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The Raiders are once again looking for a rebound win. This time they need to beat a Miami Dolphins team that is on the upswing. The Dolphins dominated Los Angeles last week, even more than the score indicated. Miami looks like a different team with Tua back at QB.

The Dolphins RB duo of Devon Achane and Raheem Mostert is among the most balanced in the league. Both are capable of big slashes and dashes in the run game. Las Vegas must step up in coverage, particularly when Achane is a receiver put of the backfield.

Moreover, Tyrek Hill and Jaylen Waddle are explosive on the outside. Rookie Malik Washington has had flashes. Odell is there as a veteran. The Raiders secondary has stepped up this season but this will be one of their bigger tests.

The Raiders secondary is going to have to make a play to counter Miami’s defense. Trevon Moehrig is having his best season. Hopefully, he can net another pick this week and not get beat deep. Robert Spillane and Divine Deablo need to stay discipline. This is the week where they can get trashed by screens and drags. All that starts with getting home to Tuaand making him uncomfortable.

Still, it doesn’t help that the Raiders are on the road. You never know how they will play when they travel to the East Coast.

Either way, the Raiders are healthy defensively. Maxx Crosby needs to bring his usual disruption. We also need to look at Tyree Wilson to develop a more consistent pass rush plan out of the bye. He has some tools but he is still very hot and cold. Veterans John Jenkins and Adam Butler need to set the tempo by being stout versus the run early.

Offensively, we know the Raiders want to get the ball to Brock Bowers. Miami brings one of the better safety duos with Jevon Holland and Jordan Poyer. On the outside, Jakobi Meyers draws Jalen Ramsey. Vegas is going to have to find creative ways to get the ball to Meyers via trick plays.

Otherwise, we have all been waiting for this running attack to show some life. They will be without their starting center Andre James. However, Jackson Powers-Johnson can bring them an extra surge at the point of attack from the center position. This offensive line will get tested. Calais Campbell keeps defying time. He is stout against the run especially. Veteran DE Emmanuel Ogbah has also looked good in spots.

Miami also has Anthony Walker and Jordyn Brooks. Both get to the ball. They are more limited in coverage but have tools to cover the reserve TEs.

In the end, it seems corny to say Antonio Pierce is coaching for his job every week. The truth is, his fate may be inevitable. Every bad loss inches him closer to getting fired while each win atleast keeps him in the middle ground for a bit longer. It’s a tough position to be in given that the Raiders need a lot of help in the upcoming NFL Draft. Winning only lowers their chances at landing a future QB.

Nonetheless, we heard the rumblings about a team only meeting. Let’s see the fruits of that labor with a hard fought performance. The last thing Pierce or any Raiders fan wants to see, is a team come out slow on the road after a buy. If they still struggle to drive down the field after making many changes on offense, Pierce could easily lose the lockerroom and front office.

All that aside, the Raiders need to show some kind of identity. Ideally, we want them to runthe ball, push the ball down the field, create turnovers and get sacks. If they do that, they can spark a run over the rest of the season. However, we have yet to see Vegas do any of those four things consistently all season. Let’s just hope they left that all behind them in the Bye Week.

Beat the Chiefs and Thoughts from Miami

The Raiders last beat the Chiefs in October 2020. Before that, they last beat them in October 2017. Therefore, Vegas is due an upset over their AFC West rival.

Kansas City is off a close loss to the Eagles on Monday Night. They were a few drops away from really making that game a blowout. Philadelphia showed you can beat Kansas City with consistent play from your running game and front seven. The Raiders should expect Kansas City to come out focused on execution this week.

Still, Kansas City narrowly escaped the Dolphins the week prior to playing Philly. They also lost by two scores to the Denver Broncos. The Chiefs are beatable if the Raiders play their game.

Last week, the Raiders fought hard versus a more talented Dolphins team. Per usual, they had no answer for Tyreek Hill. Hill left the game midway with injury and still finished with way over 100 yards receiving.

The Raiders defense still made enough plays and created enough turnovers to keep the team in reach. They needed more from their pass rush as far as sacks but they did a good job finding ways to get off the field on tough spots.

