Miami Dolphins: How to Capitalize on Raiders’ Weaknesses for a Week 7 Victory

The Miami Dolphins’ path to a Week 7 win over the Las Vegas Raiders doesn’t just rely on fixing their own flaws—it hinges on exploiting the Raiders’ clear weaknesses. After analyzing Las Vegas’ performance through six weeks, it’s evident that the Raiders struggle in three key areas: stopping the run, defending against tight ends, and limiting big plays in the passing game. For the Dolphins, targeting these vulnerabilities isn’t just a tactical choice—it’s the most efficient way to regain momentum after their Week 6 loss to the Chiefs and maintain control of the AFC East. Miami Dolphins: How to Capitalize on Raiders’ Weaknesses for a Week 7 Victory breaks down why each of these weaknesses matters, how the Dolphins’ roster is built to exploit them, and what execution will look like on game day. A win here won’t just be a bounce-back—it will be a masterclass in game planning, showing that the Dolphins can adapt to opponents’ flaws as well as fix their own.

Miami Dolphins: How to Capitalize on Raiders’ Weaknesses for a Week 7 Victory first focuses on the Raiders’ struggling run defense—a unit that ranks 24th in the NFL, allowing 132.2 rushing yards per game. This is a perfect matchup for the Dolphins’ dynamic running back duo of Raheem Mostert and De’Von Achane. Mostert, with his patience and ability to find gaps, and Achane, with his speed to beat defenders to the edge, can take advantage of the Raiders’ inconsistent gap discipline. Film study shows that the Raiders’ defensive line often overcommits to stopping the pass on early downs, leaving running lanes open between the tackles. The Dolphins’ offensive line, which has improved its run-blocking efficiency by 12% since Week 2, can capitalize on this by using zone-blocking schemes that pull guards to seal off Raiders linebackers. For example, on first-and-10, the Dolphins can run a “zone stretch” play to the left, where Raiders defensive end Chandler Jones tends to overpursue, allowing Achane to cut back and gain 5+ yards. By leaning on the run game (aiming for 25+ carries), the Dolphins can control the clock, keep the Raiders’ offense off the field, and reduce pressure on Tua Tagovailoa. This isn’t just about running to run—it’s about using the run to set up play-action passes later in the game, exploiting the Raiders’ tendency to stack the box.

Miami Dolphins: How to Capitalize on Raiders’ Weaknesses for a Week 7 Victory then turns to another Raiders vulnerability: defending tight ends. Las Vegas ranks 28th in the NFL in yards allowed to tight ends (65.3 per game) and has given up 4 touchdowns to the position this season. This is a golden opportunity for the Dolphins’ tight end Durham Smythe, who has emerged as a reliable red-zone target (2 touchdowns in the last 3 games) and a steady presence in the intermediate passing game. The Raiders’ linebackers, particularly Divine Deablo, struggle with coverage against tight ends—he’s allowed a 76% completion rate when targeted, per Pro Football Focus. The Dolphins can exploit this by using Smythe in two key ways: first, on “seam routes” up the middle of the field, where Deablo often lags behind in coverage; second, on “red-zone fades” to the back corner of the end zone, where Smythe’s 6’4” frame gives him an advantage over smaller Raiders defenders. Tagovailoa has developed strong chemistry with Smythe this season, completing 82% of his passes to him for an average of 9.1 yards per catch. By featuring Smythe more prominently, the Dolphins can force the Raiders to adjust their coverage—potentially pulling a safety down to cover him, which would open up deep routes for Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. This strategy turns a Raiders weakness into a Dolphins strength, creating a domino effect that benefits the entire offense.

Miami Dolphins: How to Capitalize on Raiders’ Weaknesses for a Week 7 Victory emphasizes the Raiders’ struggle to limit big plays in the passing game—a flaw that plays directly into the Miami Dolphins’ explosive passing attack. Las Vegas has allowed 18 plays of 20+ yards this season, the 7th-most in the NFL, and has given up 5 plays of 40+ yards. This is tailor-made for Hill and Waddle, who have combined for 12 plays of 20+ yards and 3 plays of 40+ yards in 2024. The Raiders’ cornerbacks, especially Amik Robertson, struggle with deep coverage—he’s been beaten for 3 touchdowns on deep routes this season. The Dolphins can exploit this by using “go routes” and “post routes” on early downs, when the Raiders are still in base defense. For example, on second-and-5, the Dolphins can line Hill up in the slot, send him on a deep post route, and have Tagovailoa deliver a 30-yard pass before Raiders safety Tre’von Moehrig can get over to help. The Miami Dolphins’ explosive passing attack thrives on these quick-strike plays, which not only score points but also demoralize defenses. By targeting the Raiders’ deep coverage weaknesses, the Dolphins can keep Las Vegas on its heels, prevent the Raiders from stacking the box to stop the run, and open up the entire playbook. This strategy is critical because it forces the Raiders to play reactive football, something they’ve struggled with all season.

Miami Dolphins: How to Capitalize on Raiders’ Weaknesses for a Week 7 Victory also highlights how the Miami Dolphins’ defensive line can exploit the Raiders’ inconsistent offensive line. Las Vegas’ offensive line ranks 26th in the NFL in sacks allowed (18) and has given up 62 pressures—numbers that are even worse on third downs (9 sacks, 28 pressures). The Dolphins’ defensive line, led by Christian Wilkins and Jaelan Phillips, can take advantage of this by using a mix of interior rushes and edge blitzes. Wilkins, who has 3 sacks and 12 pressures this season, can exploit the Raiders’ right guard (who has allowed 4 sacks) with his quickness off the line. Phillips, meanwhile, can use his speed to beat the Raiders’ left tackle, who has struggled with edge rushers all season. The Dolphins can also send blitzes from linebackers Mohamed Kamara and Andrew Van Ginkel on third-and-long, forcing Raiders quarterback Aidan O’Connell to make quick decisions. O’Connell, who has a 68.2 passer rating under pressure (compared to 95.1 when clean), is prone to hurried throws and interceptions when pressured. By dominating the line of scrimmage, the Miami Dolphins’ defensive line can limit the Raiders’ offensive output, force turnovers, and give the Dolphins’ offense short fields to work with. This isn’t just about sacking O’Connell—it’s about disrupting the Raiders’ timing, making it harder for them to connect with Davante Adams and move the chains.

Miami Dolphins: How to Capitalize on Raiders’ Weaknesses for a Week 7 Victory concludes by stressing that the Miami Dolphins’ game plan success depends on consistent execution. Even the best game plan fails if players don’t follow through—whether it’s the offensive line opening up run lanes, Smythe getting open against linebackers, or the defensive line generating pressure. Head coach Mike McDaniel has spent extra time in practice this week on “situation drills,” simulating scenarios where the Dolphins will need to exploit Raiders weaknesses (e.g., red-zone runs, deep passes on second down, third-down blitzes). The players have embraced this focus, with Mostert and Achane practicing zone-stretch plays repeatedly, and Wilkins working on one-on-one rushes against Raiders offensive linemen. If the Miami Dolphins’ game plan is executed well, the Dolphins can win by double digits, regain the momentum they lost in Week 6, and send a message to the rest of the AFC that they’re a team that can win with both talent and strategy. On the other hand, if execution falters, the Raiders could exploit the Dolphins’ lingering flaws. For the Dolphins, Week 7 is about more than just winning—it’s about proving they can be a complete team, one that knows how to attack opponents’ weaknesses as well as fix its own.