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Winless AFC East rivals meet

Sep 23, 2007 - 12:17 PM Miami (0-2) at NY Jets (0-2) Sunday 1:00 pm EDT

EAST RUTHERFORD, New Jersey (Ticker) -- In what already amounts to critical AFC East matchup, the New York Jets host the Miami Dolphins on Sunday.

After reaching the playoffs in coach Eric Mangini's first season in 2006, the Jets have opened the season with losses against New England and Baltimore, a pair of AFC heavyweights.

Mangini hope things get easier against the Dolphins, who are rebuilding under first-year coach Cam Cameron.

One thing that could help Mangini would be the return of starting quarterback Chad Pennington, who missed last Sunday's 20-13 loss at Baltimore with an ankle sprain.

Kellen Clemens filled in admirably for Pennington, nearly rallying the Jets from a 17-point deficit against the Ravens. He completed 19-of-37 passes for 260 yards and a touchdown with two interceptions.

The Jets also hope to get their running game going against the Dolphins. Thomas Jones, who was acquired in an offseason trade from Chicago, has rushed for only 109 yards on 38 carries in two games.

It also has been a disappointing start for the Dolphins, who have lost to a pair of NFC East teams in Washington and Dallas.

Trent Green was intercepted four times and the Dolphins committed five turnovers in last Sunday's 37-20 setback to Dallas.

One bright spot for the Dolphins has been wide receiver Chris Chambers, who has 15 catches for 171 yards in two games.

The Jets won both meetings between the teams last season.