The New York Jets return to MetLife Stadium with an opportunity to get back on track against a struggling division rival. Sunday's matchup with the Miami Dolphins gives Aaron Glenn's team a chance to improve to 3-4 and build some momentum as the season moves forward.
New York has shown flashes of what it can accomplish, particularly when its defense creates pressure, and the offense finds ways to involve its playmakers. The challenge now is putting those elements together for a complete performance rather than relying on individual moments to keep the team competitive.
The Dolphins enter this matchup searching for answers of their own. For the Jets, the path to victory starts with executing their game plan, taking advantage of Miami's weaknesses and avoiding the mistakes that have undermined recent performances.
Accelerate Malik Willis' clock
The Jets need to make Willis uncomfortable from the opening possession. New York recorded eight sacks against the Cleveland Browns in Week 5 but failed to bring Drake Maye down against the New England Patriots the following Sunday. Reestablishing that pass-rushing presence should be a priority against a Dolphins quarterback who has struggled with consistency as a passer.
The Jets must pressure Willis without losing discipline against his mobility. Forcing hurried decisions and disrupting his timing could create opportunities for turnovers and put Miami behind the chains.
Win time of possession and convert on third down
New York has converted 27 of 77 third-down attempts, while Miami has converted 26 of 63. The Jets cannot afford to keep giving the ball back to their opponent without sustaining drives of their own.
Extending possessions would help New York control the tempo, keep its defense fresher, and create more opportunities to score. The defense must also get off the field on third down rather than allowing Miami to extend drives and find its rhythm.
Take the easy completions and distribute the ball
Geno Smith doesn't need to force difficult throws to make the offense productive. The Jets have multiple capable targets, and spreading the ball around can prevent Miami from focusing its coverage on Garrett Wilson.
Quick completions can help Smith settle into the game, keep the offense on schedule, and create opportunities for receivers to gain yards after the catch. Taking what the defense gives him will be particularly important early, when New York needs to establish an offensive rhythm.
Don't overthink the game plan or abandon the run
Miami entered Week 7 allowing just 3.7 yards per carry, making its run defense a legitimate challenge for the Jets. New York may not find much room early, but that shouldn't automatically mean abandoning the ground game.
Staying committed to the run can wear down the defense over four quarters and create better opportunities for play-action passes. The Jets also need to remember that Miami has averaged a league-low 14 points per game. There is no reason to panic or stray from a balanced approach if the game remains close.
Put the ball in Geno Smith's hands and let him win
The Dolphins have struggled to defend opposing quarterbacks, allowing a 115.0 passer rating and a league-worst 76.6% completion rate. Those numbers present an opportunity for Smith to deliver one of his more efficient performances of the season.
New York needs its quarterback to recognize favorable matchups, attack the coverage when opportunities emerge and capitalize on Miami's defensive shortcomings. If Smith protects the football while making accurate, decisive throws, the Jets should have opportunities to put enough points on the board to win.
The bottom line
The Jets don't need a perfect performance to beat Miami, but they must execute with greater consistency. Pressure on Willis, sustained offensive possessions, and a balanced approach could help New York control the game rather than making another close contest unnecessarily difficult.
If Smith takes advantage of Miami's vulnerable pass defense and the Jets avoid the mistakes that have plagued them recently, New York will put itself in a strong position to earn its third victory of the season.
This article originally appeared on Jets Wire: 5 keys to a Jets victory vs. the Dolphins in Week 7