Miami Dolphins set sights on the Oakland Raiders in week three
With the Miami Dolphins starting the season at 2-0, they now set their sights on the 0-2 Oakland Raiders.
The first two games the Miami Dolphins have played thus far, just might be their easiest challenges this season. The Oakland Raiders have too much talent on the roster to continue to lose close games. It is just a matter of time.
Once retired head coach Jon Gruden will lead the Raiders this season. Gruden coached the Oakland Raiders from 1998-2002, during his stint as head coach, he posted a record of 40-28 including the post season. It is also where he picked up the nickname “Chucky”
In 2002 Gruden became the head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers he would follow after Tony Dungy and find success in Tampa Bay and ultimately walk away with the Super Bowl XXXVII trophy. Many give Dungy the credit for Gruden’s success in Tampa, the decision is yours. Now Jon Gruden will play a chess match with head coach Adam Gase, this should be exciting to watch.
The latest news on Gruden is his controversial trade of defensive end Khalil Mack. At least Miami will not have to worry about Mack, yet.
Fourth year quarterback Derek Carr leads the Raiders on offense, and last week against the Denver Bronco’s, he went 29 of 32 for 288 passing yards with a passer rating of 114.6 and 1 td, and no turnovers. Carr is a good quarterback and throws a nice crisp ball, and is very accurate with his ball placement, he doesn’t make many mistakes. The Dolphins defensive line will need to get pressure on Carr early and often, and disrupt his rhythm.
Marshawn Lynch aka “Beast-mode” Is the leading runner for the Raiders, like Frank Gore, Lynch still has the “it” in his game, and is a dangerous runner. This late in his career Lynch might have lost a half step in speed, but he makes up for it in strength. He has to be gang tackled most of the time. Popeye might have his spinach, But Lynch has his Skittles.
Fourth year wide receiver Amari Cooper leads in the air attack, last week against the Bronco’s he hauled in 10 passes for 116 yards with a 11.6 yard avg and 0-td. Cooper is a true #1 receiver, he possesses great hands and speed and is a threat anywhere on the field. I would put our best corner back Xavien Howard shadowing Cooper all day, this is a great match-up.
Much like the Dolphins, the Raiders are trying to find their groove, and have enough weapons on both sides of the ball to compete with any team. Miami must correct some issues from last week, and continue to play penalty free as well as move the chains on third down.
The Raiders are not to be taken lightly or over looked, Miami will have to hit hard and hit fast right from the bell to withstand this test. Ryan Tannehill will need to have a good game, as well as get rid of the ball faster. Most likely this game could be decided in the last two minutes of the 4th quarter, as both teams slug it out to the final second. Stay tuned