Since the Jets' trip to the desert in Week 6, the offense has been the opposite of dry, in large part because of the offensive line. In the past two weeks, the Jets have combined for 326 yards on the ground while surrendering only three sacks. In order to move the ball effectively against a Miami front seven that offensive coordinator Chan Gailey described as "really, really good," the big men up front will need to continue to perform at a high level.
"Pretty good, he played pretty good really," Gailey said regarding C Wesley Johnson, who started in place of Nick Mangold (ankle) last Sunday against the Browns. "I think we all have great expectations for Wes and his future. I think he's got a chance to be a very good football player before it's over with. I mean, he's not Nick Mangold, but there's not many of them out there that are. But he's still improving and he played pretty good for where he is in his career."
As for RG Brian Winters, Gailey said, "He's done a good job and he continues to get better. I thought he had a good year last year."
About Winters' matchup across the line with DT Ndamukong Suh on Sunday, the OC said, "I know those two had a big battle last year, they really did. I think they're probably both looking forward to it again."
The Green & White's top-ranked rush defense will have its biggest test of the season Sunday in Miami. Dolphins second-year RB Jay Ajayi has rushed for 200 yards in his last two games, something only three players in NFL history have accomplished (O.J. Simpson, Earl Campbell, Ricky Williams). Ajayi is running behind an offensive line that's made up of four former first-round draft picks that help pave the way for the No. 7 ranked rushing offense. All eyes immediately turn to this matchup, leaving one burning question for Jets defensive coordinator Kacy Rodgers: How do you plan on stopping Ajayi?
"Actually, I'm losing sleep at night because they have really been doing an outstanding job the last couple of weeks with the running game," he said. "It's truly impressive to watch on film. And the thing about it is Jay is doing an outstanding job running the ball, but with the offensive line and receivers, it's all hands on deck. They're really doing a great job."
