The Miami Dolphins are on a two-game winning streak after securing a 34-19 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday. The win was marked by a solid offensive performance and a defense that bent but didn’t break, limiting the Raiders’ other players aside from tight end Brock Bowers.
Despite a tough start to the season, partly due to quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s concussion issues, the Dolphins now sit at 4-6. They’ll host the New England Patriots in Week 12, aiming to improve their record before heading on the road for a Thanksgiving game against the Green Bay Packers. But for now, let’s reflect on the good, bad, and ugly from their Week 11 triumph over the Raiders.
**GOOD**
*Dolphins’ Offensive Efficiency: No Punts, No Turnovers*
The Dolphins executed a nearly flawless offensive game, scoring on every possession except for the final drive of the first half. They also avoided turnovers, with a recovered fumble being their only near-mishap. Notably, they didn’t punt once throughout the game.
Miami displayed impressive ball control, especially with long, methodical drives. In the first half, they had two lengthy drives, one lasting 8:13 and the other 8:22. In the second half, they opened the third quarter with a 16-play, 97-yard drive that ate up nearly eight minutes of clock. Even when the game was tight, Tagovailoa connected with tight end Jonnu Smith for a 57-yard touchdown to seal the win. This passing game performance should give the Dolphins confidence as they approach the final stretch of the regular season.
**BAD**
*Struggles in the Running Game*
For the second consecutive week, Miami’s rushing attack underperformed. After rushing for only 67 yards on 22 attempts against the Los Angeles Rams, the Dolphins gained just 82 yards on 26 carries against the Raiders, averaging 3.2 yards per carry.
De’Von Achane was the only bright spot on the ground, running for 73 yards and a touchdown on 17 carries. Meanwhile, veteran Raheem Mostert and rookie Jaylen Wright struggled, combining for just seven yards. These rushing woes are exacerbated by the absence of right tackle Austin Jackson, who was placed on injured reserve with a knee injury and will miss the rest of the season. Miami will need to adapt to this loss moving forward.
**UGLY**
*Brock Bowers Dominates Miami’s Defense*
While Miami’s defense performed decently overall, they were torched by Raiders tight end Brock Bowers, who set a new rookie record for receptions by a tight end with 13 catches for 126 yards and a touchdown. His performance surpassed the previous record held by Mark Bavaro since 1985.
Bowers was the primary weapon for the Raiders, with no other pass catcher contributing more than 50 yards. The Dolphins will need to address their tight end coverage issues as they prepare for the upcoming matchup against the Patriots and veteran tight end Hunter Henry.
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