Hold your horses, the 2020 regular season isn’t quite done for the Las Vegas Raiders just yet. On Saturday, they’ll have to contend with the Miami Dolphins.
What’s on the line for this Las Vegas team?
In all likelihood, the Raiders have missed out on another trip to the playoffs under head coach Jon Gruden. On the other hand, the ‘Phins’ under Brian Flores are inching closer to a playoff spot. Defeating Las Vegas on Saturday will put them that much more closer. As for the Raiders, fans are already looking ahead to the offseason, and can you blame them?
Fans can afford to look ahead but Gruden’s squad most certainly cannot. There’s still a lot to play for besides pride, the team has to evaluate its roster, and let’s face it, 9-7 is better than 7-9. The Raiders will have their hands full with these three Dolphins defenders Saturday, let’s take a look.
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What Dolphins on defense do the Raiders have to worry about?
Former New England Patriot Kyle Van Noy is one of the biggest playmakers on defense for the Dolphins. Opposing teams have to hold him accountable due to his ability to disrupt the passing game with his speed. He’s currently accumulated ten tackles for a loss, six sacks, and two forced fumbles. Going up against a banged-up Raiders offensive line and possibly, a hobbled Derek Carr could spell disaster. Both Gruden and offensive line coach Tom Cable will have their hands full with Van Noy.
Speaking of ‘4’, the quarterback will have to keep an eye out for defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah. He currently leads the Dolphins with nine sacks and has accumulated three forced fumbles, six tackles for a loss, and 21 hits.
If the Raiders didn’t have enough to worry about with Ogbah’s pass rush and Van Noy’s overall defense, cornerback Xavien Howard’s another hurdle. The Pro Bowl corner has a coverage grade of 90.0 per Pro Football Focus and leads the team in passes defensed with 17. These three Dolphins are all playmakers and will give the Raiders headaches on Saturday, no matter who plays quarterback.
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*Top Photo: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
