Miami Dolphins at Las Vegas Raiders: 3 bold predictions in Week 3
Bold Prediction 1: Derek Carr throws for under 250 yards
Derek Carr has been on an absolute tear thus far to begin the 2021 season, setting a Raiders franchise record for passing yards through two games of a season. Carr and the Raiders’ passing game has lit up two of the top defenses in the league in the Steelers and the Ravens, as he threw for over 800 yards combined in the two wins.
This week, however, don’t expect Carr to put up the same gaudy numbers that he has up to this point. The Dolphins have one of the better defenses in the league when it comes to the secondary, as they have invested a lot of money on that side of the ball. Miami boasts one of the best, if not the best, cornerback duos in the league with Xavien Howard and Byron Jones.
In the first two weeks of the season, the Dolphins’ defense has continued to be good against the pass. They have yet to give up over 300 yards, and even in a 35-0 loss, held Josh Allen to under 200 passing yards.
The Dolphins rush defense, however, has not been great through two weeks. Despite the Raiders being unlikely to get their starting RB back this week in Josh Jacobs, Jon Gruden should have a lot more success running the ball with Kenyan Drake and Peyton Barber against Miami than he did in Pittsburgh.
Don’t expect a poor performance from Carr, but his near 7,000 passing yard pace is likely to take a hit this week.