EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — The Miami Dolphins needed to beat the New York Jets on Sunday and get some help to make the NFL Playoffs. None of it happened. The Dolphins lost to the Jets, 32-20.

The NFL jersey exchange is significant on a few levels, and it’s taken seriously by players. For Dolphins players, it’s a mutual sign of respect.

As we examine the NFL wild-card weekend and what lessons learned could apply to the Miami Dolphins, it would be easy to start with the idea that making headway in the AFC is going to be difficult ...