Week 3 featured some wild finishes and a huge comeback. But did any of those results affect the latest edition of the 2019 NFL Power Rankings?
32
Miami Dolphins 0-3
Last week: L, 31-6 at DAL
Last rank: 32nd
Recap: Outscored a combined 102-10 in home losses to the Ravens and Patriots, Brian Flores’ team hit the road for the first time in ’19 to face a Cowboys’ team that put 31-plus points on the board during their undefeated start. The Dolphins made more news last week when they opted to deal defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick to the Steelers. And it would be Josh Rosen at quarterback for Brian Flores’ team in this clash with Dallas. He would leave the game briefly and eventually returned. Regardless, there were no touchdowns for the ‘Fins for the second straight week. Meanwhile, Miami’s shoddy defense surrendered 476 total yards, including 235 on the ground.
Next Week: The ‘Fins battle a 2018 playoff team for the fourth time in as many weeks as the team plays host to the Chargers for the first time since 2014. It’s the sixth clash between the clubs in seven seasons dating back to 2013, with Miami prevailing in four of the last five meetings, the latest a 19-17 win at Los Angeles in ’17.
Playoff hopes: If only the Dolphins were piling up wins like they are future draft choices. And what a difference a September makes? Since opening last season with three wins, the club is a dismal 4-12 and riding a six-game losing streak dating back to Week 15 of 2018. It’s hard to believe that the team’s last win came over the Patriots.
31
New York Jets 0-3
Last week: L, 30-14 at NE
Last rank: 26th
Recap: The Green and White would start their third different quarterback in as many games as Sam Darnold remained sidelined due to illness and Trevor Siemian was lost for the season last Monday night. So it would be Luke Falk at the controls at Foxborough, a place where the Jets had dropped eight straight dating back to 2011 and had failed to score a touchdown in their last three appearances. After 15 minutes of play, the team was down 13-0 and outgained 164-14 in total yardage. The final score shows that Adam Gase’s club fell by “only” 16 points. But it was the defense and special teams that provided all the points. The Jets were 0-for-12 on third-down conversions.
Next Week: Gase’s club gets the week off and the team is obviously hoping that Darnold can return to the field the same time that his team does in Week 5, which features a short trip to Philadelphia to face the talented Eagles. For what it’s worth, the Jets are 0-10 lifetime during the regular season vs. the franchise from the City of Brotherly Love.
Playoff hopes: The last time the Jets lost their first three games was back in 2003, when the club opened 0-4. And dating back to the club’s 3-3 start in 2018, the Green and White is a miserable 1-12 in its last 13 outings. Perhaps Gase and company can get some things figured out over the next few weeks. A healthy Darnold would help.