Phin Phanatic
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The Miami Dolphins’ keys to victory against the Raiders

By George Forder

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 26: Arden Key #99 of the Las Vegas Raiders is penalized for a face mask against Ryan Fitzpatrick #14 of the Miami Dolphins during the fourth quarter of a game at Allegiant Stadium on December 26, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 26: Arden Key #99 of the Las Vegas Raiders is penalized for a face mask against Ryan Fitzpatrick #14 of the Miami Dolphins during the fourth quarter of a game at Allegiant Stadium on December 26, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /
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MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – SEPTEMBER 19: Quarterback Jacoby Brissett #14 of the Miami Dolphins calls out an audible against the Buffalo Bills in the first quarter of the game at Hard Rock Stadium on September 19, 2021 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – SEPTEMBER 19: Quarterback Jacoby Brissett #14 of the Miami Dolphins calls out an audible against the Buffalo Bills in the first quarter of the game at Hard Rock Stadium on September 19, 2021 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

1. Formulate a solid game plan around Jacoby Brissett

This is a multifaceted key, but it will be extremely important to getting out of Vegas with a win. Jacoby Brissett isn’t a superstar quarterback, but we’re lucky that there isn’t some massive drop off from Tua to Brissett. One of the main differences between the two of them is that Tua gets rid of the ball much quicker than Brissett.

Last season Tua had one of the quicker times to throw at 2.55 seconds. The last time Jacoby Brissett had extended time behind center (2019) he had one of the slower times to throw in the entire league (2.93). Brissett tends to hold onto the ball in an attempt to make things happen. Tua kind of did this in college at times, but has been really good about getting rid of the ball since joining the NFL.

Time to Throw is an NFL Next Gen Stat

If the coaches don’t plan accordingly, this could be disastrous for this offensive line. We don’t know exactly what this group will look like on Sunday (my guess is the same as last Sunday, with Eichenberg at LG), but either way they need to game plan around this LV pass rush.

https://twitter.com/TampaBayTre/status/1440043098835275780

So, what are some ways that they can nullify this pass rush? One of the best ways to do that is run the ball. If I told you that the Dolphins had a running back on their roster who has the 7th best yards per rush average in the NFL, would you believe me? Myles Gaskin is averaging 5.3 yards per carry-better than Derrick Henry or Dalvin Cook (on way less carries-admittedly).

He’s averaging a grand total of seven carries a game. The Dolphins have shown the ability to run the ball when they line up in big sets and just cram it down the defense’s throat. Line up with two tight ends, put Cethan Carter in the backfield to lead block and wear out this Vegas front-4 yards at a time. They’re strength is their pass rush, so why play into their hands with your shaky offensive line?

It also appears that Will Fuller will finally make his Dolphins debut. You can afford to keep extra players in to help block and only send 3 players out on routes when one of them is a top 5 deep threat in the NFL. The Dolphins have shown an ability to game plan around an opponent before, lets do it again.

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