The loser of Monday night’s game between the New York Jets and Miami Dolphins can commence NFL draft preparations.
The two 0-3 AFC East rivals can’t afford another stumble when they seek that elusive first victory at Miami Gardens, Fla.
The 1992 San Diego Chargers are the only team in NFL history to recover from an 0-4 start and reach the postseason. Neither the Jets nor the Dolphins have a Junior Seau-type figure on their roster.
Jets defensive tackle Harrison Phillips acknowledged that it’s time for his team to get that zero out of the win column.
“There’s a lot of football left in front of us and things come in bunches sometimes,” Phillips said. “There’s been a lot of, you learn from experience. … It’s a snowball effect for a positive, it can be infectious.”
It appears New York will have Justin Fields (concussion) back behind center after he missed last week’s 29-27 loss to the host Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Fields was injured during the Week 2 loss to the Buffalo Bills.
He was a full practice participant Thursday, though he has yet to clear concussion protocol.
New York coach Aaron Glenn said Thursday that Fields will start if cleared to play.
“He has to go through the whole protocol before he’s totally cleared,” Glenn said. “But I like where he’s at.”
Fields has passed for 245 yards and one touchdown in 33 attempts. He also has rushed for 97 yards and two scores.
Tyrod Taylor started last week against Tampa Bay and passed for 197 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. He added 48 yards on the ground.
The Jets scored 21 fourth-quarter points against the Bucs before falling on a field goal as time expired.
Both teams are struggling on defense. The Jets are tied for 28th in scoring defense allowing 31 points per game. They’re 22nd in total defense, yielding 340.3 yards per game.
Miami has allowed more than 30 points in all three of its games and ranks last in scoring defense (32.3 points per game). The Dolphins are 26th in total defense (370.3 yards per game).
Miami ranks 25th in scoring offense (18.7) and quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has been picked off four times in 89 attempts. He has thrown five touchdown passes.
Tagovailoa has heard plenty of criticism, including some blistering remarks from former NFL quarterback-turned-television analyst Cam Newton.
“Well, anybody can play quarterback in this league then,” Tagovaiola told reporters. “I want to see anybody on the streets come and play quarterback. Cam is doing his thing for sure, but I think it’s easier to be able to hold a clicker and talk about it that way or talk about what someone else is doing wrong when you’re not going out and having to do the same as them.”
Miami coach Mike McDaniel was quick to defend his signal-caller.
“It’s not an easy task to be in his shoes, but I’m very happy with where his mind is at and where his focus is at because if he was a weaker-minded individual, it’s tough for any quarterback during any losing streak or any whatever,” McDaniel said.
“He’s focused on being 1-0 against the New York Jets and that’s why I know he’s capable and I’m excited to see his next opportunity that we work on all week because of just that, of being focused on the right things.”
Miami cornerbacks Storm Duck (ankle) and Jason Marshall Jr. (hamstring) missed practice Thursday. Tight end Darren Waller (shoulder) and receiver Jaylen Waddle (shoulder) were limited, while safety Ifeatu Melifonwu (calf) was a full-go.
Linebacker Jermaine Johnson II and cornerback Jarvis Brownlee Jr. missed New York’s practice on Thursday with ankle injuries. Brownlee was obtained from the Tennessee Titans on Tuesday. Running back Kene Nwangwu (hamstring), receiver Josh Reynolds (hamstring), defensive tackle Jay Tufele (illness) and safety Tony Adams (hip) were limited participants.
Miami has won 14 of the past 18 meetings.
