Jets short passing game vs. Dolphins pass coverage

Who won: Dolphins.

Impact: Especially after Dolphins linebacker Karlos Dansby left the game with a groin injury, the Jets stepped up their attack on the linebackers (as if they needed any encouragement). Tight end Dustin Keller caught seven passes for 45 yards and a touchdown. Running back LaDainian Tomlinson caught four passes for 23 yards. But the Dolphins intercepted Mark Sanchez three times on checkdown passes, twice by defensive end Randy Starks and once by Dansby’s replacement, Marvin Mitchell.

Dolphins wide receivers vs. Jets secondary

Who won: Draw.

Impact: Two interceptions, by Antonio Cromartie and Brodney Pool, would seem to tip this matchup toward the Jets. Still, the Dolphins wideouts caught 13 passes for 111 yards. On the eternal touchdown drive, Davone Bess caught four passes, including a 10-yarder on third down that put the ball at the Jets’ 1, and Brandon Marshall almost caused Darrelle Revis to pull a groin on his 19-yard catch that converted a third-and-13 from the Jets’ 47.

Dolphins pass rush vs. Jets pass protection

Who won: Dolphins.

Impact: The Dolphins came up with only two sacks, by defensive ends Randy Starks and Jared Odrick. But outside linebacker Jason Taylor’s pressure led to Starks’ second interception and prevented Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez from getting properly set as he backpedaled from the rush on the throw that linebacker Marvin Mitchell intercepted. Also, Starks batted down two passes, one of which wound up being caught by offensive lineman Matt Slauson.