The season is upon us, but, other than camp news, and pre-season games, not much to discuss. This is a two part series about our teams’ Dreaming big or a Reality check. We start with what is expected to be the bottom two, Dolphins and Jets.
Miami Dolphins
(over/under 4.5 at most sites)
From The Athletic
The Miami Dolphins begin a new era in 2026, with first-year coach Jeff Hafley. A 13-player draft class asked to contribute immediately. Achane remains a genuine star to build around, and the early returns from the draft class, particularly Proctor and Johnson, suggest the young talent could accelerate the timeline. They are rebuilding the pass rush and the line after releasing Bradley Chubb and added Josh Uche and David Ojabo in free agency, along with rookie Trey Moore through the draft, betting that Chop Robinson takes a real step forward in his third season after a dismal second year. Interior lineman Zach Sieler and breakout candidate Kenneth Grant could help. These are facts, now for the real truth:
I have been called a Dolphins hater more than a Patriots or Bills hater, by far, since ESPN days. In reality, I don’t hate any teams. And I will make a case that these Dolphins are underrated, more than any of our teams.
- Offense……….I know QBs do not win games by themselves, but I have had a good feeling about Malik as soon as he became a free agent. He can run like some of the best. He has a strong arm, but definitely not a polished passer. The Dolphins have a group of misfits at WR, until my favorite (Bell) gets healthy. None, including the TE, scare anybody. The positive? there is a positive. Many D’s will dare Malik to throw, and on occasion, he will, and complete just enough to score some. Someone from this group has to emerge as a threat (not sure I can bet on any right now….there is that hating comment). Then there is the run game, or what will be this team’s staple. The QB can run, and he will get first downs, but so can Achane. Achane is one of the most underrated RBs in the NFL. The line will be stacked, because nobody will believe this team can pass. But, The QB and Achane will be a dual threat, and they will move the first down markers.
- Defense……Oh boy, is this unit bad! (there goes that hating comment again!) Sorry, I’m not sure I have anything positive about this unit, other than they will be among the worst in the NFL. The hope is that the run game keeps them off the field as much as possible.
Dreaming big!!!!……Heck with haters! (like me), this team will beat the crappy teams it will face like the Jets twice, Raiders, Indy), the mediocre teams like the Bengals, Vikings and Packers. Then beat another division opponent, and bam!!!! 8-9
Reality Check……Then once reality sets in, you realize that yes, they can beat the Jets once, Raiders for sure, and very possibly Indy. They can surprise the Bengals, because that is a team that doesn’t show up every week, and the Packers, and the real result is more like 5-12, 6-11 if they beat the Jets twice, or surprise another team.
New York Jets
(over/under 5.5 at most sites)
From The Athletic
The additions of veterans Demario Davis (age 37) and Minkah Fitzpatrick (29) indicates the urgency that GM Darren Mougey and HC Aaron Glenn feel this season, even with 2027 looming, when the Jets have three first round picks. Let’s face it, if they are picking top 5-7, both HC and GM are gone. I think Smith’s addition is being overlooked and undervalued. No. 2 pick David Bailey has dominated camp so far and could be the league’s next star edge rusher. They also have the fifth easiest schedule and a team built to compete immediately. Those are facts, or close to it, now for the ream truth:
I have rooted for this team since Joe Namath was a broken down QB, the 1972 season. I have lived so many up and downs, mostly downs, that I often wonder if I am sane. Of all the teams in sports I root for (from NBA-NHL-MLB-Serie A-WC-Champion’s League-Cycling tour- Tennis tour- Winter-Summer Olympics) the NFL Jets, are the only team that has never played in the championship game (I was not a Jets fan in 1969). Sad indeed.
- Offense…..New/Old QB, added weapons at TE (with already a decent one), a run mate for G. Wilson, plus an off-season by A, Mitchell. A RB room that has talent, and an OL that has improved tremendously, how can they only win 5.5 games? New OC, new philosophy, new attitude (frankly its do or dye). The GM has done his job in improving this unit, now it’s time to gel and produce, but can the QB actually do it?
- Defense…..Last year this unit was so bad, that they recorded a rare record, no INTs in any of the 17 games played! I mean, really? Even by mistake a blind squirrel finds a nut in the woods. They added what may become a monster in the front 7, and signed free agents to help. I’m still not sold on the DBs, but, an improved DL should help that too. Once again, the GM got some pieces to built on. If the O can stay on the field a little longer, it should help. However, this D, like the O, will it gel and become a decent unit?
Dreaming big!!!!……I have been dreaming big for 54 years! The Jets are better than the Dolphins, 2 wins. They will beat the Patriots or Bills once each. Also dominate the Titans, Packers, Browns, Raiders, Cards, and Vikings, and Bam!!! 10-7
Reality Check……I was all set to have a drink and celebrate, then I woke up and remembered that I was still a Jets fan. Spilt with Dolphins, beat one other divisional opponent, Raiders, Browns, Titans, Cards and the Packers, with a more realistic 7-10, 8-9 if they sweep the Fins (there goes that hater again)
The positive side of me says: Dolphins and Jets still have time to get better before week one, and they can still shock us.