Rookie CB Dwight Lowery, a fourth-round pick from San Jose State, could start the opening game against Miami if Justin Miller (dislocated toe) isn't healthy. Lowery was given the night off for the Jets' preseason finale, a luxury usually accorded to the team's starters.

PLAYER NOTES

--RB Leon Washington may have an increased workload on offense in the season opener because third-string RB Jesse Chatman has been suspended for the first four games of the season for violating the NFL's policy on steroids and related substances.

--CB Dwight Lowery, a fourth-round draft pick, could start the opener at right corner if Justin Miller (dislocated toe) isn't ready.

--K Mike Nugent had a severe case of the opening-day yips two seasons ago, when he went 1-for-3 on field-goal attempts (missing from 30 and 34 yards) and also blowing a PAT in a win over Tennessee. This will be his first time kicking at Miami in September, when the Marlins' infield is still there, making footing somewhat treacherous on the dirt.

--WR Laveranues Coles missed all four preseason games with a leg injury, possibly a hamstring, and thus missed valuable time to establish chemistry with Brett Favre. But he is looking better in practice and could be a factor against Miami.

--DE Shaun Ellis missed all four preseason games with an injury to his right hand, but looked healthy in practice and is expected to play Sunday.

GAME PLAN: The Jets should be helped by Miami's switch to a base 3-4 defense, because New York uses a similar defense, and thus the offense got plenty of reps against the 3-4 during training camp. Look for the Jets to try to establish Thomas Jones and Leon Washington on the ground so that Brett Favre doesn't have to carry the entire load on offense.

On defense, the Jets know that Chad Pennington favors short-to-intermediate passes, but they still must guard against the occasional deep ball, which often works with Pennington because of the element of surprise. Miami coordinator Dan Henning likes screen passes and the Jets were vulnerable to that tactic against Miami in the first meeting between the teams in 2007.

MATCHUPS TO WATCH: Jets CB Darrelle Revis vs. Dolphins WR Ted Ginn Jr. Revis is the Jets' best corner and consistently draws the opponent's most dangerous receiver. Ginn's rookie season wasn't all that impressive, but he is improving rapidly and already seems to be on the same page with new QB Chad Pennington.

Jets WR Laveranues Coles vs. Dolphins CB Will Allen. Coles has 24 receptions and five touchdowns in his last six games against Miami, and although he missed all four preseason games with a hamstring injury, he has looked much healthier in practice. The Jets are hoping he and Brett Favre can establish some chemistry quickly, and have put their lockers next to one another.

Jets NT Kris Jenkins vs. Dolphins C Samson Satele. Jenkins already has looked like a prototypical nose tackle during the preseason, despite being a three-time Pro Bowler with Carolina as a 4-3 tackle. He demanded double-teams most of the time during the preseason. But if Satele can handle him one-on-one, the Dolphins' running game could get going with Ricky Williams and Ronnie Brown, who rushed for 112 yards rushing in the first 2007 meeting with the Jets.

INJURY IMPACT: If CB Justin Miller (toe) isn't ready, look for rookie Dwight Lowery to start at right corner. Lowery is less experienced than Miller, but has better technique. DE Shaun Ellis (hand) is expected to start and should not be limited. WR Laveranues Coles (hamstring) shouldn't be limited, but he hasn't had any game action during the preseason to get in synch with new QB Brett Favre.