Unfortunately, Aiden O’Connell missed on a few shots that would’ve changed the game. He also threw three interceptions. O’Connell can’t afford another week like that.

Still, The Raiders also gave up on the run too early. They were trying to get Davante Adams engaged early. But they should’ve stuck with the run, particularly with left tackle Kolton Miller out. It only takes one big dash from Josh Jacobs and his entire yards per carry would have went up. That’s what’s crazy about yards per carry

Miller along with guard Dylan Parham are listed as questionable versus Kansas City. The Raiders will need to establish the run to control the clock and keep the Chiefs offense off the field. That’s hard to do if the Raiders get down big early. A few turnovers from the Raiders defense should also help negate any big plays from the Chiefs.

Maxx Crosby was listed as doubtful but he’s expected to play. The Raiders will need his pass rush versus Pat Mahomes and the Chiefs. Vegas needs someone else to step up and make some plays too. Tyree Wilson could be an x-factor this week. Either way, the interior lineman must be stout against the run too. Kansas City is too hard to beat when their running backs are engaged and clicking.

The Chiefs can get away from their run game. However, I expect them to rely on that given their receivers deficiencies. Regardless, we know Travis Kelce is a problem. The Raiders linebacker corps has dealt with injuries all season. They will be on notice. Hopefully safety Trevon Moehrig can play as the Raiders will need his help over the top.

A lot of people hope Vegas will sign All-Pro LB Darius Leonard after he was released by the Colts. Leonard makes a lot of sense as he can really play any of the linebacker spots. He’s a ball hawk, tackle machine and turnover creator. Leonard would fit nice to Spillane and the Raiders bulky interior front. Only issue is Leonard has dealt with injuries and inconsistent playing time over the last three seasons. It would still be cool if Vegas had him in this game for support in the middle.

Ultimately, the Raiders got to get the best out of what they have on their roster. They need to execute to the best of their ability to even have a chance in this game. Moreover, their best chance will come from sticking to their game plan.

The game plan needs to revolve around establishing the run and helping O’Connell find a rhythm with some easy passes. Vegas can not afford to not capitalize on good field positions or turnovers again. They need to run the ball on the first two downs to setup east third down conversions. Then they can mix in the deep shots to keep the defense honest.

On defense, they need to stay the course and play discipline versus the run. They need to find ways to pressure the quarterback and create some turnovers. Vegas has been able to do that in key spots this year. Most of all, they can’t get rattled if they give up a big play. They must have a bend don’t break mentality.

A loss here will bury the Raiders deeper in the AFC Wild Card race. Regardless, this home game versus a stronger opponent should tell us what we need to know about this Raiders team and head coach Antonio Pierce. Any one can coach when the team is winning. But how do you bounce back after a tough road loss? Will guys still respond and stick to the plan? What energy will they bring to their home field versus a rival that features a more talented roster?

If Vegas can pull out a win here, Pierce has a really strong case to keep his job. A loss wouldn’t mean a final verdict. However, it’s more important the Raiders keep their swagger and identify regardless if they win or lose.

Nonetheless, nobody wants silver linings. Raider Nation wants to beat the Chiefs. They want to stay in the playoff race. Let’s see if the Raiders can deliver. Just Win Baby!

About the last two weeks and keys to beating the Dolphins

It has been a hell of turnaround the last two weeks. The Las Vegas Raiders are 2-0 under interim head coach Antonio Pierce.

Vegas dominated a New York Giants that was bad. The Giants also lost their starting quarterback early in the game. Vegas spread the ball around at home. It was the most dominate performance of the season fresh off the Raiders making an organizational change.

Then, the Raiders beat the Jets in a super close prime time game. The Jets could’ve easily won that game as the two teams were evenly matched. The Jets could’ve given the Raiders some problem with young talent throughout the roster. Former Raider Solomon Thomas got a sack for the Jets. Quinnen Williams chipped in half a sack.

Both victories came at home. Neither showing was perfect. The offensive line loo led good but also took some losses. However, it was nice to see the Raiders string together some wins.

