Raiders' D-Line Key to Victory vs. Dolphins

The Las Vegas Raiders' defensive line has to have a good game if the Silver and Black is to beat the Miami Dolphins.

At 5-5, all the Las Vegas Raiders’ goals are in front of them. They have won their last two games and have placed themselves in a better position in the hunt for a playoff spot.

The play of the Raiders' defense has propelled the Silver and Black since Interim Coach Antonio Pierce took over. The Raiders have allowed only 18 points combined in those two games.

No matter how their offense is playing, this level of defensive play will always give the Raiders a chance to win.

The Raiders face their most formidable opponent of the season when they take on the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on Sunday. 

The Dolphins have not lost at home this season and are averaging a league-best 31.7 points per game.

However, the Dolphins are not unbeatable. They have lost three games this season against Super Bowl contenders, and in those games, their high-powered offense has not been at its best.

The Raiders can replicate what the Buffalo Bills, Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs have done to slow down the Dolphins by defensively winning the battle at the line of scrimmage. 

All three of these teams disrupted the Dolphins’ offensive line, which threw their offense out of rhythm.

The Dolphins' offense is predicated on the ability to run the football and quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s ability to get the ball into the hands of his play-makers quickly. Those things were not available to them in their three losses because of the opposing defensive lines performances.

The Raiders' defensive line has been playing at a high level in the last two games. Defensive end Maxx Crosby has been excellent, as usual, and defensive end Malcolm Koonce had a great game against the New York Jets. Edge play and getting to Tagovailoa is key in shutting down the Dolphins’ passing game.

Even players on the interior have played well, such as veteran defensive tackles John Jenkins and Adam Butler. The production of those players will be crucial against the Dolphins, who have good interior offensive line play and blazing-fast running backs.

The Raiders have played well defensively over the last two games but now face their toughest test against a Dolphins offense that has played well at home. However, if their defensive line continues to play well, that could increase their chances of victory.

The Silver and Black will head out on the road to South Beach to take on the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, Nov. 19, at 1 p.m. EST/10 a.m. PST.

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