10 Players to Watch: Jets vs. Dolphins
Keep Your Eyes on These Guys During the Game on Monday Night
Head coach Rex Ryan announced Wednesday that Smith would be the starter against Miami on Monday night. Smith was benched in Week 8 against Buffalo after throwing three interceptions in the first quarter. This time around, Smith said that protecting the ball is paramount: "I'm preparing myself to go out there and give us a chance to win. Other than that, it's pretty much maintaining the same preparation (and) mechanics that I've had throughout the weeks and just trying to go out there and do my best. But I think first things first, protect the football. I think that's what everybody wants to see and that's what I want to see from myself. So, I want to go out there with that intent. Also, try to help us try to score points and get the victory."
Ryan said that "it doesn't look good" for DE Muhammad Wilkerson to play in this game after Big Mo suffered a toe injury in last Monday's game against the Bills. The team's plan, if Mo cannot play, is to move Coples to his natural position at defensive end. Coples played the position for his rookie season, during which he recorded 5.5 sacks and two pass defenses.
DE Ikemefuna Enemkpali could be the beneficiary of Ryan's desire to play younger guys during the team's final five games. The rookie was mentioned by name during Ryan's news conferences this week and IK said he is up for the challenge: "I'm just told to be ready. I have to make sure I know the playbook and be ready for all situations. Whenever my number is called, I'm going to go out there and do my job."
After a tough week against the Bills, look for Harvin to get involved in the offense through the air and on the ground. Harvin had only one catch for 2 yards in last week's loss to the Bills and averaged only 16.6 yards/kickoff return.
The O-Line perhaps had the roughest week against Buffalo, allowing a season-high seven sacks. The ground game also struggled, as the Jets only only ran for 92 yards against the Bills, which was just the third time all season the Jets failed to rush for 100 yards. Miami also boasts a tough defensive line, something Ryan is well aware of: "Yeah, they have an outstanding defensive line. Absolutely it starts up front. If we can't block them it doesn't matter who you have at quarterback."
CB Darrin Walls had a good game statistically (seven tackles and two pass defenses) against the Bills, but Walls covered Bills WR Robert Woods, who caught nine passes for 118 yards and one touchdown, for much of the game. Miami has a nice one-two punch at receiver with Mike Wallace and rookie Jarvis Landry, so look for Walls' play to be a determining factor in this one.
The Jets have spoken all week about committing to the running game against Miami. If that's the case, Ivory should be featured heavily. The Dolphins are coming off a game in which they allowed 201 rushing yards to the Denver Broncos, who averaged less than 100 yards/game on the ground entering that contest.
DT T.J. Barnes played a big role against the Bills, playing 29 of 66 (44%) of the defensive snaps. He recorded the first three tackles of his career in that game and figures to add to the depth to the defensive line against the Dolphins if Muhammad Wilkerson is not able to go. Defensive coordinator Dennis Thurman said in his news conference this week that the Jets are able to play the 6'7, 364-pounder in different positions on the D-Line: "Big T.J. Barnes has been doing a good job. He's very versatile along the front."
If Quinton Coples does move down to play defensive end against the Dolphins, look for LB Jason Babin to take some of Coples' reps at OLB. Babin has two sacks this season as a situational pass rusher.
With rookie TE Jace Amaro's game status uncertain with a diagnosed concussion, Cumberland could become the featured tight end in the passing game. Cumberland, who has been used as a blocker this season, has 16 receptions for 159 yards and one touchdown in '14.