Now, Pierce must lead his guys on the road. Raider Nation knows the Raiders’ woes traveling to the East Coast too well. The Raiders opted to practice three hours early, rather then go to Florida early. Hopefully, it pays off in Miami versus a Dolphins’ team that scored more than 30 points in five games.

Vegas needs to stick to the formula. Josh Jacobs has had his best two games of the season. He finally seems to be getting some momentum. The Raiders got the ball to Davante Adams to keep the Jets honest. Raiders rookie quarterback Aiden O’Connell hasn’t been perfect but he has had shimmers of success. Great offensive line play and a successful rushing attack provide safety to a rookie quarterback. The Raiders need to stick to that formula.

On defense, the Raiders are finding their stride. They got an interception and two sacks last week. They kept Breece Hall in check a week after not really having an answer for Saquon Barkley. Barkley averaged over five yards per carry but the Giants got away from the running game due to the large defector. Vegas was able to sack the quarterback eight times and they registered two interceptions versus the G-Men.

Now, the Raiders will get the Miami Dolphins in the road. Miami quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has more poise and accuracy than the last two quarterbacks the Raiders played. Tyreek Hill always tears up the Raiders dating by to his Chief days. I’m sure he will love to do it again. The Raiders secondary needs to play discipline over the top and the corners need to play more cautiously. Miami can beat them in single coverage and over the top deep.

The Miami Dolphins will also get rookie running back De’Von Achane back from IR. Achane had 7 touchdowns and over 400 yards before he went down with a knee injuries. Overall, this Dolphins offense is much more explosive than the Raiders’ last two opponents. Let’s see if the Raiders can keep their swagger this week.

Pierce deserves a lot of credit for the last two wins, since he’s effectively opened up the lines for communication between players and staff again. Yet, we’ll see how he really does leading this team on the road versus a strong opponent. We’ll be more able to judge his long term coaching ability by the adjustments he makes if the team goes down. How will they respond if they go down bad?

Either way, it seems like the Raiders are getting back to their identity. Expect them to lean on Jacobs early as well as push the ball downfield in spots. The running game will help the Raiders keep the Dolphins offense off the field.

Defensively, the Raiders really need to get after the quad back but also play discipline against the run. They got to stay at home versus the running game and they can’t suffer any big games to misdirection. Collectively, the defense can’t get down if they give up any big plays. They also need to keep finding ways to takeaway the ball. If the Raiders can get a few sacks, it might be easier to force Tua into an interception. Plus, turnovers gives the offense momentum, a short field and favorable terms.

The Raiders and Dolphins both have 18 wins versus each other historically. They went to overtime the last time they played in 2021, but both teams were totally different. This time the Dolphins are playing to create some separation in their division. They also want to prove their status as a contender. Vegas, on the other hand, needs a win to elevate them in a crowded AFC Wild Card picture.

This is going to be a tough win on the road. But the Raiders could use the momentum headed into a division bout with the Chiefs next week.

Running the ball, converting plays downfield, creating turnovers, stopping the run and limiting big plays will help the Raiders win their third straight for the first time this season. If Vegas can secure this road win, Pierce will earn his third cigar celebration. Regardless, it’s nice to see the Raiders regain some swagger. Hopefully, they keep playing with that fun and intensity no matter if they win or lose.

No Trap or Revenge Needed in Week 3 Vs Miami

Is it really different this time?

The Raiders are 2-0 much like last season. This time their defense is receiving a lot more praise off standout performances from Solomon Thomas, Carl Nassib, Maxx Crosby, and more. 

Also, Derek Carr is getting a lot more praise and recognition this time around. Dude is already amidst lots of MVP conversations. The Raiders are also doing it in Las Vegas and with fans in the building. Much different than last year’s COVID season. https://www.getrevue.co/profile/silverandblog

How Did We Get Here?

Listen, I’ll take beating the Steelers any day. However, we got to acknowledge that they were down two key starters with Devin Bush and Joe Haden out. Trai Turner left the game due to his own B.S.

One side of the coin, the Raiders beat two tough AFC North teams which will be critical for playoff seeding. The other side, the Raiders beat two overrated AFC teams with major injuries.

