Jets vs. Dolphins: 5 Keys for New York to Earn a 2011 NFL Playoff Berth

There is yet hope for Rex Ryan and the New York Jets to make the playoffs.

As usual, it's been a roller-coaster season, but the Jets have a chance to do more than preserve their third consecutive winning season in a row under Rex. They have a chance to earn a third consecutive trip to the playoffs.

It won't be easy, and it's not entirely in their hands. There are a few things they can do to hold up their end of the bargain, though.

Erik Frenz is the co-host of the PatsPropaganda and Frenz podcast. Follow Erik on Twitter.

Run the Football

The Jets have not played to their identity as a smash-mouth football team this season. When they've won this season, they've played significantly better in the running game. It's helpful when they rush the ball well, but they don't run the ball much better when they win (3.9 yards per attempt) than they do when they lose (3.6).

One distinct difference is in the attempts. They average 24.9 rush attempts per game in their seven losses versus 30.3 in their eight victories.

That could be very difficult against a run defense that has been unforgiving to opposing running backs. The Dolphins rank third in the league in total yards allowed (1,401), touchdowns (eight) and yards per attempt (3.6).

However, if the Jets can pop off three or four yards per carry and keep the chains moving that way, it's a huge victory over the alternative—putting the ball and the game in Mark Sanchez's shaky hands.

Blitz Heavy

This one shouldn't be too hard for the Jets, who love to blitz anyway. But with Jake Long put on injured reserve, there's a hole on the left side of the Dolphins' offensive line. The Jets would be foolish not to test it.

According to Pro Football Focus, the Jets were very successful with the blitz the last time they faced the Dolphins. On 19 blitzes, Matt Moore went 5-of-17 for 84 yards, one interception and two sacks.

He wasn't much better when the Jets didn't blitz, going 11-of-17 for 120 yards, a pick and two more sacks. Matt Moore has proven skittish when under pressure, and the Jets could take advantage of that, as well.

What's more, the Dolphins will be without Reggie Bush. Not that he's great in blitz protection—or even decent—but the lack of a running game should mean the Jets will take the leash off of their pass-rushers Aaron Maybin, Calvin Pace and others.

Protect the Football

Ball security has been central to the Jets' two-game losing streak, having turned it over seven times in that span.

The Jets have had problems with ball security all season long. Their defense ranks sixth in the NFL with 29 takeaways, but their offense ranks 29th with 31 giveaways and is the worst in the NFL with 16 lost fumbles. In fact, the Jets have turned it over multiple times in all but four of their games this season. It's no coincidence that the Jets are 3-1 in games where they don't turn it over multiple times.

That means they're 5-6 when they turn it over multiple times.

If there were ever a week for the Jets to get some help from their foes, this would be it. The Dolphins rank 29th with just 16 defensive takeaways through Week 16 of the regular season.

Convert Third Downs

Along with the aforementioned problems in the running game, the Jets offense is not explosive at all. They rank 27th with 4.8 yards per play and 28th with 6.4 yards per pass attempt. As has been proven this season, it's not an offense that can recover when they shoot themselves in the foot with turnovers.

The Dolphins have one of the league's best third-down defenses, ranking fifth by allowing just 33.5 percent conversions. The Jets are a sloppy third-down offense, converting 34.6 percent of their third-down tries (22nd).

3rd-and-long won't cut it against the Dolphins, so the Jets can't afford to get off schedule. Their offense may never get in rhythm otherwise.

Remember That Their Backs Are Against a Wall, and Get a Bunch of Help

Quite simply, the Jets need a bunch of help to get into the playoffs. That includes hoping for the Cincinnati Bengals, Denver Broncos and Oakland Raiders to all lose their games.

Not impossible, but not terribly likely. Still, the Jets always play better when their backs are against a wall. This has been a trend throughout Rex Ryan's tenure as head coach, but has held true throughout 2011.

After starting out 2-3, they reeled off three straight wins. After dipping back to .500 at 5-5, they reeled off three more.

With their backs against the wall once more, the Jets are in a win-or-go-home situation. The only difference this time is that they could win and still go home.