2024 Week 11: Raiders 19, Dolphins 34
This was a fun game, watching two of the worst teams in the league square off. I’m being sarcastic of course, but Vegas had the ball twice inside of 3 minutes, one drive was a one-play INT, leading to a Dolphins game-sealing FG, and the other drive ended with time running out.
Miami (4-6) has won back-to-back games now, and they might win a third against New England this weekend. I don’t think this team is getting any better, they’re just playing other bad teams and coming out on top. Miami has both of their matchups against the Jets still, so they could get to 7 wins.
The Raiders (2-8) are in the debate for the worst team in the NFL. At this point, I’m just waiting for Tom Brady to take a bigger role in this team, whether it’s as a coach or consultant, or anything really. Brady isn’t great in the booth anyway, he should stick to what he knows better than just about anyone alive.
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QB Report:
- This was Tua Tagovailoa’s (28/36 for 288 yards, 3 TDs) best game in well over a year, and I think it’s fully because of how bad the Raiders pass defense is. In reality, Vegas has some nice young corners that can develop, but they were either all hurt going into this game, or were injured mid-game. There’s a chance that all Vegas’ corners are out next week against Denver, Nix should be a star this week.
RB Report:
- Rookie speedster Jaylen Wright (5-4-0; 1 catch for 2 yards) has looked so slow lately, I’m not sure what’s gotten into him. He replaced Raheem Mostert (3-[-2]-0) as the #2 but that might reverse if Wright can’t get back on track. Maybe it’s nerves?
- There’s a lot to discuss with the Vegas backfield: Zamir White (5-9-0) was hurt in this game and missed the majority of the second half. Alexander Mattison (5-19-0; 3 catches for 50 yards) was working in tandem with White who was also hurt in this game… and both haven’t practiced this week. These injuries might usher in a new era for Vegas, one where every other pass isn’t thrown to Brock Bowers (13-126-1/16).
- I am, of course, speaking about Dylan Laube. His first NFL carry was a fumble early in the season and since then he's barely played any snaps. I’m excited about Laube because he’s a great pass catcher and a great route runner, he could be like a younger Alvin Kamara/Austin Ekeler if they decide to go in this direction. A Vegas beat writer claimed that Laube would be a big part of their game plan if White and Mattison were both out, so hopefully his source is correct.
- Knowing the 2024 Raiders, Antonio Pierce will be way too involved with the offense, and he won’t see the potential in Laube and push Ameer Abdullah (1-1-0; 3 catches for 16 yards) over him. I think this is the most likely outcome but Laube will get touches in relief, and all he needs is to not fumble and someone in that organization should see what I see in him. I’m expecting the Raiders to get blown out by Denver so there’s a nice PPR opportunity for the extremely desperate.
WR/TE Report:
- Unfortunately for Tyreek Hill (7-61-1/8), teams have finally figured him out, they just play deep and he can’t hurt him that way, most of the Dolphins plays are designed around being faster than their opponents, but if they just play deep/zone coverage Tua/Tyreek are controlled. That being said, I can definitely see a big play happening against NE, Christian Gonzalez usually plays Tyreek well which could lead to more man coverage, and Tyreek could burn him.
- Jonnu Smith (6-101-2/8) had a pretty normal tight end game until late when he caught a 57-yard TD, bringing both him and Tua to FF-stardom in this game.
image source: (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)