Either way, it’s clear the Steelers are a solid team. I think they took more lateral steps this year than many expected. However, many said the same thing about Baltimore last week. The Ravens just answered any questions about their contention by upsetting the Chiefs on Sunday Night Football.

There were a lot of things to love about Sunday’s win. Trayvon Mullen made a crucial pick that reminded us all our DBs are actually legit now. Casey Hayward still ain’t given up a reception.

Solomon Thomas came up big with two sacks. Mad Maxx Crosby kept up his pressures and hits on the QBs. The run defense improved thanks partly to K.J. Wright. They held Pittsburgh’s key rookie rusher to under 40 yards for the game. Starting tight end Eric Ebron was a non-factor for the Steelers thanks to improved linebacker and safety play.

On offense, Carr was 28/37 with no interceptions. The Raiders quarterback earned his MVP consideration all week. More importantly, he was 4/4 on deep passes. Carr lead PFF and ESPN advanced QB metrics last week.

Henry Ruggs also eclipsed 100 receiving yards and scored a touchdown. Daniel Carlson converted a game winning field goal and had his highest scoring game in his young career.

Otherwise, there were some ugly moments. The tussle between Turner and Crosby earned them both fines this week. Najee Harris stiff-armed Johnathan Abrams’ soul. The Raiders gave up some deep plays to the Steelers.

Our Silver and Black never really established the run game either. The offensive line played well enough but they were far from perfect.

Keys Versus the Dolphins

Don’t call Week Three a trap game. Yes, the Raiders are favored. Nonetheless, Vegas will need to show they can beat a struggling team without struggling. This will make Raiders Nation feel like things are finally different this time.

We also can’t forget the Dolphins lead a miraculous comeback that ended the Raiders’ playoff chances when these two teams played last year. Carr didn’t play in that game last season but this time the Dolphins will be down their starter. Jon Gruden still won’t call this game a revenge game since Ryan Fitzpatrick is long gone.

Regardless, Miami damn near got mercy-ruled last week as the Bills gave them a 35-0 loss. Tua left the game with a ribs injury and Jacoby Brissett entered. Brissett will make his first start since 2019 after throwing an interception in limited action last week. He should find himself under constant pressure as the Raiders defensive line comes to town.

Miami has not done anything too scary on offense this season. Still, Davante Parker is a big name and he brings a big body that should give the Raiders some problems in the end zone. They’ve got a phenomenal rookie and Will Fuller should return this week too. Vegas will have to respect Brissett’s legs and Mike G. at tight end. Yet, the Dolphins have yet to find a featured back.

On defense, Miami features a solid mix of young players and veterans. Corners Xavien Howard and Byron Jones are among the highest paid duo in the league. You add veteran safeties Eric Rowe and Jason McCourty, along with nickel Justin Coleman. This young Raiders receiver group will get tested. There’s a reason why some think this can be a trap game.

Moreover, Christian Wilkins is a beast. John Jenkins and Emmanuel Ogbah compromise a versatile front that could cause problems for the Raiders offensive line that features some inexperienced players due to injuries.

This team is also well coached with Brian Flores. Also, shout out to former Raiders GM Reggie McKenzie who has been a part of the Miami front office since leaving Oakland.

Keys To Beating the Phins

If the Raiders want to beat the Dolphins, they have to establish their identity. That means running the ball effectively enough to get short second and third downs. It means converting downfield shots without turning the ball over. The Raiders have done that for the most part the last few weeks.

Now, their offensive line must step up and do it against a tricky Miami front. They can’t take any steps back just because they are the favorites. We can’t kill ourselves with penalties or let them hang in the game.

One-on-one, the Raiders young receiver corps face a tough matchup versus the Dolphins. They can answer any questions about the group with a solid games versus the Phins. Vegs should win if Carr can continue his efficiency while also stretching the field. Again, Carr’s success will rely on the success of his young receivers, offensive line and hobbled backfield.

This is also a prove-it game for the Raiders’ secondary and defensive line that is capturing national attention for their turnaround. Don’t let Miami find their rhythm in the run game or gain confidence with big scramble plays or pass completions.

