As the Jets look ahead to Week 14, limiting explosive plays will be a top priority.

"They've got explosive guys all over the field," CB Brandon Stephens said of Miami.

The Dolphins may be missing WR Tyreek Hill -- who sustained a season-ending injury in the Week 4 matchup against the Jets -- but that hasn't slowed the unit down. Miami enters Week 14 on a three-game winning streak, and the team has found success on the ground behind the dominant performance of RB De'Von Achane. The Dolphins have recorded at least 160 rushing yards in each of their last three games, and the team's 176.7 rushing yards per game since Week 10 are the most in the NFL.

So, even as a defensive back, Stephens knows commitment to stopping the run will be critical on Sunday.

"Corners, we have a gap, too," he said. "So, we've got to fill the run gap. And AZ [CB Azareye'h Thomas] and I -- as well as the rest of the DBs, but specifically corners -- we take pride in coming down and tackling them. That's the expectation here. That's the standard."

Stephens, who said "we just have to rally, tackle and get the ball carrier down," believes his unit will be up to the challenge. HC Aaron Glenn said the defense has shown improvement over the last several weeks as the team has earned 3 wins in the last 5 games.

"I think guys are becoming more familiar with how we want to attack offenses and how they're going to attack us," Stephens said. "We have guys that really just honed into their craft and to their responsibilities on the field, and it's showing."

Despite struggling to limit Falcons RB Bijan Robinson in Week 13, the defense has made critical plays when it has mattered most. QB Kirk Cousins and the Falcons' offense had the ball twice with under two minutes remaining in last Sunday's game, but the Jets' defense forced two three-and-outs and allowed 1 yard in those two drives combined. The stops ultimately set up a game-winning FG.

"Just as a defense, we want to win the game for the team," Stephens said. "And so, for us to be in those positions, it kind of showed what we are made of. … We take pride in that for sure."

The Jets will be on the hunt for more of those game-changing plays this Sunday at MetLife Stadium. And with a defense that continues to show improvement and make plays when it matters most, Stephens is confident they can get the job done.

"Just playing fast," Stephens said of how his unit has improved. "Less thinking and more reacting and just playing fast. I think our coaches have put us in great position to go out there and do that. So, we just have to continue."