NFL Sunday still features six undefeated teams that’ll take the field looking to stay perfect, with most facing tough competition, including the Las Vegas Raiders. For Miami Dolphins fans, they will get to see their team travel to Las Vegas for the first time since the Raiders moved from Oakland, in what will be another tough, but winnable, matchup.
Jacoby Brissett to Make First Start for Miami
Injuries have hit both teams early in the season, especially for the Dolphins. They will go into week three of the season without their starting quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa. He was placed on injured reserve on Saturday with a rib injury after already being ruled out earlier in the week. So, QB Jacoby Brissett will pick up where he left off after playing nearly a complete game in Miami’s home opener after Tagovailoa exited in the first quarter.
Andrew Van Ginkel Said Dolphins Secondary Will Attack Raiders Beat Up Offensive Line
The Raiders will be going into Sunday’s game shorthanded, too. They have 12 players on their latest injury report, with some of the players belonging to the offensive line. The Dolphins defense is looking to take advantage of whoever steps onto the field, according to starting linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel.
“We can’t determine who’s going to be out there, who we play against or who their offensive line is going to be,” Van Ginkel said during Friday’s press conference. “I think it’s going to be just us really toning in on our techniques, our game plan and how we’re going to rush those guys and let the rest take care of itself.”
Despite a 35-0 shutout last week, Van Ginkel and the Dolphins’ secondary forced multiple turnovers and extended their league-leading NFL streak to 25 consecutive games with at least one takeaway.
ESPN Only Favors Las Vegas by Three Points
But, ESPN said the Raiders have a 62.6-percent chance of taking down the Dolphins. It’s also listing the Raiders as three-point favorites. But only three, despite Tagovailoa’s absence and the Dolphins’ -34 point differential through two games this season.
Why? Brissett is one of the best backups in the NFL and Miami’s secondary is no joke.
The last time these two teams met, Miami won on the road, 26-25, the day after Christmas. While they can hold onto that win, the Raiders will be going in with their starting QB, Derek Carr, who could show that the Dolphins can’t take him down twice in a row. But, in the team’s last 12 meetings, Miami has won 10 of them.
But, let’s break it down.
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Derek Carr’s Hot Start a Big Matchup for Miami’s Hot Secondary
Carr has thrown for 821 yards in the air through the first two weeks of the new season, which is the seventh most in NFL history. He’s also averaging two passing scores per game. Dolphins’ cornerback Xavien Howard will without a doubt hone in on him. He has been known to force turnovers on opposing teams with his ability to find the ball and force not only pass breakups, but interceptions as well. Right now, Howard is tied for the most interceptions over the past two seasons with 11.
All Eyes on Darren Waller, Eric Rowe
Las Vegas will also deploy tight end Darren Waller. Since 2019, Waller has erupted. He has 1,000-plus yard seasons in each of the last two seasons and hasn’t averaged less than 11.2 yards per reception in four years with the Raiders.
Safety Eric Rowe did his best to contain Waller last season, as Rowe proved to be a lock-down on nearly all TEs last season. However, Waller still had 112 yards. At least Miami successfully kept him out of the end zone.
Kenyan Drake Visits Former Team, Again
Finally, running back Kenyan Drake is returning to face his former team for the second time. With starting RB Josh Jacobs doubtful, Drake and Peyton Barber will take over backfield duties.
Head coach Brian Flores said on Friday that he wants the team to move the ball effectively and to have a good balance. He said that they should have a variety in the run and pass plays they run on Sunday. From a protection standpoint, he says his team has to be better.
“At the end of the day it’s about the execution and getting 11 guys on the same page,” Flores said. “That’s what we’re working toward in practice and our preparation this week. It’s a good opponent we’re facing… We’ve got our hands full for sure.”
Kickoff between the Dolphins and Raiders is set for 4:05 p.m.
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