The Miami Dolphins are set to travel to MetLife Stadium to take on the New York Jets in a week five divisional matchup. The Dolphins come into the game with a record of 3-1. Last week, they were defeated by the Cincinnati Bengals. On the flip side, the Jets come into the game with a record of 2-2. Last week, they took down the Pittsburgh Steelers in a very close game. This game could have major implications for the early seeding of the AFC East. Currently, the Dolphins are tied with the Buffalo Bills for first place while the Jets currently sit in third. While it is still early in the season, it appears that the AFC East could come down to the wire this year and every division game will matter. With Dolphins quarterback Tua Tungaviola sidelined for the matchup, it is shaping up to be a much closer game than many would initially believe.
Miami Dolphins Look to Bounce Back After Close Loss to Cincinnati Bengals
As previously mentioned, the Dolphins will be entering this game without their starting quarterback. Tua went down with a very serious-looking injury during the Dolphins’ game against the Cincinnati Bengals. Many believed initially that Tua had been paralyzed, however, he was taken to a local hospital and was able to regain control. It is clear that he has suffered an inhumane amount of brain trauma over the past few weeks and some doctors are still calling for him to retire. Although he was putting together an elite start to the season, it is important that Tua and the Dolphins take this injury seriously and allow a full recovery before trying to rush back to the football field.
If the Dolphins do the right thing and give Tua a substantial amount of time off due to injury, the rest of the team will have to step up to fill his shoes. Backup Teddy Bridgewater is a more than capable option, however, he has been very inconsistent over his career and is not always the most dependable option.
New York Jets Hope to Continue Hot Streak After Taking Down Browns and Steelers
On the flip side, the Jets are coming off of a win in which they forced the Pittsburgh Steelers to bench their quarterback. If the Jets defense can continue to take the forefront, they could make a very good push this year. Their offense still has a way to go as Zach Wilson gets more comfortable after a late start to the season. However, this will once be another great week for the defense to take over and win the game for the Jets.
The Dolphins’ passing game will be a shell of itself without Tua on the field, and although they still have elite wide receivers on the roster, Bridgewater is much more limited on the passes he can make.
This will by no means be an easy game for the Jets to win. The Dolphins have played with the best so far this season nand have done more than hold their own. However, with the injury suffered by Tua, the Jets may have a better chance than many think.
