Raiders/Dolphins: Three Keys to Oakland Victory
At 3-5, the Raiders sit in a state of panic. They’re three games back from division leader Kansas City and one game back of the second wild card spot. Nothing they can’t overcome but has its major obstacles. What makes the situation difficult is the remaining schedule for the Raiders. With New England, Dallas, Kansas City and Philadelphia left this season, the playoffs look bleak for Oakland.
If there is any hope, which isn’t much, for the Raiders to accomplish their goals this season, it starts in Miami this Sunday Night. In the featured game of the weekend, the Raiders will go against a Dolphins team without star running back Jay Ajayi, who was traded earlier this week to Philadelphia.
If the Raiders plan on winning this game, theses three keys are essential to victory.
Run the Ball Efficiently
It seems like Offensive Coordinator Todd Downing’s game plan revolves around one thing, being able to run the ball successfully on first and second downs. Defenses have figured out that if they can stop the run with only four guys, they can drop back in coverage and force Derek Carr to dink and dunk all game. Unfortunately, this strategy has work several times this season. So, Marshawn Lynch and the offensive line will need to carry the offense and set the tone early and often in this game. It won’t come without resistance though. Defensive Coordinator Matt Burke has the rush defense playing well this season. They’ve allowed the eighth fewest rushing yards all season and have a stout 3.8 average per carry against. The Raiders rushing attack will need to put on their big boy pants this weekend and get to work.
Minimize the Turnovers
The Raiders offense is killing themselves with the turnovers this season. Last week versus the Bills, the Raiders turned the ball over two times on their own side of the field and had a fumble returned for a touchdown. That can’t happen, no matter who you play against in the NFL. The running backs and Carr need to take care of the ball better and not give opposing teams short fields to work with. The Dolphins offense will be shorthanded and be without star running back Jay Ajayi (traded). So, minimizing Miami’s opportunities to score will increase the Raiders chances of winning. Key stat: In the Raiders three wins, they have zero turnovers. In their five losses, they have 11.
Get in Jay Cutler’s Face
Jay Cutlers been known to throw interceptions and force a lot of throws if pressure gets to him, so Ken Norton will need to get his defense going and get some guys disrupting Cutler Sunday night. This of course, is easier said than done. The Raiders defense, even with Khalil Mack, is tied for 30th in sacks this season (12 total) and is the only team in the NFL without an interception. Therefore, Eddie Vanderdoes, Mario Edwards Jr and Bruce Irvin will need to kick it in over drive and get after the ball. This defensive line is due for a monster game, as is Khalil Mack. So Norton will need to dial up some stunts and blitzes to confuse the struggling offensive line of Miami. If they can get after Cutler, who has an INT in five of his six games this season, good things will happen for the defense.
