Clinging to their postseason hopes, the Miami Dolphins return home to take on the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday, looking to continue the momentum from a Monday night win against the Los Angeles Rams.
With a record of 3-6, the Dolphins do have an opportunity to surge back into the AFC playoff standings in a matchup against a struggling Raiders team that is likely not headed to the postseason. Luckily for Miami, the Dolphins are only two games behind a wild-card spot and the teams ahead of them have struggled as of late.
Standing in front of them are the Denver Broncos, Indianapolis Colts, and Cincinnati Bengals. All three are coming off losses last week, including the Colts, who are on a three-game losing streak.
Miami could strong together a quick winning streak before the final stretch of the season, as three of their next four opponents have losing records.
This week, facing the Raiders (2-7), the Dolphins need to take care of business against a team that has lost five straight games. During that span, Las Vegas has averaged only 18 points per game, while their opponents have averaged 30.
The top priority for the Dolphins is to win the turnover battle, as the Raiders give up the most turnovers in the NFL, while being 31st, out of 32 teams, in takeaways.
(Photo Credit: Associated Press)
Overall, Miami needs to minimize mistakes to not fall into a trap game, while also working towards getting wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle more involved for future success.
Since Tua Tagovailoa has returned, the Dolphins have produced offense by taking what the defense gives them, and have been gradually injecting their star receivers more into the gameplan.
“I would say for myself, my confidence level from the time I came back had never wavered from the first game I played,” Tagovailoa said. “I think when you’re playing, when you’re out there, the game is too fast to think of anything else and if you start thinking of anything else, it’s hard for you to focus on your job. Just go out there and play football.”
This style of play has been forced opposing defenses to transition. Teams have used record percentages of two high-shell defenses against Miami, and the Rams particularly used the highest split-safety coverage since 2018.
Defenses like these specialize in stopping big plays and forcing teams to work short yardage and underneath routes, which the Dolphins have taken with their other receivers but not yet found the way to use Waddle and Hill in this offense.
“They understand that coverages and defensive calls are predicated on whether or not they’re on the field,” Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel said. “And sometimes the best thing they could do is be on the field for those coverages where they’re getting double teamed.”
Another factor impacting this stretch for the Dolphins is once again, injuries. Missed time from crucial players has plagued this team since McDaniel took over.
(Photo Credit: Associated Press)
Whether its Tagovailoa, star skill players, or multiple members of the defense, the team always struggles to stay healthy.
This week, the Dolphins face more questions as two members of the offensive line are unavailable and two cornerbacks face injuries as Kader Kohou and Kendall Fuller got hurt on Monday night.
“You know since it was a Monday night game, I can pretty much rule him out for this game,” M McDaniel said regarding Fuller’s status.
Despite these defensive injuries the Dolphins defense showed out on Monday night. After back-to-back weeks of letting up big second halves, defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver and the team held the Rams to zero touchdowns on prime time.
Big performances from rookie edge rusher Chop Robinson, veteran defensive lineman Calais Campbell, and linebacker Anthony Walker lead the team to a successful road win against a tough opponent.
Sunday’s kickoff at Hard Rock Stadium is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET on CBS.
