The New York Jets are heading into their Week 14 rematch with the Miami Dolphins looking noticeably different than they did the first time around. Back in Week 4, they fell to Miami on a Monday night, but that team featured stars like Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams-both of whom are now playing elsewhere after midseason trades that shook up the identity of this defense. Add in injuries to Garrett Wilson and a quarterback change with Justin Fields heading to the bench, and it's clear this is a new-look Jets squad.
Still, this team isn’t short on intriguing talent. Despite the departures and injuries, there are several key players who could have a major impact on Sunday’s game at MetLife Stadium. Let’s break down five Jets to keep an eye on as they try to flip the script against the Dolphins.
RB Breece Hall: The Engine of the Offense
If the Jets are going to make noise against Miami, it starts with Breece Hall. He was a bright spot in the first matchup, rushing for 81 yards on just 14 carries. Since then, Miami’s run defense has tightened up, but Hall remains one of the most dynamic threats in this Jets offense-and arguably their best chance to keep the Dolphins' high-powered offense off the field.
Hall is putting up career-best numbers across the board, averaging 69.5 rushing yards and 15.6 carries per game. He’s not just a ground threat either-he’s catching 2.5 passes per game for nearly 26 yards. That dual-threat ability will be crucial against a Miami defense that’s been more aggressive and disciplined in recent weeks.
If the Jets can get Hall going early, it opens up everything else. Expect him to be heavily involved from the first snap.
EDGE Will McDonald IV: The Disruptor
Will McDonald IV has emerged as a real problem for opposing quarterbacks-and the Dolphins should know they’ll need to game-plan for him. He leads the Jets in sacks with seven, and his breakout performance came in Week 10 when he racked up four sacks against the Browns.
Over the last four games, McDonald has been on a tear: 10 quarterback hits and five tackles for loss. He’s not just winning off the edge-he’s consistently collapsing the pocket and forcing offenses to adjust.
Miami’s offensive line has shown some cracks lately. Tua Tagovailoa has been sacked seven times over the last two games. If McDonald can get home early, it could throw Miami’s timing off and give the Jets a much-needed edge.
OL Armand Membou: Rookie Holding It Down
Armand Membou isn’t just holding his own-he’s thriving. The rookie tackle, taken No. 7 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, has been one of the most reliable pieces on this Jets team. His pass protection has been stellar, and his presence has helped stabilize a unit that’s seen its share of shuffling this season.
Membou will have his hands full against a Dolphins front that loves to bring pressure, but he’s shown the poise and power of a veteran. If he can keep the pocket clean, it gives the Jets a fighting chance to move the ball through the air-even with their top wideout out of the lineup.
CB Brandon Stephens: Next Man Up
With Sauce Gardner now in Indianapolis, the Jets have turned to Brandon Stephens to lead the cornerback room-and he’s stepped up. Stephens leads the team with eight passes defended and has taken on the challenge of shadowing top receivers.
This week, that likely means a heavy dose of Jaylen Waddle. With Tyreek Hill sidelined, Waddle has become the go-to option for Tua, and he’s more than capable of taking over a game. Stephens will need to be sharp, physical, and disciplined-especially against Waddle’s elite route-running and yards-after-catch ability.
If Stephens can limit explosive plays and keep Waddle in check, it would go a long way in slowing down Miami’s vertical attack.
TE Mason Taylor: Quietly Productive
Lost in the shuffle of a turbulent Jets season is the emergence of rookie tight end Mason Taylor. He leads the team in receptions with 39 and ranks second in receiving yards with 318-a quietly impressive stat line for a second-round pick in his first year.
Taylor had one of his best games of the season against Miami in Week 4, hauling in five catches for 65 yards. With Garrett Wilson out, Taylor could see even more targets this time around. His ability to find soft spots in zone coverage and serve as a safety valve will be key for whoever’s under center.
The Bottom Line
This isn’t the same Jets team that lost to Miami earlier in the year. They’ve lost some star power, sure-but they’ve also uncovered new leaders and emerging playmakers. Sunday’s matchup at MetLife Stadium may not have the same buzz it did back in Week 4, but for these five players, it’s a chance to prove they’re more than just placeholders in a rebuilding year.
The Dolphins are still the favorite, but if the Jets can control the clock with Hall, create pressure with McDonald, and get key contributions from their young core, they just might make this one interesting.