The Miami Dolphins outlasted the Las Vegas Raiders in a hard-fought 34-19 victory at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday. Despite the decisive final score, the game was far from a blowout, with the Raiders hanging tough and showing flashes of potential under interim offensive coordinator Scott Turner. However, costly penalties and defensive lapses proved too much for the Raiders to overcome, while the Dolphins capitalized on every opportunity to claim their second consecutive win.
Miami quarterback Tua Tagovailoa led a disciplined offense that relied on methodical drives and precise execution. The Dolphins controlled the clock with 33:12 of possession, racking up 353 total yards and scoring on four of their seven drives. Miami’s offense thrived on third downs, converting eight of 12 attempts, and was perfect on two fourth-down tries in the first half.
Tagovailoa finished the game with 288 yards and three touchdown passes, including a game-sealing 57-yard strike to tight end Jonnu Smith late in the fourth quarter. Smith, who emerged as a key target for the Dolphins, had a season-high 101 receiving yards and two touchdowns. His performance highlighted Miami’s ability to exploit defensive mismatches, a recurring theme in the game.
“We’ve got good enough players to where if we get them the ball in space, we like our chances,” Tagovailoa said after the game.
For the Raiders, it was a tale of missed opportunities and glimpses of progress. Gardner Minshew, stepping back into the starting role, threw for 282 yards and two touchdowns, completing 30 of 43 passes. Rookie tight end Brock Bowers was the standout performer, catching 13 passes for 126 yards and a touchdown, continuing his impressive rookie campaign.
The Raiders, however, struggled with self-inflicted wounds. An unnecessary roughness penalty by Maxx Crosby and a defensive holding call on a 3rd-and-20 situation extended Miami’s opening drive, which ended with a fourth-down touchdown pass from Tagovailoa to Smith. Defensive miscues culminated in a blown coverage late in the game, allowing Smith’s 57-yard touchdown to seal the Dolphins’ victory.
“We just have to keep executing and strain a little bit more,” Raiders coach Antonio Pierce said. “We had opportunities. Brock had a big day. I thought Gardner got rid of the ball quickly in the passing game. Opportunities there for shots, but we didn’t get them down there again.”
Tua Tagovailoa’s Leadership: Tagovailoa’s poise was evident, especially on two fourth-down conversions in the first half. He extended plays with his mobility, connecting with Tyreek Hill for an 8-yard touchdown and Jaylen Waddle for a 24-yard gain.
Jonnu Smith’s Breakout Game: Smith caught two touchdown passes, including the pivotal 57-yard score in the fourth quarter. His performance solidified his role as a dependable weapon for the Dolphins.
Brock Bowers’ Dominance: The Raiders’ rookie tight end continues to shine, demonstrating exceptional after-the-catch ability. His 126-yard, 13-catch performance underscores his potential as one of the NFL’s premier tight ends.
Defensive Struggles: Miami’s defense allowed Bowers to thrive, but Jalen Ramsey’s late interception and consistent pressure from Zach Sieler and Calais Campbell helped seal the game.
The Dolphins have now won back-to-back games, building on a gritty Monday night win over the Rams. Miami’s balanced attack and opportunistic defense showed improvement, particularly in their ability to finish drives in the red zone.
Coach Mike McDaniel praised the team’s resilience: “I don’t know about you guys, but winning feels a lot better than losing. So I think we’re going to keep trying to do that.”
The Raiders’ sixth straight loss drops them to 2-8 on the season, with their playoff hopes all but extinguished. However, the offense’s renewed energy under Scott Turner provides a glimmer of hope for the future. The development of players like Bowers offers a silver lining in an otherwise challenging season.
“We’re down, man, but I tell you I’ve been on teams where you send it in,” Minshew said. “But we’re not doing that. We practice hard. Everybody’s doing the right things… I feel if we continue our process, it’s going to break for us.”
The Dolphins (4-6) will host the New England Patriots next Sunday, while the Raiders (2-8) will look to regroup as they prepare to face the Kansas City Chiefs. Both teams have significant questions to address as they aim to finish the season on a high note.