New York Jets: Three keys to victory in second matchup against the Miami Dolphins

3. Figure Out the Running Game

The Jets have rushed for 631 yards so far in 2017. 256 of those came in one game. Obviously that isn’t good enough. To have sustained success in this league you have to be able to run the football. Just look at the ratio for the Dolphins. They have won every game this year when they ran the football well and lost everyone they didn’t. The Jets don’t have the weapons to throw it all over the field so balance is a must.

The other reason the need for a running game is there is Josh McCown. Now, I’ll say it again, McCown has been fine. Frankly, he has played some of the best football of his career. But, the emphasis is on the word “some”. He has turned the ball over four times in the last three weeks, which is more like the McCown most fans know. The idea is if he feels that the game isn’t as much on him, he won’t force plays and make bad decisions. That starts with getting the running game going.

Next: Playing for now is OK too for the Jets

This is a different test, but a key one for the Jets this week. How will they perform when facing a team they have already beaten? Can they replicate that performance? Will they still be reeling from the bad call from last week? A big step for a young team is whether they can sweep a team that they may just be better than. We shall see on Sunday.