Respect the Run
Although this was a “should-win” game for the Jets, it is easy to get nervous when facing a Miami defense that has had a history of being somewhat stifling. As mentioned in the last post, the wide receivers matching up against the cornerbacks was worth paying attention to, but what I failed to take note of was how the running game would play into this matchup.
For all the heat Hackett has faced, especially in the last week, he stuck to his plan and allowed Curtis Martin and the running game to “set up the pass.” Looking at the score, the game was fairly close for most of the first half, with the Jets scoring a touchdown with only 1:35 left in the half to put them up by 7. This drive was the spark for the Jets offense that it has been looking for all season. After five consecutive run plays, Pennington ended the drive with a strike to McCareins for the score. From this point on, the game wasn't close as the Jets pulled away more and more.
In the second half, the Jets continued to dominate, putting more than 40 points on the board and getting more aggresive on defense as the Dolphins were forced to run. Seeing this team play the Dolphins after playing the Patriots is somewhat like trying to jump on the moon, it's just easier.
Regardless, the doubts have been removed and the bottom line is that this game could have been the spark that the Jets were looking to ignite the offense. Hopefully, we can enjoy the rest of the season as this team improves, game after game.
