NFL

Jets’ Cromartie out to contain top Dolphins top target

Dolphins wide receiver Brian Hartline was targeted nine times in the first meeting against the Jets, but was limited to one reception, having been blanketed by Antonio Cromartie throughout the game on Sept. 23.

For the Jets cornerback, it was one too many.

“One part of that game, I lost focus and I ended up giving up a 41-yard reception that could’ve ended up losing us the game,” Cromartie said of being beaten on a double-move. “You take something like that to heart. When you shut a guy down the whole entire game and give up a big play like that, that’s something that you definitely don’t want to do. We got to make sure we don’t give up the big play.”

Hartline, playing in his fourth season out of Ohio State, is the 13th-leading receiver in the NFL (514 yards) and is second in yards-per-reception for receivers with at least 15 catches (17.7), but was held without a catch in his last game against the Rams.

Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill had no explanation for the significant drop in production, but said it is something he will look to rectify. The rookie may be tempted to get back into a rhythm with his No. 1 receiver tomorrow as Hartline is likely to see one-on-one coverage from Cromartie for the majority of the game.

Coach Rex Ryan said Cromartie’s recent play is the best he has seen since the cornerback joined the Jets in 2010, but he suspects the Dolphins may try and circumvent Cromartie to get Hartline involved again.

“Hartline’s a tremendous receiver, a good route runner, great hands and he’s kind of sneaky, too,” Ryan said. “I expect them to move Hartline around a little bit just, so they can take him away from Cro. You got to be on top of him.”

After the Jets made Tannehill look his age, holding him to 16- of-36 passing for 196 yards, no touchdowns and an interception returned for a touchdown, the 24-year-old has strung together three solid performances, completing over 60 percent of passes in each game.

The Texas A&M product has been incredibly efficient this season on throws of more than 20 yards, completing 11 of 19 for 395 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions, but safety Yeremiah Bell thinks the Jets will be able to confuse the rookie, throwing numerous looks at a player with only six games of professional experience.

“He’s still a young guy, so I’m sure we can still mess with him a little bit,” Bell said. “He’s getting more comfortable with the offense. One thing you can really tell is he’s starting to read coverages. We’re going to have to disguise a little bit and try to mess with him.”