Sep 14, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders outside linebacker Khalil Mack (52) catches the ball before the start of the game against the Houston Texans at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Defense
The running game is dead if the Raiders get behind and it won’t matter what the Raiders do on offense if the defense doesn’t bring it. And the best way for that to happen is for defensive coordinator Jason Tarver to keep the Raiders in a base 3-4. It has unleashed rookie outside linebacker Khalil Mack as well as rookie and nose tackle Justin Ellis.
Ellis’ insertion into the starting lineup against the Patriots seems to have helped with the Raiders woes against the run. It also seems to have turned 3rd-year linebacker Miles Burris into a pretty good inside linebacker vs not so good at middle linebacker. That was big to strengthen to the middle because Miami is solid running the ball and no one has been able to run outside on Mack or LaMarr Woodley on the other side.
Then of course, there’s that Mack-attack pass rush that has Wooldey on the other side, Antonio Smith inside, and Justin Tuck all over. Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill was already sack four times by the Chiefs last Sunday. Therefore the game plan in the secondary should be bump-and-run coverage to support the pass rush because Tannehill will try to throw quick and short.