence had, and will have a humongous impact on the Jets' offense. Miami should come out strong, and hopefully won't suffer from their road woes from a season ago when they were only 2-6 on the road.

Prediction: 24-20, Dolphins

Robert Henderson can be reached by e-mailing webmaster@miamidolphinsbahamas.com. Or you can talk about this story and more on the MDBW Forums message board!

Buy Tickets to this Game!