Long Jets-Dolphins rivalry resumes with key game

MIAMI - LaDainian Tomlinson didn't need anyone to give him a crash course during the week, didn't have to pick the brains of those who've already been a part of one of the AFC East's nastiest rivalries.

"We haven't really talked about it, but I'm a fan of history," the running back said. "So I've obviously seen the battles throughout the years of Miami and the Jets. I know what it's about."

Here's what it's all about Sunday night, when the two play for the 89th time: first place in the division. Miami (2-0) is the AFC East's lone undefeated team and surely will be motivated for its nationally televised home opener at Sun Life Stadium - and the return of prodigal son Jason Taylor as a member of the enemy.

That's why Rex Ryan didn't try to sugarcoat this as just the next game on the schedule. The Jets (1-1) want to leave South Florida sharing the top of the division standings, which would help exact a measure of revenge for last year's pair of crushing losses to the Dolphins.

"This game is huge," Ryan said. "I'm not going to sit here and say that lie that it's just another game. Yeah, it's another game that if we win, we're half a game in front. If we lose it, we're 21/2 behind them. This is a huge, huge game for us.

"The fact that we were 0-2 against them last year is still a burr in my saddle . . . It's a new year and it better have new results. That's what we're counting on."

It's hard to forget what transpired between the teams a season ago. The Jets blew three fourth-quarter leads in their 31-27 Oct. 12 loss to the Dolphins on Monday Night Football and fumed afterward, believing they should have put Miami away several times.

Then there was the 30-25 heartbreaker on Nov. 1, the day Ted Ginn Jr. had kickoff returns of 100 and 101 yards for third-quarter touchdowns. Taylor also rumbled 48 yards for a score after scooping up Shonn Greene's fumble, propelling Miami to its third consecutive victory over the Jets and handing Miami some serious bragging rights.

Let's just say the Dolphins pounded their chests pretty good after that one, knowing they'd made it extremely difficult for the Jets to win the division title.

"Everybody knows the rivalry is heated," right tackle Damien Woody said. "There's a lot of bad blood between the two teams, but there's a respect factor. They are a tough football team; they are a hard-nosed football team. They are disciplined, they don't make too many mistakes, and we feel like we're a tough, hard-nosed football team."

There's also an unknown factor for the Jets, something that won't be revealed until sometime after kickoff. Wide receiver Braylon Edwards, arrested for DWI early Tuesday morning, won't start but is expected to play at some point.

Edwards had a touchdown and a two-point conversion in the Jets' win over the Patriots a week ago, but quarterback Mark Sanchez isn't so sure that not having the wide receiver available early - or much at all - will affect them. "I don't think it does," he said. "As soon as he gets in, he'll be ready to play. We know that. We're going to trust that he'll prepare well, just like always. We have guys that will step up in [David] Clowney, Patrick Turner, Jerricho [Cotchery], Dustin [Keller]. Those guys are going to have to shoulder the load, and I know they'll do a good job with it and we'll be ready."

Notes & quotes: The Jets signed WR Patrick Turner to the active roster from the practice squad. He will wear No. 88.