Omar Kelly grades the Dolphins’ performance vs. Jets

Ryan Fitzpatrick didn’t exactly carve up the Dolphins with his arm (16-of-29 passing for 218 yards and one touchdown), but he used Brandon Marshall (seven catches for 128 yards) to produce a couple big plays, and to covert some critical first downs. Dolphins cornerback Zack Bowman, who was playing in the nickel package because of the knee injury Brent Grimes suffered, pulled down an interception and was solid in coverage most of the game.

The Dolphins are allowing the second most rushing yards per game (142.1) this season and there’s no quick fix to the problem, which surfaced last year and never got addressed properly. Only 10 teams have less sacks than the Dolphins (16), and nearly half of those belonged to Cameron Wake, who suffered a season-ending Achilles injury two weeks ago against the New England Patriots.

Jarvis Landry totaled 189 return yards (on three punts and five kickoffs). There were a couple instances where Landry was one or two blocks or broken tackles away from producing a big play. But it wasn’t meant to be against the Jets. Matt Darr averaged 41.4 yards on his seven punts. The Jets didn’t get much going on special teams, but Nick Folk made 2-of-3 field-goal attempts.

The Dolphins continue to struggle on offense and defense, and the pressure continues to build on Joe Philbin and his coordinators. Nothing they’ve tried has worked so far, and what’s troubling is that this is supposed to be the easy portion of the Dolphins’ schedule. (Have you seen December?) The bye week gives the Dolphins a breather, which could benefit some injured players, including Branden Albert, Cameron Wake, Brent Grimes, Jordan Cameron and Dion Sims. But the time off won’t address the team’s finesse approach and lack of leadership, which is at the root of the issues.

The Dolphins traded a third-round pick to New Orleans to acquire Kenny Stills, because the team’s management believed his speed would keep safeties honest and help the offense stretch the field. They haven’t had many opportunities to test that theory, but Stills proved Sunday that he is a potential playmaker, catching five passes for 81 yards and a touchdown.

Free safety Walt Aikens was beaten badly for another touchdown, this time by Jets receiver Eric Decker. It was the third straight game Aikens’ play contributed to a passing touchdown. Mistakes happen, especially to young players like Aikens, a 2014 fourth-round pick. But at some point, his on-field production must outweigh his upside.