The New York Jets and Miami Dolphins share plenty of history, but Sunday's meeting presents an opportunity for New York to change the recent direction of this rivalry.
The teams have met 121 times, including a postseason matchup in January 1983 that Miami won 14-0. The Dolphins (0-5) hold a 63-57-1 advantage in the all-time series and have won 16 of the past 20 meetings, including three of the past four showdowns.
The Jets return to MetLife Stadium looking to rebound from their 26-19 loss to the New England Patriots. At 2-4, New York needs to turn its home-field advantage into another victory and avoid letting another winnable matchup slip away.
With both teams looking to establish some direction as the season progresses, Week 7's meeting carries significance beyond bragging rights. The Jets need a performance that gives them something to build on, and they'll have their chance against a familiar opponent.
Here are Jets Wire's five things to watch for during Jets vs. Dolphins:
Can the Jets reawaken their pass rush?
The Jets recorded eight sacks against the Cleveland Browns in Week 5, only to go sackless against Drake Maye and the Patriots one week later. That dramatic difference raises questions about the consistency of Aaron Glenn's defense. New York needs its defensive front to rediscover its disruptive form and make life difficult for Malik Willis and Miami's offense.
Will Miami benefit from its bye week?
The Dolphins had Week 6 off, giving them additional time to recover, evaluate their offensive struggles, and prepare for New York. That extra preparation could help Miami address its early-season problems, but it also puts pressure on the Jets to match their opponent's adjustments. New York cannot afford to assume the Dolphins will remain stuck in their current rut.
Can the Jets capitalize on Miami's offensive struggles?
The Dolphins have scored 13 points or fewer in four of their first five games, making their offensive production a significant concern. New York must take advantage by limiting explosive plays, winning early downs, and forcing Miami into difficult situations. A few stops could shift the pressure onto the Dolphins and give the Jets opportunities to control the game.
Can Garrett Wilson get back on track?
Omar Cooper Jr.'s return against New England was one of the Jets' biggest positives, as he caught six passes for 103 yards and a touchdown. Garrett Wilson, meanwhile, had a quiet afternoon and did not receive his third target until the fourth quarter. If Smith can get both receivers involved early, New York's passing attack could become much harder to defend.
Which team executes on third down and in the red zone?
New York has converted 27 of 77 third-down attempts into first downs, while Miami has converted 26 of 63. Neither team can afford to waste possessions, particularly when scoring opportunities become limited near the goal line. Winning those critical situations could determine which offense sustains drives and which defense makes the decisive stop.
This article originally appeared on Jets Wire: Jets vs. Dolphins: 5 things to watch in Week 7