The New York Jets are looking to extend their winning streak to two games in Week 15 when they travel to face the Miami Dolphins for the second time this season. It was an impressive 30-6 victory for the Jets in Week 14 versus the Houston Texans as Zach Wilson returned as the starting quarterback.
For maybe the first time all season, all three phases of the team clicked in the win over the Texans. After heading into halftime with the score being 0-0, the offense found its rhythm, the defense stifled the Texans, and special teams helped flip field position a few times.
The idea of making the playoffs is a pipe dream for the Jets, but the team would love to finish the season strong to build momentum for next season. Here are six players from the Jets to watch in Sunday’s divisional bout against the Dolphins.
QB Zach Wilson
Given the circumstances, Wilson had the best game of his career in Week 14 versus the Texans. The third-year quarterback completed 27 of his 36 passes for 301 yards and two touchdowns en route to a career-best 117.9 quarterback rating. The last time the Jets faced the Dolphins back in Week 12, Wilson was on the bench while Tim Boyle drew the start at quarterback. Whether it be with the Jets or another team, these last few weeks in the regular season are going to be crucial for Wilson’s career in the NFL.
WR Garrett Wilson
While the Jets had plenty of success airing it out against the Texans, Garrett Wilson led the way with nine catches for 108 yards on 14 targets. The second-year wideout produced a season-high in yardage in Week 14 and he remains the lone receiver in New York’s that can be trusted. Since Jalen Ramsey made his return from injury for the Dolphins, Miami’s pass defense has shown vast improvements. Wilson was limited to seven receptions for only 44 yards and a touchdown against the Dolphins in Week 12, so he’ll be looking to have a much more efficient outing this time around.
TE Tyler Conklin
Aside from Wilson, there hasn’t been a wide receiver on the Jets who has stepped up to claim the No. 2 role in the offense. With that being the case, Tyler Conklin and Jeremy Ruckert may need to produce more down the stretch to help the aerial attack remain effective. Conklin hauled in four of his six targets for 57 yards in the win over the Texans. The experienced tight end now has 50-plus receiving yards in six games with Wilson at quarterback and zero games of 50-plus receiving yards when he doesn’t start. With Breece Hall banged up and the ground game not producing, Conklin could be busy against a Dolphins defense allowing the 10th-most receptions (68) and the 13th-most receiving yards (657) to tight ends.
DT Quinnen Williams
The entire defense of the Jets was dominant in the win over the Texans, but Quinnen Williams was among the standout performers. The talented interior defender would tally five total pressures, three tackles, and a sack as he made things difficult for rookie C.J. Stroud. Williams now has 22 total pressures and 2.5 sacks since Week 9 against the Los Angeles Chargers. The All-Pro pass rusher failed to record a single pressure against the Dolphins in Week 12, and the Jets will need him to prevent Tua Tagovailoa from having clean pockets to throw from on Sunday.
LB C.J. Mosley
The Dolphins boast one of the most dynamic rushing attacks in the NFL when Raheem Mostert and De’Von Achane are both healthy. Achane is dealing with a toe injury, so his status is unknown for Sunday’s contest. But if he is active, then it will be crucial for C.J. Mosley and the other 10 defenders on the Jets to keep Achane and Mostert in front of them at all times. Mostert rushed for 94 yards and two scores in the first meeting with Achane sidelined. There isn’t a team with more speed than the Dolphins, so Mosley and the front seven will certainly be tested again in Week 15.
CB D.J. Reed
Speaking of speed, there isn’t a player in the NFL who strikes more fear with his speed than Tyreek Hill. Hill is dealing with an ankle injury, putting his status for Sunday’s matchup up in the air. Back in Week 12, Hill recorded nine catches for 102 yards and a touchdown. Jaylen Waddle was also effective in the first meeting with eight receptions for 114 yards. Regardless of Hill’s status, the Dolphins will likely target D.J. Reed in coverage more instead of going at Sauce Gardner. Reed allowed six catches for 87 yards while in coverage in Week 12 versus the Dolphins, so he’ll look to perform better on Sunday.
