Raiders Opponent: Dolphins DC Matt Burke
The Oakland Raiders face a Miami Dolphins defense that is allowing the seventh fewest yards per game. The Silver and Black are off a week where they lost to another AFC East team in the Buffalo Bills. The Raiders offense looked mediocre at the best of times but they will try to turn that around versus a Miami defense led by first year coordinator Matt Burke.
Background
Burke is in his 14th NFL season but his first as defensive coordinator. He was promoted to the job before this season after he was Miami’s linebackers coach in 2016. Burke has also been the LBs coach for the Cincinnati Bengals and Detroit Lions. His first five years of coaching experience came as various assistant roles with the Tennessee Titans.
Strengths
The Dolphins will give the Raiders their second consecutive look at a 4-3 base defense. Burke’s experience with the Dolphins, Lions and Bengals indicates that he’ll rely on disruption from his defensive front and allow his linebackers to make plays. In fact, the Dolphins where the 17th highest blitzing team through five weeks since their defensive line generates most of their pressure.
Upfront, the Dolphins defense will rely on disruption from Ndamukong Suh. Veterans Jordan Phillips and Andre Branch profile are more known for their run stoppage. Davon Godchaux and Vincent Taylor are both seeing crucial reps despite their youth.
Cameron Wake is their best edge rusher but Charles Harris and William Hayes will rotate in as well. Hayes is another veteran edge and Harris is developing.
At linebacker, Miami is experienced with Lawrence Timmons, Kiko Alonso and Rey Maualuga. Mike Hull is also in the rotation. None of them are the fastest backers nor are they great in coverage but their high energy and aggressive players. However, Timmons and Alonso are good blitzers.
The Dolphins also like to blitz S Reshad Jones. Jones is the secondary’s best player according to PFF. Jones has an 83.8 overall grade with an 87.1 grade in run defense so Oakland should expect to see him in the box.
Ultimately, this team’s biggest defensive strength is the amount of veterans blended with young players. Between Branch, Suh, Timmons, Alonso and Maualuga, they have enough experience on the field that they make it easier for Burke.
Weaknesses
Miami’s biggest defensive weaknesses are on the outside. Xavien Howard is the team’s top corner in snaps but he has a 38.9 grade in coverage per PFF. Meanwhile, rookie Cordrea Tankersley has a 70.0 grade which makes him solid. Bobby McCain and
Alterraun Verner could also see some run. McCain is the slot guy and he has the team’s highest coverage grade. These are all winnable matchups for a Raiders WR corps that has been up and down this season.
Otherwise, the Raiders should look to exploit any matchups on the free safety. Nate Allen and Michael Thomas have seen time opposite Jones. Allen has not been that good as he is graded as PFF’s 80th overall safety. Thomas’ sample size is much smaller but his performance has been better. That means the Raiders should rely heavily on their tight ends, slot receivers and running backs for passing versus the safety. Oakland needs to force the Dolphins to make plays in coverage.
However, it also means the Raider should throw some deep passing shots to their receivers. That will also fall on the Raiders offensive line to not allow the Dolphins to pressure and sack Derek Carr too. The Dolphins are No. 23 in sacks but that could easily change.
The Raiders should use the Dolphins depth and packages against them by not allowing them to easily swap players. Oakland should get in more no-huddle situations to catch the Dolphins with the wrong defensive personnel and package. Catching Burke in the wrong situation might help the Raiders convert a big play to change the momentum of the entire game.
Currently, the Raiders are No. 20 in the league for offensive yards per game. Everyone knows this unit is too talented to be ranked that low. They will need to prove it this week versus a Miami defense that is stingy and experienced.
