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The end is near for Jets fans. New York (4-12) mercifully closes out their season at MetLife Stadium in Week 18 against the Miami Dolphins (8-8).
Miami’s playoff hopes are on life support as they’ll need a win and a Broncos loss to clinch the final playoff spot in the AFC. Denver will face Kansas City at home and the Chiefs plan to rest most of their starter, including quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
It’s looking more and more likely that Tyler Huntley will start at quarterback for the Dolphins as Tua Tagovailoa is dealing with a hip injury. The Jets are still jockeying for draft position as they currently sit with the seventh pick and may not want to jeopardize their spot in the order with a win.
If the Jets are serious about ending the season with a win, here are three keys to victory in Week 18:
Show up to Play For The Fans
USAT
While the Jets had very little chance to beat the Buffalo Bills in Orchard Park in Week 17, the fact that the team completely mailed it in was a disgrace. It’s been pretty clear that they don’t respect Jeff Ulbrich enough as their head coach to play hard for him and finish games when they’re ahead.
It’s the final game of the season in front of the Jets fans. While there are plenty of fans who could care less if they win or lose, the Jets fans who attend Sunday’s game are not making the drive out to MetLife Stadium, tailgating in the parking lot and sitting outside in the brutal cold to see a loss.
Most of the players on this roster will be looking for new jobs in the offseason. If they’re not going to show up and play hard for themselves or the organization, at least do it for Jets Nation, who have suffered through one of the most disappointing and depressing seasons in team history.
Contain Tyler Huntley
Imagn
Huntley played well in Week 17 against the Browns to keep Miami’s playoff hopes alive. He completed 22 of 26 passes for 225 yards and a touchdown. He also carried the ball seven times for 52 yards and a touchdown. Huntley is a dual threat quarterback and the Jets defense has struggled against running quarterbacks all season.
The defense hasn’t generated much of a pass rush over the last few games and the key to beating Huntley is not letting him leave the pocket. If he gets the opportunity, he will run and if the Jets can stay disciplined on defense and not over pursue, it could help them get a win to end the season.
Think Outside The Box
USAT
The Dolphins defense has been good this season as they rank in the top 10 against the run as well as the pass. They’re also third in the league in total yards allowed with 310.5. It’s tough to say if the Jets will pose a challenge or if they even want to, but playing their conservative style will not work.
The Jets can surprise the Dolphins by showing them things they haven’t seen. Have Breece Hall line up as a slot receiver with either Braelon Allen or Isaiah Davis in the backfield. Call some more jet sweeps to Malachi Corley. Roll the dice with a fake field goal and go for it on fourth down early and often.
As Dan Fouts said in The Waterboy, “Last game of the year. Can’t hold anything back now!” The Jets are playing for nothing and the Coaching staff are all gone after Week 18 is over. Might as well roll the dice and see what happens.