The Raiders’ offense showed improvement in their game against the Dolphins following changes made during the bye week. However, despite the changes, the team still suffered their sixth consecutive loss with a 34-19 defeat to Miami. Let’s take a closer look at what went wrong in the game.
Interim offensive coordinator Scott Turner, along with his father Norv, implemented some adjustments to the offense. One notable change was the emphasis on play-action passes on first downs to keep the Dolphins’ defense off balance. The route concepts called by Scott Turner also provided better spacing for the Raiders’ receivers, leading to a solid performance by quarterback Gardner Minshew.
Despite the loss, rookie tight end Brock Bowers stood out as the star of the game. Bowers had an exceptional game with 13 receptions for 126 yards, showcasing his versatility and ability to create mismatches on the field. His performance was a bright spot in an otherwise challenging game for the Raiders.
One critical play in the game was tight end Jonnu Smith’s 57-yard touchdown, where the Raiders had a breakdown in communication, leaving Smith wide open for the score. This play highlighted the importance of defensive cohesion and awareness on the field.
The Raiders did manage to put together an impressive touchdown drive in response to Miami’s scoring, showing resilience and determination. Running back Alexander Mattison played a significant role in the drive, along with key contributions from tight end Michael Mayer and wide receiver Tre Tucker.
However, mistakes and penalties plagued the Raiders, particularly after Bowers’ touchdown, allowing Miami to capitalize on errors and extend their lead. Despite the challenges, there were positive moments, such as defensive end Maxx Crosby’s efforts and awareness on the field.
Looking ahead, the Raiders will face the Broncos in a rematch, aiming to bounce back from their recent losses. Denver presents a tough challenge, but the Raiders will look to build on the positives from their game against Miami and make necessary adjustments for future matchups.
Overall, the Raiders showed glimpses of improvement on offense and resilience in the face of adversity. As they prepare for upcoming games, addressing communication breakdowns and minimizing errors will be key to turning their season around and securing wins in the competitive NFL landscape.