New York Jets vs Miami Dolphins: 3 keys to victory

As the New York Jets prepare for their Week 4 matchup against the Miami Dolphins on Monday Night Football, Gang Green travels to Hard Rock Stadium, where they have lost nine of their past 10 games, in pursuit of their first victory this season.

Listed as 2.5-point road underdogs by FanDuel Sportsbook, New York will need to follow these three keys to success to secure their first win under head coach Aaron Glenn and hand the winless Dolphins another setback under the primetime lights.

Minimize missed tackles

The Jets enter Week 4 as one of the league’s worst tackling teams, carrying over an issue that plagued them last season. Their 44.3 tackling grade ranks seventh-worst in the NFL, courtesy of Pro Football Focus.

That weakness will be tested against a Miami offense featuring elusive playmakers such as Tyreek Hill, De’Von Achane, and Jaylen Waddle. If New York continues to miss tackles, the Dolphins’ high-powered offense could put the game out of reach early.

“We’re running to the ball, but we’ve gotta run to the ball with a purpose,” said Jets defensive coordinator Steve Wilks on Thursday, addressing the team’s tackling woes. “You see guys running to the ball and overrunning. That’s something I’ve gotta do a better job of coaching.”

Capitalize on offensive opportunities

The Jets’ offense, led by Justin Fields in his return from a mild concussion that sidelined him in Week 3, has a prime opportunity to capitalize against a vulnerable Dolphins defense. Miami has struggled against both the run and the pass and will be without starting cornerback Storm Duck.

An early lead would provide a significant boost for New York, easing pressure on a defense that has struggled this season and now faces one of their toughest challenges of the season.

Pressure Tua Tagovailoa

Pressuring Tua Tagovailoa will be critical for the Jets to secure a win. When given time in the pocket, the Alabama product can work through his progressions and deliver pinpoint throws to his playmakers for explosive gains.

Under pressure, however, Tagovailoa often falters. Forced off his spot, he tends to rush throws, leading to misfires and turnovers. He has already thrown four interceptions this season.

The Jets will be shorthanded up front, losing defensive end Jermaine Johnson for the second straight week. Still, generating pressure and disrupting Tagovailoa’s rhythm remains a must, something New York failed to accomplish in recent losses to Josh Allen and Baker Mayfield.