Even if he wasn’t the Week One starter, Brissett is not a bad player. He could expose the team if they don’t play discipline. The Vegas defense can’t have any lapses versus a hobbled Miami offense that appears subpar on paper. It’s about establishing their dominance with turnovers and big hits but also playing with enough discipline to keep the Phins from having a chance.

Ultimately, the Raiders can prove they are not the same team that collapsed in the second half of the last two seasons by dominating a team they should beat at home. They can show their defense is real by a third straight strong performance from the defensive line, along with continued consistency in the secondary and increasingly improved play by the backer.

Offensively, this young group should benefit by many reps versus a stout Dolphins defense. It is up to them to prove themselves in the trenches and one-on-one from the outside. We know what Carr and Waller will bring in terms of efficiency. Kenyan Drake could also use a big game on the ground versus the team that drafted him. Drake has been a weapon in the air but the Raiders will need him to make some big rushing plays as Jacobs continues battling injury.

The Raiders handling the Dolphins should continue building playoff momentum and rhythm for the young Raiders offense and defense. It’s a chance for a statement made over a team that narrowly edged them out over some B.S. last year. A statement that says we aren’t just the same Raiders as last year. Plus, who doesn’t want to be 3-0 heading into Chargers week on Monday Night?

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Petty Pete’s thoughts before Week Three

I wasn’t always this petty. I didn’t always attack the Raiders. I didn’t always make jokes about being a Rams or Chargers fan. Scroll through my archive. You’ll find some combination of objective optimism and standom. I always found a way to believe the Raiders could find a way to win no matter how obviously overmatched they were.

Not this year. Maybe it’s the move. Maybe it’s the Mack trade. Maybe it’s the fact that key players from last years team are gone while the roster is filled with either veterans or under-experienced. Really, it’s probably the fact that the Raiders leveraged an entire six year rebuilding process for a media personality who hadn’t coached this decade.

Nonetheless, the Raiders are 0-2. One loss was a blowout that was closer than it appeared. The other one was a collapse to a solid but not great Denver team which is lead by a game managing QB and unknown receiver. Point is, it only took one Monday night loss for Gruden to go from winning a ring before leaving Oakland to being happy about his team competing to the end. Since when is a twenty point loss something to be proud of?

Same goes for last week. Two losses without Khalil Mack and Gruden is already talking about hindsight and hoping he made the right decision. Mack is 1-1 with the Bears and looking like a god. We know how Hard it is to find a pass rusher yet Gruden is out here trading generational ones.

Meanwhile, the Raiders d-line offers as much pressure as that professor who always extends deadlines. Shaking my head, does Gruden know what he’s doing more than an aging Al Davis in his final game?

That’s exactly why a loss this week would be so huge. The Raiders barely squeaked put a win over the Dolphins last year. Now, they’ll have to do that despite being a team that has never done well traveling to the East Coast. This might be a win that resets the season and stops the bleeding or it is another loss that will send the season spiraling.

B.I at End is a No-No

Listen man, Bruce Irvin is a hell of a player but I’ve said from the jump he is not a defensive end. I don’t care that he has played the position in spots or played that primarily in college. The fact that he is our primary pass rusher is more of a statement of our pass rush than it is his ability to play end.

You saw it in that viral video. Dude lacked effort in the last game versus the Broncos. A similar breakdown showed its face versus the Rams too.

What did you expect? Irvin is functionally strong and has good length for his frame but that by no means he needs to set the edge and corner QBs every single down. You don’t have to be an expert to know that. The first couple of weeks, Irvin and some of the Raiders ends have relied on spin moves. Spin moves are cool in college but they usually don’t work versus the strength, balance and athleticism of NFL tackles. Usually a spin move is the last resort for when you get beat initially. Of course, there’s some exceptions like Robert Mathis and Dwight Freeney who have GOAT spin moves but BI is not in that class. Those guys had a plethora of moves and could fall back on a spin. Plus, they played the position naturally and more often in the pros.

