Jets vs. Dolphins: Key Players to Watch in Critical AFC East Matchup

The New York Jets (1-1) and Miami Dolphins (1-1) are getting set to clash in an important Week 3 matchup that will likely have lasting implications on both teams' postseason aspirations.

There will be a number of key players on each side that will likely make a major difference in the outcome of the game and should have a significant impact the final score.

Let’s take a look at a couple of those for both the Jets and Dolphins.

New York Jets

Mark Sanchez

The Jets signal-caller seems to be a benchmark for how his team will perform.

If he’s on point and playing well, Gang Green can beat anyone and often do it in style. That was perfectly evidenced by their 48-28 beat down of the Buffalo Bills to open the season.

However, when Sanchez struggles, the entire team struggles. In their Week 2 loss to the Steelers, the QB connected on a paltry 10-of-27 attempts. The Jets managed just 10 points in the contest.

While the cries for Tebow haven’t truly started yet, Sanchez will have to string together a good game against an opponent perceived to be inferior to keep the media off his back.

 

Yeremiah Bell

Bell played all over his eight-year career for the ‘Phins before signing with the Jets this summer.

Miami cut him for his lack of coverage skills, and testing those is exactly what the Dolphins coaching staff will have in store on Sunday.

While rookie QB Ryan Tannehill may not have displayed the best arm or decision-making skills in the past two games, he’s going to be able to beat an aging safety when he’s given a window.

Coach Rex Ryan and the rest of the Jets staff will have to do the best to keep Bell on the field for run support and get him on the sidelines or disguise his flaws on passing downs.

Miami Dolphins

Ryan Tannehill

The 2012 first-round pick hasn’t exactly impressed through his first two games, but he hasn’t been a disappointment either.

He’s 38-of-66 passing for 419 yards, one touchdown and three interceptions. The former Texas A&M standout also ran 5 times for 13 yards and a TD, but coughed up the ball on a fumble.

Tannehill will be facing his toughest test yet, with Antonio Cromartie and Darrelle Revis lining up against the Dolphins' top receivers.

He has to do his best to find the tight ends and slot receiver, who should have a bit more room to work with.

 

Reggie Bush

Bush’s performance in Week 2 was reminiscent of his time at USC. The 27-year-old racked up 172 yards and two touchdowns on 26 rush attempts against the Oakland Raiders.

He’s going to need to put together a similar performance in order to overcome Gang Green on Sunday.

The Jets have a solid rush defense, but it’s not as fearsome as it has been in years past. If Bush can find some lanes, he’ll have another big day.