Raiders put some meaning behind their promises, but it was the Dolphins
The Raiders have a long way to go before anyone mistakes them for Super Bowl contenders.And by no means did Sunday’s 27-13 win over the Dolphins answer all of their questions.If we’re keeping it a buck, they still have a long way to go.But their first victory under Klint Kubiak offered something more meaningful than another promise that better days are coming.There was evidence.In the running lanes, the pass protection and a defense that shared the workload, the Raiders gave themselves reasons to believe they are finally moving in the right direction.There was still plenty to clean up.
Kirk Cousins threw two interceptions, a special teams breakdown opened the door to a 79-yard kickoff return, and lapses in pass coverage offered reminders of how much work remains.Better opponents will make those mistakes more expensive.But for a team that won just three games last year, an offense that averaged a measly 14.2 points, and a defense that rarely rose to the occasion, Sunday provided legitimate reason for optimism.And they did it without star tight end Brock Bowers, who underwent minor knee surgery on Tuesday and was ruled out for Sunday.Here are the key takeaways the Raiders victory:That was one of the more encouraging developments for the Raiders against the Dolphins, when Jeanty and rookie Mike Washington Jr.offered a glimpse of what this backfield can become.Jeanty is the centerpiece, a runner whose combination of balance, power, and explosiveness gives the Raiders someone to build an offense around.
But Washington showed why having a capable running mate can make that centerpiece even more dangerous.Together they combined for 143 rushing yards, with Jeanty adding six catches for 45 yards and a pair of touchdowns.Their effectiveness gave the Raiders two backs to lean on and an intriguing formula moving forward: Let Jeanty lead the way, with Washington helping carry the workload and keeping the pressure on opposing defenses.For Kubiak, that opens possibilities.F...