The point is, Irvin isn’t an end. Expecting him to be that this late in his career is a real disservice. After he came from Seattle, he talked about how the move to linebacker saved his career. Now, for some reason we think he can be relied on to play that spot.

It’s not fair. Irvin needs another dominate end who can both handle pass rush and setting the edge. Arden Key is young and dynamic enough to do that eventually. Except he’s not there yet. His size and experience brings its own handicap that is also better at chasing from the backside. Irvin is also better using his speed and instincts to shoot gaps and chase plays from the backside. Put those two players together and you get teams hitting on draw plays and cutting back for long zone runs like we’ve seen the Rams and Broncos do the first weeks.

Of course, I hate to make excuses for a player like Irvin who we know is a pro and stud. However, the truth is he is not a defensive end. He definitely shouldn’t be a teams lead defensive end either. We’ve seen Irvin compete because that’s what he does but the coaching needs to put him in better spots to succeed. Even if that means only playing BI in spots or signing another guy to compliment dude, the Raiders have got to accept the fact that BI was never a linebacker

Trading for a playmaker?

How the the Raiders traded a franchise player, parted ways with most of their recent draft classes and gave up a franchise QB to move back in the draft and still over draft a tackle beats me. At the very least, the Raiders should have a record number of picks or they could’ve snagged an unhappy superstar LeVeon Bell or Earl Thomas who were both holding out. Shoot, they could’ve even got Josh Gordon who goes to a stacked New England team.

Still, there’s a player the Raiders could trade for that would change all of that. Could Antonio Brown be the spark the Raiders could acquire before the trade deadline?

Antonio Brown’s agent denied any rumors that his client wanted anything but to win. This effort to put out the smoke cake after Brown was visibly upset on the sideline in a loss, then joked with a former team administrator on Twitter about trading him and didn’t show up for practice on Monday. One of the league’s best receiver might become more available if the 0-1-1 Steelers continue to underachieve.

The Raiders trading for Antonio Brown would be really ironic. Brown might be just close enough to thirty just versatile enough and just motivated enough for the Raiders to take a chance on him. It would pair Brown back with Martavis Brown. Not to mention, Amari Cooper drew comparisons to Brown for his versatility.

Oakland would have two receivers capable of mismatches across the field. Otherwise, maybe the Raiders send Cooper back to the Steelers in the draft. Remember, Cooper has the same agent as Mack and Cooper will need a new deal after next year. Thus, he probably won’t be untouchable especially if he nets the Raiders Brown.

Brown has been one of the best receivers in his generation. He already has over 10,000 career receiving yards and 60 career touchdowns. He’s had six seasons with more than 1,000 receiving yards. You don’t think Derek Carr could use that kind of player?

I don’t care if Brown says he doesn’t want to get traded. The situation is worth monitoring and the Raiders better consider that move if there is an opportunity.

All that aside, it’s time to just win baby!

What to expect from the Dolphins?

Raiders are going to have to stop the run and contain the quarterback. Miami OC Dowell Loggains spent two seasons as the same position in Chicago and he’s also worked previously in Tennessee. Pro and spread elements will be worked into the game plan. Expect him to utilize Frank Gore and Kenyan Drake both as runners and pass catcher. He’s going to give Ryan Tannehill some movement out of the pocket too. The Raiders will have a long day if they can’t keep the Dolphins from controlling the clock and keep Tannehill off his spots. The Raiders defensive tackles will need to step up and stop the run as well as get pressure from the middle. The Dolphins o-line has been solid but the Raiders can exploit them. Football Outsiders literally ranks them as the 16th o-line which makes them exactly middle of the pack.

On defense, DC Matt Birk has some Paul Guenther ties as he was LB coach in Cincinnati before he held that position and was promoted to DC this season. Expect a 4-3 base defense that isn’t all to different from the Raiders. They’ll try to get as much pressure with their front four. Cameron Wake and Robert Quinn should really challenge the Raiders tackles. Oakland will need their receivers to get open early and often. Their QB can help them out by taking some chances and taking a few shots deep too. I’m not too worried about the Dolphins linebackers on the Raiders backs or tight ends. Speed and coverage ability is something the Raiders should exploit.