Oakland Raiders v. Miami Dolphins: Four Things That Must Happen

Eliminate Explosive Plays

Explosive plays are something we’ve harped on time and time again. And until the Raiders figure out how to eliminate them, it’s a point that apparently is going to need to continue to be reinforced.

For the uninitiated, “explosive plays” are typically thought of as runs of 10 yards or more, or passes of 20 yards or more. Last season’s defense gave up those explosive plays like you hand out candy on Halloween.

For the year, Oakland’s defense surrendered a total of 79 “explosive plays” — 41 rushing and 38 passing plays.

Through eight games this season, the Raiders defense is on pace to surpass that dubious mark. To this point in the year, Oakland has surrendered 15 “explosive plays” on the ground and a pair of touchdowns to go with it. They’ve also given up 26 total “explosive plays” through the air and seven touchdowns.

That’s a grand total 41 “explosive plays” and nine touchdowns, if you’re scoring at home. And that’s through only half the season – with a load of high-powered offenses on the upcoming slate.

Last season, Oakland’s offense put up plenty of “explosive plays” of their own, which helped to counteract, or at least, partially offset, the defense giving up so many big plays and points. This year though, the offense isn’t having as much success and hasn’t been able to offset the “explosive plays” the defense is giving up.

Until the offense is able to get back on their feet – which remains a big if, at this point – Oakland’s defense is going to have to find a way to eliminate the big plays they’re giving up. They’re going to have to find a way to buckle down and keep the offense in front of them – and out of the endzone, preferably.

With the Dolphins having, shockingly enough, jettisoned running back Jay Ayaji, Oakland’s defense may have an opportunity to shut down the running game. But, with just three healthy cornerbacks lining up for the Raiders, and given their troubles, the Raiders are going to have dig deep and find a way to contain Jarvis Landry, Kenny Stills, and DeVante Parker.

It’s a tall order, but if the Raiders are going to take a step toward salvaging their season, it’s going to have to start there, with the defense tightening up in a major way.