The Dolphins and Jets renew acquaintances at East Rutherford as this always-engaging series is renewed once again.

Miami still owns a four-game edge in the series standings (35-31-1, including playoffs). having forged that lead in the last few years as Dolphins have prevailed in 7 of the last 10 encounters between the clubs dating back to 1994. However, the Jets are coming off their first season sweep of the 'Fins since 1993. In Week 5 at East Rutherford, Jets RB Curtis Martin carried 36 times for 108 yards and a score and the New York defense limited the Dolphins to just 34 yards on the ground as Bill Parcells' team posted a 20-9 triumph.

Two months later on a Sunday evening (ESPN) at Pro Player Stadium (Week 15), Jets QB Vinny Testaverde threw for 232 yards and a score (1 INT) and LB Chad Cascadden sacked Dolphins' QB Dan Marino, forced a fumble and returned the miscue 23 yards for what proved to be the game-winning touchdown as New York completed the sweep, 21-16.

The Dolphins are just 3-5 in their last eight visits to the Meadowlands dating back to 1991.

Numbers: Dolphins QB Dan Marino owns a 17-11 record vs. the Jets and has thrown for 8,141 yards, 69 touchdowns and just 31 interceptions in 28 career games vs. the Jets, throwing 2 or more TD passes in 21 of those games and 3 or more TD passes in 13 of those contests. Since 1996 (including playoffs), under head coach Jimmy Johnson, the Dolphins are 36-5 when they run the ball 25 or more times, 0-22 when they fail to run the ball at least 25 times. PK Olindo Mare has kicked 31 field goals in 12 games in '99. The NFL record for field goals in a season is 37, set by Carolina's John Kasay in 1996. Including playoffs, the Dolphins have allowed 256 points in 19 wins, 304 points in 11 losses dating back to '98. Since 1996 (including playoffs), under head coach Jimmy Johnson, the Dolphins have totaled 114 sacks and 94 takeaways in 36 wins but just 36 QB traps and 35 takeaways in 27 losses. The Dolphins have committed two or more turnovers in three straight games.

In seven games vs. Miami (5 with Patriots, 2 with Jets), Jets RB Curtis Martin has carried 154 times for just 516 yards and seven touchdowns, rushing for 100 or more yards in just two of those contests. Including playoffs, the Jets have allowed just 220 points in 17 wins (17 or fewer points in 14 of those contests) while giving up 321 points in 13 losses dating back to '98. Including playoffs, they have committed just 20 turnovers in 17 wins, 28 turnovers in 13 losses dating back to '98. The Jets have allowed 34 sacks in 12 games in '99, this after allowing just 25 sacks in 16 games in '98. They have not committed a turnover in three straight games.

Things to look for: While the Jets' season really came apart a long time ago, the Dolphins' recent problems have to have Jimmy Johnson concerned as his once-formidable defense has looked shaky against the run, bad news despite a talented Miami secondary. And you can guarantee that Bill Parcells will give the Fish a big dose of smash-mouth football as his shell-shocked club looks to regain its pride.

Etc.: Jets head coach Bill Parcells owns a 7-3 mark vs. Dolphins' head coach Jimmy Johnson (Parcells' Giants were 4-0 vs. Johnson's Cowboys in 1989-90, Parcells' Patriots were 1-1 vs. Johnson's Dolphins in 1996 and Parcells' Jets are 2-2 vs. Johnson's Dolphins since 1997).

Since 1996 (including playoffs), under head coach Jimmy Johnson, the Dolphins are 18-14 vs. AFC East foes.

The Jets are just 11-23 in their last 34 games vs. divisional competition dating back to 1995, but are 9-5 vs. AFC East rivals dating back to '98. Head coach Bill Parcells owns a 35-20 regular-season record in December/January (18-12 with Giants from 1983-90, 12-5 with Patriots from 1993-96, 5-3 with Jets from 1997-99), including 32-13 since 1986.