The Jets' current season unfolds with their first of the last five games taking place at Miami against the 5-7 Dolphins. This team matchup not only pits the entire squads against each other but also raises some intriguing individual matchup questions between Aaron Rodgers and Tua Tagovailoa. Tagovailoa, who returned from his September concussion, has been playing some of his best ball as a professional in the past six games.

Stats and Records

While Aaron Rodgers is facing his first season with double-digit losses as a starting quarterback since his first season as Green Bay's starter in 2008, Tua Tagovailoa is working on a career-high passer rating. Currently standing at 108.0, he is on the path to setting not only a personal best but an NFL record if he can maintain his 74.5% passing accuracy. Rodgers, however, doesn't pay much heed to the numbers. Even with his average season leading the 3-9 Jets, his 102.7 career passer rating still holds the NFL record by a small margin, and his 4.37 TDs-to-INTs ratio is the best by a significant amount. But there is one metric he would like to break, perhaps starting against the 'Fins' top-10 pass defense. "Stats can be skewed both positively and negatively... It's a weird one, for sure," Rodgers said pensively about having 77 games in his career where he has thrown for 300-plus yards, yet not one of those has occurred in his last 35 games dating back to December 2021. "I'd love to get rid of that one. There are a lot of stats I've been on the right side of. That's not one of my favorites, for sure."

Health and Motivation

More Jets victories would be a welcome sight, but what keeps Rodgers going these days isn't the fluctuating world of NFL statistics. As he stated, the incentive comes from "deep inside." "I'd like to be healthy, end on my feet, and play well," he said. "I have a lot of value in playing. I love football. I don't need motivation or inspiration from the outside world. I wake up grateful for what I'm doing, that I'm still playing. I want to go out and compete and light up the defense every day."

Individual Performances

Rodgers' and Tagovailoa's individual performances are crucial in this matchup. Rodgers, with his extensive experience and skill set, brings a certain level of leadership and expertise to the field. His ability to read defenses and make quick decisions has been a hallmark of his career. On the other hand, Tagovailoa has shown remarkable resilience and growth since his recovery from the concussion. His improved passing accuracy and overall game management have been evident in the past six games. Both quarterbacks will be looking to make their mark and lead their teams to victory in this crucial matchup.

Pass Defense and Challenges

The 'Fins' top-10 pass defense poses a significant challenge for both Rodgers and Tagovailoa. Defending against a strong pass rush and reading the opposing quarterback's intentions require exceptional skills and teamwork. The Jets' offense will need to find ways to exploit the weaknesses in the Dolphins' defense, while the Dolphins' defense will be looking to shut down the Jets' passing game. This battle of pass defenses will play a crucial role in determining the outcome of the game and the overall success of the Jets' last five games.