Grading the Dolphins’ 20-13 victory over the Raiders; plus stock up, stock down
MIAMI GARDENS — Playing at home is a powerful thing, as the Dolphins showed in Sunday’s 20-13 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders.
The Dolphins (7-3) are now 5-0 at Hard Rock Stadium, and they average 38.8 points per game.
The Dolphins make plays at home, as evidenced by All Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey’s two dramatic interceptions against the Raiders, All Pro wide receiver Tyreek Hill’s 38-yard touchdown amid a 10-reception, 146-yard performance, and kicker Jason Sanders’ 51-yard field goal (yes, after he missed a 50-yard attempt).
The Dolphins’ victory over the Raiders wasn’t necessarily pretty, and when you consider the knee injury to rookie running back De’Von Achane, the victory was a bit concerning.
However, the Dolphins’ winning performance reinforced the idea they’d win a home playoff game (or two). And here’s more good news, the Dolphins have seven games remaining, four at home.
Having said that, let’s grade how the Dolphins did against the Raiders.
Pass game: B-
The downside is the turnovers. All three came in the pass game, with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (28 of 39, 325 yards, two touchdowns, one interception, 103.0 passer rating) losing a fumble on a scramble and then throwing an interception, and rookie tight end Julian Hill losing a fumble. On the positive side, Tyreek Hill, who had 10 receptions on 11 targets, was outstanding despite leaving the game briefly with what appeared to be a hand injury. Wide receiver Jaylen Waddle was so-so with four receptions for 55 yards, but nine players caught a pass. Also, running back Salvon Ahmed was sneaky good, with three receptions for 25 yards and a touchdown. Oh, and credit the offensive line and pass protection, because Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby, who entered with 9.5 sacks, was held in check, relatively speaking, with one sack and two quarterback hits.
Run game: B
The Dolphins, who entered the game tied for second in the league at 147.9 yards per game, grinded out a 99-yard performance on 28 carries. There’s a lot to unpack in that simple statement. Firstly, they overcame the loss of Achane, who averaged 12.1 yards per carry and ended with one carry for 1 yard. Secondly, Raheem Mostert had 86 yards on 22 carries, sometimes finishing strongly by plowing over defenders. And thirdly, it was good to see coach Mike McDaniel call 28 run plays, especially with an injury-shortened rotation. The Dolphins’ run game showed some muscle and determination, thanks in large part to the injury-hampered offensive line playing a physical game. We’ll see what happens with Achane’s health, but most likely running back Jeff Wilson Jr., a healthy scratch, will be active for Friday’s game at the New York Jets. The Dolphins might need that depth soon. Ahmed also left the Raiders game in the fourth quarter and didn’t return, but he said after the game he’s OK. Whatever the case, the run game got it done in a previously unseen physical fashion against the Raiders.
Defending the pass: A
Ramsey was absolutely amazing with those two interceptions, one a diving effort and the other a midair grab with his body fully extended in the end zone. Edge rusher Jaelan Phillips (two sacks vs. Raiders, 5.5 sacks for the season) also had an interception as defensive lineman Christian Wilkins was yanking quarterback Aidan O’Connell to the ground. Miami had two sacks and six quarterback hits. Yes, they gave up a 46-yard touchdown reception, but overall the pass defense was strong, as it kept Pro Bowl wide receiver Davante Adams to seven receptions for 82 yards, which included that 46-yard touchdown.
Defending the run: A
Running back Josh Jacobs (14 carries, 39 yards) had nowhere to run. In fact, no one on the Raiders had anywhere to run, as evidenced by their stats — 16 carries, 36 yards, 2.3 yards per carry. Linebacker Jerome Baker (seven tackles) led the way. Excellent work all around here — defensive line, linebackers, secondary and coaching. There’s nothing more to see here.
Special teams: C
Sanders was 2 of 3 on field-goal attempts, hitting from 41 and 51 yards and missing from 50. Punter Jake Bailey also shanked a punt for 34 yards. Cedrick Wilson Jr. had three punt returns for a strong 10.0-yard average. And in a bit of a surprise, Waddle was deep to return a kickoff after Achane left the game. Miami defended the punt returns fairly well. Overall, special teams were OK, but the missed field goal and shanked punt could have haunted the Dolphins against better opponents.
Coaching: B-
The Dolphins’ defense was ready, the offense was partially ready. Las Vegas coach Antonio Pierce might have done the better coaching job by keeping his team close the entire game. The Raiders never trailed by more than four points until the fourth quarter against what is arguably the NFL’s most dominant home team. You can’t win all of your home games by a large margin, so McDaniel won’t get criticized. But Miami must watch those turnovers.
Stock up: Jalen Ramsey
Wow. That’s about all you can say. Ramsey has three interceptions in two games and each interception has been amazing. His first interception, which came against New England, featured a 49-yard return. Wow.
Stock down: Turnover margin
Miami’s minus-4 turnover margin is tied for 22nd (with Kansas City, by the way). That’s concerning. Miami’s 16 giveaways are tied for 10th in the league. That’s even more concerning. Tagovailoa’s eight interceptions have already matched last season’s total, in three fewer games. It’s a good thing Ramsey has been around recently.