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5 takeaways from Oakland Raiders’ win over Miami Dolphins

By John Buhler

MIAMI GARDENS, FL - NOVEMBER 05: Derek Carr No. 4 of the Oakland Raiders of the Oakland Raiders celebrates a touchdown during a game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on November 5, 2017 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
MIAMI GARDENS, FL - NOVEMBER 05: Derek Carr No. 4 of the Oakland Raiders of the Oakland Raiders celebrates a touchdown during a game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on November 5, 2017 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /
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MIAMI GARDENS, FL – NOVEMBER 05: Tight end Jared Cook No. 87 of the Oakland Raiders is tackled by cornerback Bobby McCain No. 28 of the Miami Dolphins and Maurice Smith No. 27 of the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on November 5, 2017 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images)
MIAMI GARDENS, FL – NOVEMBER 05: Tight end Jared Cook No. 87 of the Oakland Raiders is tackled by cornerback Bobby McCain No. 28 of the Miami Dolphins and Maurice Smith No. 27 of the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on November 5, 2017 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images) /

Getting Jared Cook involved in the receiving game is always a good idea

Perhaps the biggest reason for optimism for the Raiders in the home stretch is the great play of tight end Jared Cook of late. He had his second 100-yard receiving game for the Raiders on Sunday Night Football against the Dolphins.

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Cook had great mismatches against the Dolphins’ linebacking corps. Teams usually try to exploit Kiko Alonso in the passing game. Cook finished the night with game-highs with eight receptions and 126 yards. He is not just a safety valve for Derek Carr anymore, Cook is a vibrant part of the Oakland offense.

For years, Cook was an enticing, albeit underperforming tight end in the league. He seems to have found a great spot playing for the Raiders. Having him emerge as a big factor in the passing game certainly takes the pressure of top receivers Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree to move the chains.

Next: Raiders win in primetime over Dolphins, 27-24

Though Carr still loves to air it out, just look at that awesome touchdown pass to Johnny Holton, it’s nice to see him have another reliable target in the short-to-medium passing game in Cook. Regardless of how the season shakes out, Oakland now knows that Cook is here to stay in the Raiders passing game. Without him, the Raiders would be on a seven-game losing streak.

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