Jets treating Dolphins as championship after being eliminated from playoff race

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — A number of weeks in the past, this Week 18 matchup between the Jets and Dolphins appeared as if it might have main playoff implications for each groups. 

As an alternative, it’s only significant for certainly one of them. 

Each the Jets (7-9) and Dolphins (8-8) have misplaced 5 straight video games, however Miami now must win Sunday and hope the Payments beat the Patriots to make the postseason. The Jets, then again, had been eradicated from competition final week. 

Jets head coach Robert Saleh stated they view this week as “one other championship recreation.” 

“I do know it’s technically not,” Saleh stated, “however it’s a must to preserve your mindset that any time you might have an opportunity to step on the sphere, you’ve acquired to step on the gasoline and do the very best you’ll be able to.” 

The Jets can have Joe Flacco beginning at quarterback after Mike White was dominated out as a consequence of damaged ribs. Zach Wilson will function his backup, and the way in which this Jets season has gone, would anybody be stunned if he’s pressed into motion?

Throughout this shedding streak, the Jets have been horrible on offense, scoring simply 4 touchdowns of their previous 5 video games and none of their previous two. It appears unlikely that Flacco, who final began in Week 3, can jump-start the offense.

With a makeshift offensive line and Flacco again at quarterback, this recreation seems like a preseason recreation. However the Jets swear they are going to be motivated to play. 

“You’ve acquired to return to the explanation you come to work,” linebacker C.J. Mosley stated, “and that’s to win, play for you brothers and characterize your self.” 

Although the Jets know their season will finish on Sunday, the Dolphins nonetheless can sneak in. 

“You’ve acquired to win, that’s all it comes right down to,” Dolphins security Jevon Holland stated. “No matter you bought to do, nonetheless you bought to organize. You’ve acquired to win.” 

The Jets haven’t swept the Dolphins since 2015 and haven’t received at Miami since 2014. Although his staff not has the postseason to play for, Saleh believes the Jets will present up.

“One factor I like about this league is that when these gamers put these helmets on, they’re professionals, they get it,” Saleh stated. “There’s numerous delight in gamers, there’s numerous delight in coaches to go on the market, and no matter your file, to go on the market and do your best possible. So, I’m not fearful about our guys getting up for this recreation and attempting to play spoiler.”