Jets vs. Dolphins: Most Important Matchups in AFC East Battle

The New York Jets travel to take on the Miami Dolphins this Sunday for an AFC East battle of two 1-1 teams.

In the past two seasons, these teams have split their series, and following a three-year undefeated stretch by the Jets in Miami, the Dolphins have won two of the past three on their home turf in this rivalry.

Look for both of these teams to come out fired up as they fight to get an early edge in the division. The side that does a better job in the following three matchups will win this game. 

Tony Sparano vs. His Former Team

Jets offensive coordinator Tony Sparano spent the past four seasons as Miami's head coach while guiding the Dolphins to a 29-32 record.

It is safe to say that the Dolphins have an intimate knowledge of Sparano's offensive tendencies. 

Sparano is going to have to mix up his play calling and go against some of his typical tendencies to keep the Dolphins on their toes. 

On the other side of the ball, Miami has gone in a new offensive direction with coach, and former Green Bay Packers offensive coordinator, Joe Philbin, but Sparano will have a good feel for the strength and weaknesses of the Dolphins' offensive holdovers from his tenure in Miami. 

Any insights he can pass along to the Jets' defensive staff will go a long way towards his new team walking away victorious. 

Sanchez vs. Dolphins' Pass Defense

While the Jets' quarterback position continues to be a spot of public debate, New York appears set on giving Mark Sanchez the majority of the snaps over backup Tim Tebow.

Tebow will surely get a few shots to make his mark in this game, but the ultimate key to success for New York's offense rests on the arm of Sanchez.

Sanchez is just 2-4 against Miami in his career, but his stats are solid as he has thrown for nine touchdowns and four interceptions in those games.

After a strong opener, Sanchez is coming off a poor showing against the Steelers. Miami needs to make sure those struggles continue.

Jets Defense vs. Reggie Bush

At 126.7 rushing yards per game since Week 13 of last year, Reggie Bush leads the NFL. 

Bush could be a serious problem for the Jets. In two games last year, Bush only had 16 carries, but did gain 108 yards on those carries. Look for him to get more touches here.

Once one of the most feared rush defenses in the NFL, this current Jets addition is too slow to contain speedier backs. Case in point, C.J. Spiller running circles around them in Week 1. 

Miami will give every opportunity to Bush to hit for big plays, and if the Jets can't slow him down, the Dolphins are in for a long day.