Last Updated on September 22, 2010 9:29 pm by Anthony Rome
Jets vs. Dolphins NFL Preview
Miami, FL – After an impressive win over the reigning AFC East champions last weekend, the New York Jets should be feeling good about themselves going into a showdown with the current division leaders.
The Miami Dolphins, however, are far from the Jets’ only concern.
New York must cope with the arrest of its top wide receiver and an injury to its star cornerback before Sunday night’s matchup in Miami, where the Dolphins open their home schedule with a chance for their first 3-0 start since 2002.
Oddsmakers from online sports book Sportsbook.com have made the Dolphins 1-point spread favorites for Sunday’s game against the Jets +1. Current NFL Public Betting Information shows that 58% of more than the 6,513 bets for this game have been placed on the Jets +1.
The game also has special meaning for linebacker Jason Taylor, the longtime Dolphins star who signed with New York in April and now faces his former team for the first time.
Even without Taylor, Miami (2-0) has seen a steady defense lead the team to consecutive road victories. Things have been more of a roller-coaster ride for the Jets, considered Super Bowl contenders after their surprise run to the AFC title game last season.
A woeful offensive showing marred New York’s season opener, a 10-9 home loss to Baltimore on Sept. 13, but quarterback Mark Sanchez played much better during a 28-14 win over New England last Sunday.
The Jets (1-1) outscored the Patriots 18-0 after halftime, and Sanchez finished with 220 passing yards and three touchdowns without an interception.
“I think we’re in a really good spot right now,” said tight end Dustin Keller, who had 115 receiving yards and a TD. “Obviously, it’s still early in the season and a lot of stuff is going to happen, but we feel really good about where we are right now.”
Wide receiver Braylon Edwards played a part in the Jets’ resurgence, totaling five catches for 45 yards and a touchdown against New England after he was held to one reception in Week 1.
But Edwards was arrested on charges of drunken driving Tuesday morning. With any league discipline waiting until the legal process plays out, the Jets announced he will play but not start against Miami.
“Obviously, we’re very disappointed with Braylon’s actions,” general manager Mike Tannenbaum said. “We take player conduct very seriously here.”
The Jets won’t have the services of shutdown cornerback Darrelle Revis, who strained his left hamstring last Sunday while attempting to cover Randy Moss on a 34-yard touchdown. Revis won’t travel to Miami for what would have been a matchup with Dolphins receiver Brandon Marshall.
“They just said it’s strained and it could take one to two weeks, or it could take a week,” Revis said. “It depends on how my body recovers.”
Standout center Nick Mangold is uncertain with a shoulder problem.
Even with both players on the field, the Jets couldn’t beat Miami last year. The Dolphins swept the season series for the first time since 2003, including a 31-27 home win Oct. 12 that featured a last-minute touchdown by Ronnie Brown.
Miami still missed the playoffs, but the Dolphins are off to a more promising start in 2010. They’ve allowed a total of 20 points – tied with Pittsburgh for the NFL low – after pulling off a 14-10 upset at Minnesota last Sunday.
The Dolphins intercepted Brett Favre three times, then stuffed Adrian Peterson at the goal line to preserve their lead in the fourth quarter and seize sole possession of the AFC East lead.
“Nobody really gave us a chance to be sitting where we are now,” Brown said. “We’ve got to keep grinding, but I like our chances, and everybody on the team is believing in what we’re doing.”
Coach Tony Sparano’s defense held Buffalo to 166 total yards during a 15-10 season-opening win.
The Jets had the NFL’s top-ranked defense last year, but didn’t stand pat, adding Taylor in the offseason. The 2006 NFL Defensive Player of the Year made a major impact last week, stripping Tom Brady to end the Patriots’ final drive.
“He’s a closer,” coach Rex Ryan said. “He closes out games. That’s been his history. What a pass rush, unbelievable.”
Despite an elbow injury, Taylor is expected to make his first appearance as a visitor in Miami, where he spent 12 seasons and reached six Pro Bowls while setting a franchise record with 124 sacks.
He’ll hope to create problems for quarterback Chad Henne and a Dolphins offense that has sputtered at times, ranking 27th in the NFL in total yards. The unit was held without any points for the final three quarters in Minnesota, with Miami’s final touchdown coming on a fumble recovery.
Brown and Ricky Williams each lost a fumble against the Vikings.
“I’m concerned,” Sparano said. “I want to score more points than that, no question about it, and I think we have to. I have great confidence this group will continue to get better.”
Bet NFL Week 3 Odds