Miami Dolphins (4-6) – Las Vegas Raiders (2-8): 34-19
After a balanced first period, the Dolphins managed to get rid of the Raiders at the end of a match that was finally controlled. The hero of the match is Jonnu Smith, author of a double, in an afternoon which smiled on the tight ends.
The Dolphins were able to count on an efficient, if not spectacular, Tua Tagovailoa. In any case, since the return of their starting quarterback, things have been much better. This 2nd consecutive victory puts them back in the race for the playoffs.
Eye-catching, the Raiders can be satisfied with having a more than efficient rookie. Having become the number 1 receiver since the departure of Davante Adams, tight end Brock Bowers exceeds 100 receiving yards for the first time. The ouster of the offensive coordinator during the bye week showed improvement despite the loss.
Possession game
Except for the series leading up to halftime, there are only 4 offensive series in this first half. This shows that both teams take care of the ball, but that the defenses allow small gains, and do not cause any punts.
Despite fluid and clean play on both sides, there were ultimately few points. Only Jonnu Smith (6 REC, 101 yards, 2 TDs), found by Tua Tagovailoa (28/36, 288 yards, 3 TDs), manages to find the path to the touchdown. Gardner Minshew (30/43, 283 yards, 2 TDs, INT) and the Raiders are far from coming as tourists, and are undermining a Dolphins defense that is still so permissive. Unfortunately, their 2 offensive series ended each time with a field goal.
The Dolphins accelerate
After a Raiders punt to start the second half (the only one of the game), the Dolphins accelerated. Tyreek Hill (7 REC, 61 yards, TD) scores his 2nd touchdown in 2 games, and confirms his renewed form. A touchdown that will start the attack fair.
The defenses are so lacking on both sides. On the Dolphins side, Jordan Poyer then Kader Kohou missed important tackles on the touchdowns conceded, scored by Brock Bowers (13 REC, 127 yards, TD) and Ameer Abdullah (3 REC, 16 yards, TD). On the Raiders side, it is the defensive assignments that are off the mark. As a result, they let Jonnu Smith exceed 100 receiving yards for only the second time in his career.
Fortunately, the best defense in this match saved the best for last. Jalen Ramsey intercepts Gardner Minshew to seal the victory.
Jonnu Smith WIDE OPEN for the 57-yard TD!
📺: #LVvsMIA on CBS/Paramount+
📱: https://t.co/waVpO8ZBqG pic.twitter.com/VMOXPnzMzM— NFL (@NFL) November 17, 2024
