4 reasons the Las Vegas Raiders will beat the Miami Dolphins in Week 3
Defensive line
When the Raiders hired Gus Bradley as their defensive coordinator, it was clear the Raiders needed to bring in a defensive line that could get push without blitzing. Last year, the Raiders did not have the defensive line to get that done, so they almost completely rebuilt the line. The Raiders brought in new players in Yannick Ngakoue, Soloman Thomas, Darius Philon, Quinton Jefferson, and Gerald McCoy, but kept defensive line coach Rod Marinelli because of his history working with not only Jon Gruden, but Gus Bradley as well.
So far, I would say that the plan has worked out.
Ngakoue and Crosby are on their way to becoming the best passing rushing duo, as they had talked about all offseason, and Philon was everywhere Monday night in Week 1. Solomon Thomas was considered a bust with the 49ers, but just recorded two sacks against the Steelers, while Jefferson is creating pressure from the inside.
Even holdover Carl Nassib has been better in two games this season than all last season.
The Miami Dolphins offensive line has been struggling so far to start the season, so this is the perfect situation to compile both pressures and sacks for this very much improved defensive line.