Jets vs. Dolphins Week 4: Two must-know storylines for 'Monday Night Football' showdown

It's an AFC East showdown to kick off Monday's doubleheader.

The Jets travel down south to take on the Miami Dolphins, as both teams seek their first win of the season.

New York (0-3) is coming off a nail-biting loss to the Buccaneers with backup quarterback Tyrod Taylor filling in for Justin Fields, who was dealing with a concussion. There's good news for Gang Green as Fields cleared concussion protocol and is slated to start in Monday's game. Fields' return is much needed as Aaron Glenn seeks his first win as the Jets head coach.

Meanwhile, Miami (0-3) had a mini bye week after a Thursday night loss to Buffalo. The offense is struggling to find consistency while the defense has allowed 30-plus points in each game so far this season. Despite Mike McDaniel and the Dolphins having their worst start to a season since 2019, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported on Sept. 21 that there's no "imminent" coaching change in Miami.

Nonetheless, two AFC East teams are hoping to right the ship under the bright lights on Monday Night Football.

Two must-know storylines

1) Jets' playmakers need to step up to avoid a 0-4 start

With Justin Fields expected to be under center for New York on Monday, Gang Green needs the running game to be more consistent. In the season opener, Breece Hall ran for 107 yards against Pittsburgh, but in the Jets' last two games, he managed to only rush for 50 yards. Tyrod Taylor outrushed Hall (48 to 21) in the Week 3 loss to Tampa Bay. Both Fields and Taylor aren't afraid to use their legs to extend plays, but it has led the team to average 144.7 passing yards per game this season, which ranks 31st in the NFL. Despite ranking near the bottom in the passing game, Garrett Wilson has been the engine for New York's offense so far, three games into the season. Wilson is the only Jets player with either 10-plus receptions or 100-plus receiving yards through three games, per NFL Research. New York's talented RB and WR must keep the offense afloat along with Fields to sneak away with a road win.

2) What's up with the Dolphins' struggling offense?

Since head coach Mike McDaniel joined Miami in 2022, the Dolphins have developed into one of the top offenses with Tua Tagovailoa, Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. Over the last few seasons, the Dolphins brought in speedsters De’Von Achane and Jaylen Wright to the mix, adding another exciting element to Miami's offense. In the Dolphins' first three games, however, the unit has been lacking with a struggling Tagovailoa under center and an inconsistent offense. Entering Week 4, the Dolphins are averaging 18.7 points per game and 281.7 total yards per game, which both rank outside the top 20 and are the lowest in a season since McDaniel became head coach, per NFL Research. The Dolphins are hoping to fix their woes and some help could be on the way. After trading Jonnu Smith to the Steelers in the offseason, Miami acquired retired tight end Darren Waller. The veteran TE has yet to suit up for the Dolphins due to a hip injury but is expected to make his season debut. Miami's offense could really use all the help it can get right now.

Jets' Week 4 injury report

Dolphins' Week 4 injury report