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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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – SEPTEMBER 21: Tight end Darren Waller #83 of the Las Vegas Raiders catches a 1-yard touchdown reception against the New Orleans Saints during the NFL game at Allegiant Stadium on September 21, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Raiders defeated the Saints 34-24. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

2. Slow down Darren Waller

You’ll notice that I didn’t say stop Darren Waller. That’s because you probably aren’t going to be able to stop him. He’s a top-3 tight end in this league and one of the most talented dudes in the entire NFL. Eric Rowe did an admirable job in last years contest, but Waller did get the better of that matchup and impacted the game.

The Dolphins have done an awesome job building this secondary and now it’s time for them to earn their hefty pay checks. Bracket Waller all afternoon and trust that your corners can at least contain these Raiders wide receivers. If you ask a Raiders fan on Twitter, they’ll explain that their receivers are going to cook Miami’s corners 1 on 1.

They may even have a decent point. Henry Ruggs, Hunter Renfrow, Bryan Edwards, Zay Jones, and Willie Sneed aren’t a bad group. But the Dolphins have signed and drafted corners for just this kind of matchup. If Xavien Howard and Byron Jones can’t cover Henry Ruggs and Bryan Edwards, I would be concerned going forward. The one matchup that most concerns me is in the slot, but we’ll see.

Stick Eric Rowe on him again, but give him help over the top. I know other teams have tried to slow down Carr to Waller this season, but the difference is that Miami has the players to make it work. If those guys can cover on the back end, then you just have to hope that your pass rush can get home against an improved Raider offensive line.

One place that I think Miami can make some noise up front is against rookie tackle Alex Leatherwood. I was a huge fan of Alex Leatherwood in college, but he has the habit of being inconsistent in his pass sets. I could see Emmanuel Ogbah have a big game against him. We should also remember that Andrew Van Ginkel absolutely cooked Kolton Miller last year to the tune of 5 pressures and 2 sacks.

Also, keep an eye on big #72 Jermaine Eluemunor who the Dolphins cut. He now starts for the Raiders and has been stellar in his pass sets this season.

The Dolphins have the personnel to matchup against this Raider offense, they just need to execute this week. The team will be leaning on them if they have any chance at victory.

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