Dolphins vs. Jets: Miami Shouldn't Stoop to the Jets' Level with Trash Talk

As if the Jets-Dolphins rivalry wasn't intense enough, both teams have spent the past few days providing each other with enough bulletin-board material to last a year. They are guilty of engaging in the sacrilegious trash talk that has become synonymous with NFL culture. 

The recent war of words has amplified the disdain that exists between these two franchises and will undoubtedly increase the intensity of Sunday’s game.

This past Wednesday, Jets linebacker Aaron Maybin added gasoline to the already blazing fire. 

His comments to ESPN New York writer Rich Cimini, in which he claimed the team wanted to knock Reggie Bush out of Sunday’s game—legally, of course—led to a few jabs from Dolphins center Mike Pouncey. 

When asked about Maybin’s comments, Pouncey responded (via Omar Kelly) by saying, “I have to be on punt block to say something to him.”

It didn't end there. Pouncey continued his verbal assault by adding, “I don’t even want to talk about him. He’s a joke. He won’t even play enough to hurt Reggie.”  

The "hot-sauce saga" between coach Rex Ryan, Reggie Bush and LaRon Landry served as the precursor to Pouncey’s unnecessary comments. He is better suited following the example of his teammates. 

Leave it to Dolphins guard Richie Incognito to be the voice of reason for Miami. “We understand it’s part of Jets week and all that,” he told the media (via Armando Salguero). “But all the talking stops on Sunday.”

The Jets have clearly taken the identity of their blathering head coach. It would behoove the Dolphins to not resort to similar behavior.

Joe Philbin has set an exemplary standard since his arrival and has done a remarkable job of changing the culture that exists in Miami.

It is a no-nonsense, business-like approach that has led the Dolphins to a 3-3 record—well above the expectations many had for the team before the season. Rather than concern themselves with the nonsensical chatter from the Jets locker room, Miami should do their “talking on the field,” as Randy Starks so eloquently put it.

Jets players have already guaranteed victory over the Dolphins—which is typical, considering no franchise guarantees more victories than the New York Jets. However, it is the responsibility of Dolphins players to live up to the standards set by Coach Philbin.

We are two days away from kickoff, giving both teams ample time to create even more bulletin-board material.

With all the talk, Sunday’s game is sure to be a hard-fought, physical matchup—one that will force the loser to humbly eat their words.

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