Coming off the bye week the Las Vegas Raiders have their first opportunity to embrace Maxx Crosby’s goal of ruining other team’s seasons when they hit the road to face the Miami Dolphins.
Of course there have been some big changes for the Raiders since the last time they took the field as offensive coordinator Luke Getsy has been fired and Scott Turner will be taking over playcalling duties. How this offense looks under his vision will be the biggest story and there certainly seems to be some positivity over what he will bring.
The Raiders will once again be going with Gardner Minshew at quarterback and they will also be welcoming back tight end Michael Mayer who has been gone since Week 3. Rookie Brock Bowers continues to be the top playmaker on this team, but the Raiders’ pass game could struggle against a Dolphins defense which has been excellent against the pass this season.
This will put even more pressure on Turner to get this Raiders’ run game going. Whether it is Alexander Mattison or Zamir White, the Raiders have to get something going on the ground to take the pressure off Minshew. Potential success will also be very much dependent on the offensive line. Tackle Kolton Miller looks set to play, but center Andre James is out with rookie Jackson Powers-Johnson stepping in.
That interior of the offensive line is especially important as Dolphins defensive tackle Calais Campbell continues to be an absolute force up front and can cause all kinds of issues in the Raiders backfield if he isn’t contained.
Defensively it is all about handling the speed of this Dolphins offense led by Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle and Devon Achane. With Tua Tagovailoa back at quarterback the Dolphins are a much different, and far more explosive offense and the Raiders can’t afford to allow them to break off huge plays.
Winning at the line of scrimmage will obviously be crucial, but the secondary will need to be locked in as well which will be more difficult as the Raiders will be without Nate Hobbs.
Coming off a bye week and with a new playcaller, there is a good chance for the Raiders to turn some things around in Miami. As always, turnovers will be key which has been an issue all season long for Gardner Minshew, but if they can keep that in check, and not allow too many big plays, the Raiders have the ability to get a huge road win.
Miami Dolphins (3-6) vs. Las Vegas Raiders (2-7)
10:00 a.m. PT, Sunday, November 17, 2024
Hard Rock Stadium, Miami, Florida
TV: CBS
