Jets vs. Dolphins: Breaking Down Miami's Game Plan

It’s the final game of the 2014 NFL season for the Miami Dolphins, and they have a chance to finish 9-7 while also giving their rival a painful end to their dreadful season.

The New York Jets are currently 3-12 and could very well clean out their coaching staff and front office after another season with such little success.

There’s not much at stake outside of pride on the line for the Dolphins this week, as owner Stephen Ross said last week that coach Joe Philbin and general manager Dennis Hickey will return in 2015.

Some potential free agents will want to post another positively graded game, however, so those guys who could be on the market for another pay day should be extra motivated.

"

Rex: Nick Mangold (ankle, in a boot), Percy Harvin (ribs) & Muhammad Wilkerson (illness) DNP today.

— New York Jets (@nyjets) December 24, 2014"

Miami shouldn’t have much of an issue claiming victory on Sunday, as the Jets were lacking talent before injuries, and now, their three best players may be out, according to the Jets' official Twitter account. Without Mangold, Harvin and Wilkerson, Miami should enforce its will throughout the game.

Nevertheless, we will cover the keys to the game so that Miami can ensure its first winning season since 2008. Don’t forget to post your prediction in the comments section.

When Miami Is on Offense

The Dolphins found themselves in a slugfest last time they played the Jets, but that shouldn’t happen this time if Miami is focused. Miami has major talent advantages over the Jets at all positions, except against Sheldon Richardson, who is an excellent lineman. His play against Mike Pouncey is a major matchup to watch.

Miami should have another solid passing day if it allows Ryan Tannehill to sling the ball around. Receivers Mike Wallace and Jarvis Landry have been solid this season, and the Jets have no way to really shut down Miami’s attack. The Jets cornerbacks are below average and are ripe for picking on throughout the game.

Should Miami want to run the ball, the Jets are somewhat stout up front, but the Dolphins should be able to augment their passing game well enough to justify running the ball 25 times. The Dolphins only ran 18 times last matchup, but running back Lamar Miller was banged up and Miami had to pass a lot to get back into a game that featured an early deficit.

When Miami Is on Defense

If the Jets are missing their Pro Bowl center Nick Mangold on game day, the Dolphins defense needs to stay aggressive. Not only will Miami benefit from pressuring Jets quarterback Geno Smith early and often, but limiting the Jets' run-game proficiency to a minimum must be a priority.

Miami’s run defense absolutely crumbled in the first half the last time these teams played, mostly due to the Jets taking advantage of poor discipline on Miami’s behalf. After halftime, the Dolphins were much more effective at stopping the run, and when the Jets had to throw the ball, they knew Smith couldn’t beat them.

Since Miami will have a better idea of what the Jets will be willing to do, the Dolphins need to keep track of all pre-snap motion and force the Jets to abandon misdirection plays.

Defensive coordinator Kevin Coyle often has his edge players crash hard to the primary direction of the play, but the Jets took advantage of this aggressiveness last matchup.

Expect more discipline to help prevent huge running lanes for the Jets. New York relied on the chunk runs to the outside to have an effective offense, and when those plays stopped coming, Miami quickly got back into the game.

When defending the pass, the Dolphins should stay aggressive to force turnovers. With Harvin possibly out, the Jets lack quality weapons to make Miami pay for jumping routes. Brent Grimes and Cortland Finnegan should have their ears perked high for an opportunity to play against Geno Smith again.

Prediction: Dolphins 31, Jets 10.