Dolphins solidify playoff chances with big win over Jets

With Jay Ajayi only managing 53-yards on 19 rushes, the Dolphins were forced to look to Matt Moore to secure some production. And while there’s still plenty of work to be done, it’s clear that Gase has his players on the same page when it comes to taking one game at a time and being able to live with the results. In the end, the Dolphins are a much more complete team, and they will rely on their defense and running game to win this game.

With college football’s regular season now in the books, the NFL tries to fill the void with a special edition of Saturday Night Football. The deciding factor will be which team makes the fewest mistakes.

O-LINE SHUFFLE: Continuity has been an issue for New York’s offensive line because of injuries, with starting center Nick Mangold, left tackle Ryan Clady and right tackle Breno Giacomini all on injured reserve. With his last start coming in 2011, Moore carried the offense when he called upon as he steadily helped move the Dolphins down the field. It was the Dolphins’ first blocked punt for a TD since Olivier Vernon did it at the Jets in 2012.

Powell also played a huge role in the Jets’ five-game winning streak late last season and was missed when he had to sit out the season finale at Buffalo with an ankle injury.

A competent backup quarterback is worth his weight in gold in a league where teams struggle to find legitimate starters.

It turns out Moore and Wake – two old-timers – were the biggest cogs in Miami’s 34-13 blowout victory over the New York Jets.

First, the veteran’s skill set is different than Tannehill’s. However, Matt Moore has been with the organization as long as anyone and knows exactly what is expected of him.

Why watch: The Dolphins are making a push into the playoffs while the Jets are getting into position for a high pick in the 2017 NFL Draft.

The Broncos have the NFL’s most hard remaining schedule: New England on Sunday, at Kansas City on Christmas night on NBC and home against Oakland. That is why I fully expect Adam Gase to have his guys focused. But Forte has always been a tough and durable player, so it’s definitely not surprising that he pushed himself to get ready for the game. Denver (8-5), who the Dolphins seem more likely to catch or overtake than the other playoff contenders, hosts New England (11-2) on Sunday, then visits Kansas City (10-3) on Christmas and hosts Oakland (10-3) on New Year’s. But perhaps the most concerning early sign is that he makes far too many risky throws. Bilal Powell could be the great equalizer against a suspect Miami run defense.

Jets QB Bryce Petty passed for 257 yards last week.

Miami’s largest margin of victory thus far this season is 15 against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

“It’s a good front, there was opportunities there”, Moore said regarding the Jets approach to stop the run and make Miami’s passing game being the focal point of the offense.