Raiders Dominate Dolphins in Season Opener

Las Vegas, NV- The Miami Dolphins traveled to Las Vegas to begin the 2026/2027 NFL season. The Dolphins’ roster looked much different than the team a year ago from top to bottom. And although there was plenty of change, there was no change to the Week 1 result for the Dolphins as they fell to the Raiders.

The Dolphins opened up with the ball and put together a solid drive before it stalled and ended in a punt. The Raiders’ ensuing drive was dominant and set the tone for the entire afternoon. The eight-play, 93-yard drive came easy for Kirk Cousins and the Raiders, while Ashton Jeanty showed the Dolphins the type of day it was going to be.

The rest of the first half saw the Dolphins give up a field goal and another touchdown, while they added two field goals of their own. Malik Willis and Caleb Douglas were able to form a strong connection in the first half that carried over into the second.

The second half started extremely well for the Dolphins as rookie Michael Taafe recorded an interception, and the Dolphins offense capped it off with a touchdown. A 15-yard run from Malik Willis put the Dolphins within four points. That’s as close as they would get, however, as the Raiders easily marched down the field for another touchdown, Jeanty’s second of the game. Willis then threw his first interception in a Dolphins uniform, leading to three more Raiders points.

Miami had multiple opportunities the rest of the way, but ultimately lost  27-13.

Observations

• The Dolphins defense must improve. The Raiders were able to do whatever they pleased against the Dolphins both through the air and on the ground. Although it is only Week 1, there is no telling what some of the better offenses in the NFL will do against this Dolphins defense.
• Zero pass rush, easy completions, and wide-open rushing lanes. Miami struggled to generate pressure and consistently gave the Raiders easy opportunities through the air while leaving plenty of room for Jeanty and the Raiders’ rushing attack.
• Special teams struggles. A missed field goal and multiple long kick returns consistently put the Raiders in plus territory, giving their offense favorable field position throughout the afternoon.
• Tough debut for Chris Johnson. The Dolphins first round pick was on the wrong end of two touchdowns and had some missed tackles.
• Caleb Douglas shines bright. Douglas was the Dolphins’ best player on offense and put on a show in his first NFL contest. Miami’s receivers have a lot to prove this season, and Douglas is off to a strong start.
• Michael Taafe, Zayne Anderson, and Chris Rodriguez shine on defense. The trio provided some of the brighter moments for a Dolphins defense that otherwise struggled throughout the game.
• Dolphins offensive line struggles. Miami struggled to create running lanes and allowed numerous sacks, making life difficult for Willis throughout the afternoon.
• Willis has a below-average debut. Willis showed some flashes, particularly with his legs and his connection with Douglas, but the interception and overall struggles of the offense made for a difficult first game in a Dolphins uniform.