Miami Dolphins: Week 7 Role of Special Teams and Red-Zone Efficiency in Topping the Raiders

For the Miami Dolphins, Week 7’s matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders will be decided by two often-overlooked but critical factors: special teams performance and red-zone efficiency. While talent and tactics grab headlines, these two areas have proven to be difference-makers in close games this season—especially against an opponent like the Raiders, who have won two games by 4 points or fewer. The Dolphins’ special teams unit has been steady (but not flawless) this season, while their red-zone offense has improved but still has room to grow. Miami Dolphins: Week 7 Role of Special Teams and Red-Zone Efficiency in Topping the Raiders breaks down how excelling in these two areas will not only help the Dolphins bounce back from their Week 6 loss to the Chiefs but also keep them in control of the AFC East. This game isn’t just about outplaying the Raiders—it’s about capitalizing on every scoring opportunity and avoiding the small mistakes that can turn a win into a loss.

Miami Dolphins: Week 7 Role of Special Teams and Red-Zone Efficiency in Topping the Raiders first focuses on red-zone efficiency, a area where the Dolphins have shown progress but need consistency. Entering Week 7, Miami ranks 15th in the NFL in red-zone touchdown rate (55%), a jump from 22nd last season, but they still struggle with converting in high-pressure situations—like third-and-goal or when facing a stacked box. Against the Raiders, who rank 20th in red-zone defense (allowing a 62% touchdown rate), the Dolphins have a chance to boost this number by leaning on their dynamic playmakers. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has been sharp in the red zone this season, completing 71% of his passes with 8 touchdowns and 0 interceptions, but he needs help from his receivers and running backs to create space. For example, the Dolphins can use Tyreek Hill in the slot on red-zone plays—Hill has 3 red-zone touchdowns this season and excels at finding gaps in zone coverage. Running back Raheem Mostert, who has 2 red-zone touchdowns, can also be a factor in short-yardage situations, using his strength to push through the Raiders’ defensive line. Offensive coordinator Frank Smith has emphasized that “red-zone efficiency is about precision—every route, every block, every read has to be perfect.” By converting 70% or more of their red-zone trips into touchdowns, the Dolphins can build a comfortable lead and take pressure off their defense, making it harder for the Raiders to mount a comeback.

Miami Dolphins: Week 7 Role of Special Teams and Red-Zone Efficiency in Topping the Raiders then turns to the Dolphins’ special teams unit, which has a chance to swing momentum early and often against the Raiders. Las Vegas’ special teams have been inconsistent this season—they rank 28th in punt return average (4.3 yards) and 30th in kickoff return average (17.2 yards), and their kicker Daniel Carlson has missed 2 of his 8 field goal attempts. This is a golden opportunity for the Dolphins’ special teams to shine, starting with kicker Jason Sanders. Sanders has been perfect this season, making all 11 of his field goal attempts and 18 extra points, and he’s especially reliable from 40-49 yards (5 for 5). If the Dolphins can’t convert a red-zone trip into a touchdown, Sanders can still put points on the board, preventing the Raiders from gaining momentum from a stop. Punter Jake Bailey is another key piece—he averages 45.2 yards per punt and has pinned opponents inside their 20-yard line 7 times this season. By pinning the Raiders deep in their own territory, Bailey can force Las Vegas to start drives with poor field position, making it harder for their offense to score. The Dolphins’ return unit, led by Jaylen Waddle (9.8 yards per punt return), can also create big plays— a long return could set up the offense inside the Raiders’ 30-yard line, turning a routine drive into a scoring opportunity. “Special teams can win or lose a game, and this week, we have a chance to win it,” special teams coordinator Danny Crossman said.

Miami Dolphins: Week 7 Role of Special Teams and Red-Zone Efficiency in Topping the Raiders emphasizes how the Miami Dolphins’ red-zone playcalling will adapt to the Raiders’ defensive tendencies. Film study shows that the Raiders often stack the box in the red zone (using 6 or more defenders near the line of scrimmage) to stop the run, leaving their secondary vulnerable to short passes. The Dolphins can exploit this by using “play-action passes” to draw linebackers toward the line, then hitting tight end Durham Smythe or wide receiver Isaiah Ford in the flat. Smythe has been a reliable red-zone target this season (2 touchdowns), and his 6’4” frame gives him an advantage over smaller Raiders linebackers. The Miami Dolphins’ red-zone playcalling will also include “fade routes” to Waddle in the back corner of the end zone—Waddle has excellent body control and has caught 2 red-zone fade touchdowns this season. Another key adjustment: using “wildcat” formations with Mostert or De’Von Achane at quarterback. The Raiders have struggled to defend the wildcat this season, allowing a 75% conversion rate when opponents use it in the red zone. By mixing up their playcalling and keeping the Raiders guessing, the Miami Dolphins’ red-zone playcalling can keep the defense off-balance and increase the team’s touchdown rate. This isn’t just about calling good plays—it’s about calling the right plays at the right time, based on how the Raiders are defending.

Miami Dolphins: Week 7 Role of Special Teams and Red-Zone Efficiency in Topping the Raiders also highlights how the Miami Dolphins’ special teams coverage unit will neutralize the Raiders’ return threats. Las Vegas’ primary returner, DeAndre Carter, averages 9.2 yards per punt return and has a career-long 84-yard touchdown return. The Dolphins’ coverage unit, which had a lapse against the Chiefs (allowing a 20-yard punt return), has spent extra time in practice working on “gap coverage” to prevent Carter from finding lanes. Linebackers Mohamed Kamara and Andrew Van Ginkel will lead the charge, taking responsibility for the outside gaps, while defensive backs Elijah Campbell and Verone McKinley III will cover the inside gaps. The Miami Dolphins’ special teams coverage unit will also use a “surge” strategy on kickoffs—all 11 players will sprint toward the returner at once, limiting the time he has to make a decision. Another key adjustment: using “pooch punts” on some plays, kicking the ball short to the sidelines instead of deep. This forces Carter to field the ball near the sideline, reducing his ability to make a long return. “Our goal is to limit Carter to 3 yards or less per return,” Crossman said. By neutralizing the Raiders’ return game, the Miami Dolphins’ special teams coverage unit can prevent Las Vegas from gaining easy momentum and keep the game’s tempo in the Dolphins’ favor.

Miami Dolphins: Week 7 Role of Special Teams and Red-Zone Efficiency in Topping the Raiders concludes by stressing that the Miami Dolphins’ balance between special teams and red-zone play will be the ultimate key to victory. A great red-zone offense won’t matter if the special teams unit gives up a long return that sets up the Raiders for an easy touchdown. Similarly, a strong special teams performance won’t be enough if the Dolphins can’t convert red-zone trips into points. The Miami Dolphins’ balance between special teams and red-zone play means every phase of the game is working in sync: the special teams unit sets up the offense with good field position, the offense converts that position into touchdowns (or field goals), and the coverage unit prevents the Raiders from doing the same. This balance is what separates good teams from great ones, and it’s what the Dolphins need to show against the Raiders. Head coach Mike McDaniel has focused on this balance in practice, running drills where special teams and offense work together—like a punt return that sets up a red-zone drive. “We’re not three separate units—we’re one team,” McDaniel said. If the Dolphins can maintain this balance and excel in both special teams and red-zone efficiency, they’ll not only beat the Raiders but also prove they have the depth and consistency to make a deep playoff run. For the Dolphins, Week 7 is more than a bounce-back game—it’s a chance to show they’re a complete team, capable of winning in every phase of the game.