9 Players to Watch: Jets vs. Dolphins
Jets Could Play Big Roles in Season Finale
A Miami, FL, native, Smith will return to his hometown when the Jets tangle with the Dolphins Sunday. Smith was effective in last season's game in Miami, completing 63% of his passes for 190 and rushing 10 times for 44 yards and a touchdown. He said he feels a boost when playing in his hometown: "It's always special to play at home in front of friends and family, a stadium that I grew up not too far away from. Anytime you get a chance to go down there and play at home is always special."
Currently there are five safeties on the Jets roster. Four are listed on the injury report in some capacity, with three listed as questionable or worse. Antonio Allen (hand) is listed as probable. Dawan Landry (illness) and Jaiquawn Jarrettt, who missed last week's game with a shoulder injury, are listed as questionable. Rontez Miles, who required emergency surgery last week to relieve pressure in his leg, is out. Rookie Calvin Pryor is the only safety not listed on the injury report.
The undrafted rookie has been able to take advantage of the Jets' cornerback issues to solidify his role in the defense. Williams has started all seven games since being signed to the active roster. He recorded his first career interception last week and is looking to finish the season on a positive note. Head coach Rex Ryan said that his ability to take instruction has helped him transition to the NFL: "Everybody is given the same opportunity. He took advantage of it and he has played pretty well for us."
Nick Mangold has been rehabbing an ankle injury, which he suffered against the Patriots, this week, meaning Dalton Freeman has been seeing the first-team reps at center during practice. Mangold, who was recently named to his sixth Pro Bowl, has missed only two games in his nine-year career. Head coach Rex Ryan said Mangold is likely a gametime decision. Freeman, however, is ready to step in if needed: "Each and every week I prepare as if I'll have to start the game because you never know what could happen. We're still in the process of seeing how Nick's feeling. Obviously he's going to try and go."
After battling through a toe injury that kept him out of action for three weeks, Mo was finally able to return to the field against the Patriots. However, in addition to continuing rehab on his toe, Mo's had to deal with an illness. He's officially listed as questionable after not participating during Friday's practice.
Quigs has the opportunity to set franchise marks in gross average and net average. All he needs to do is maintain his current averages of 45.9 gross and 40.0 net. Miami could be the perfect place to do it as the 80⁰ temperatures are favorable to the kicking game.
The second-round pick in this year's draft was recently named to Sports Illustrated's All-Rookie Team. Amaro leads rookie tight ends with 35 receptions for 311 yards. He did not play in the first Jets-Dolphins matchup because of a concussion he suffered the week prior against Buffalo.
CJ was a big contributor for the Jets in the first meeting against the Dolphins on Dec. 1. He rushed for 105 of the team's 277 yards. Johnson has seen success against the Dolphins, having rushed for more than 100 yards in all four games against them.
Richardson will be playing with some anger after not being selected to the Pro Bowl. Richardson has had a solid sophomore campaign compared to his Defensive Rookie of the Year season last year. He's doubled his sack total from 3.5 to 7.0 and has been a force against the run.
