2014 Jets Opponents: Miami Dolphins
2014 Jets Opponents: The Jets Will Face the Miami Dolphins at MetLife Stadium and Sun Life Stadium in 2014.
Geno Smith's first opportunity to defeat his hometown team didn't quite go as planned with a season-worst 8.3 passer rating and a second-half seat on the bench. Round 2, however, turned out to be fun in the sun for the Miami native QB. His rating increased ten times (to 83.9), and he led the Jets to their first, and only, two-game winning streak of the year.
Just eight players were selected ahead of CB Dee Milliner in April's draft, and after seeing him play in our season finale at Miami, it's easy to see why. Thanks in part to two interceptions and five PDs, he won both the AFC Defensive Player of the Week and Defensive Rookie of the Month awards.
WR David Nelson led our team in catches and receiving yards in both of our 2013 matchups vs. the 'Fins. Brought in mid-season simply to provide some depth, he emerged as one of the better receivers of the bunch and will likely be competing for some significant playing time headed into the 2014 season.
With coordinator Ben Kotwica having moved on to coach the Washington Redskins, expect changes along the special teams front for the Green & White next season.
Matt Simms replaced the struggling Smith during our first go-round with the Dolphins, but the offensive woes continued as we managed just one field goal in 60 minutes of play. The UDFA QB saw game action three times last season and will likely enter training camp competing for the No. 2 spot on our depth chart.
LB Calvin Pace had perhaps the best season of his career during Year 11, reaching double-digit sacks for the first time. Set to become an unrestricted free agent on March 11, the 33-year-old's stock will be much higher than it was a year ago at this time.
Speaking of impending veteran free agents, the decision of whether or not to bring back future HOF safety Ed Reed will certainly be a hot topic in the upcoming months. Reed ended his 12th NFL season with an interception at Miami, moving him into sixth all-time with 64 career picks.
DT/FB Sheldon Richardson (No. 91) may not have had the elusiveness or speed of his teammate RB Bilal Powell (No. 29), but the rookie D-lineman did manage to out-score the third-year back with two rushing touchdowns for himself (including one at Miami Week 17), compared to one for Powell.
In just his second NFL season, LB Demario Davis (No. 56) has already emerged as one of the leaders of the Green & White defense and was as big of a force as any in helping our team top the NFL with 3.35 yards allowed per rushing play.
Want to know just how excited the players were to hear that head coach Rex Ryan would return next season? Search nyjets.com for the video 'Rex Retained as Coach' and see for yourself.
