Miami Dolphins will need to account for these three Raiders on Sunday
By Nick Belotto
Darren Waller is one of the best tight ends in the game and Miami will need to make sure that they don’t let him run open in the middle of the field if they want to secure a win on Monday.
If only the analysis was that easy.
Waller is a legitimate threat from anywhere that he might lineup. He has the physical strength to take on just about any defender and the speed to burn corners if he gets a step on them. Eric Rowe, Miami’s usual answer to the opposing tight end, will need to be on the field more often to help keep Waller in line. If his snap count is decreased like it was last week, Miami will have to make sure that Jerome Baker and Jevon Holland do a good job at keeping him from beating this team.
In last season’s matchup with the Raiders, Waller had 5 catches and 112 yards. He didn’t find the endzone, but he still made huge plays that helped the Raiders move down the field and keep the game close. Waller is a game-breaking tight end in the same way that guys like George Kittle and Travis Kelce are, so Miami can’t afford any mistakes against him.
The coverage against Waller can get an assist from the defensive line, too, and if they can get consistent pressure on Derek Carr, Miami may be able to keep them from converting big play after big play.
Speaking of Derek Carr…