Dolphins Grind Out Dominant Win Over Raiders to Stay in Playoff Hunt

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – The Miami Dolphins executed a methodical and efficient game plan to dispatch the Las Vegas Raiders 34-19 on Sunday at Hard Rock Stadium. By combining patience, precision, and a few explosive plays, the Dolphins secured their second consecutive victory, keeping their playoff hopes alive in a tightly contested AFC race.
Tua Tagovailoa was in command throughout the afternoon, completing 28 of 36 passes for 288 yards and three touchdowns. Miami’s quarterback showcased his ability to orchestrate lengthy drives, with the Dolphins posting 10-, 14-, 14-, and 16-play scoring possessions. Tagovailoa’s chemistry with tight end Jonnu Smith and wide receiver Tyreek Hill proved vital, as the duo combined for 13 receptions, 162 yards, and three touchdowns.
Smith delivered one of the game’s defining moments late in the fourth quarter. With Miami looking to close out the game, Tagovailoa found a wide-open Smith on busted coverage for a 57-yard catch-and-run touchdown. The score capped an impressive outing for Smith, who notched a season-high 101 receiving yards.
“The red seas parted,” Smith said. “Tua and I locked eyes, and we made the rest happen.”
While the Dolphins’ offense shined, their defense provided crucial support by limiting the Raiders’ effectiveness in critical moments. The unit held Las Vegas to field goals on their first two red-zone trips and bottled up the Raiders’ rushing attack for most of the game.
Rookie tight end Brock Bowers was a bright spot for the Raiders, hauling in 13 catches for 124 yards and a 23-yard touchdown. However, quarterback Gardner Minshew struggled to find consistent success. Despite throwing for 282 yards, Minshew committed his 13th turnover of the season late in the fourth quarter when Jalen Ramsey intercepted a wayward pass, sealing the Dolphins’ victory.
“We’ve got to keep executing and straining a little bit more,” Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce said. “Opportunities were there, but we didn’t finish.”
The Dolphins offense clicked on nearly every possession, scoring on six of seven drives. Their ability to sustain drives and convert key third downs (8-for-12 on the day) was pivotal. Running back De’Von Achane added balance to the attack, rushing 17 times for 73 yards, including a 2-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter.
Miami’s efficiency was highlighted in the third quarter when they marched 97 yards on a 14-play drive, capped by an 8-yard touchdown pass from Tagovailoa to Hill. Achane’s 30-yard run on the drive was one of the few explosive plays in a game defined by controlled, grinding offense.
“We’ve got good enough players to where, if we get them the ball in space, we like our chances,” Tagovailoa said.
The Dolphins improved to 4-6 with the win, firmly in the hunt for an AFC wild-card spot. Miami remains at home next week to face the New England Patriots in a pivotal divisional matchup.
Head coach Mike McDaniel praised his team’s resilience, noting the improvement in execution over the past two weeks.
“I don’t know about you guys,” McDaniel said, “but winning feels a lot better than losing. We’re going to keep trying to do that.”
With Tagovailoa at the helm and the defense holding steady, the Dolphins are well-positioned to make a late-season push for the playoffs.
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