If the Raiders want to be a contender, they must beat the Dolphins easily

The Las Vegas Raiders take on the Miami Dolphins today, and this is why they need to win this game easily to be considered legitimate contenders.

The Las Vegas Raiders have started their season with two straight wins. However, an angry Miami Dolphins team stands in their way to a third consecutive victory.

On Sunday afternoon, the Raiders have a marquee opportunity to start their season 3-0 while also establishing themselves as an early contender in the 2021 NFL season. However, the Miami Dolphins will be angrily entering Allegiant Stadium, after they endured a home shutout loss thanks to Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills last week.

While some may look at the situation in Miami as subpar, history shows that teams often bounce back the following week. The Las Vegas Raiders cannot afford to lose to a Dolphin team that has scored the least offensive points in two games played this season.

Trap games do not exist, non-contending teams do

When did you hear last season about the Tampa Bay Buccaneers having a trap game? That’s right, you didn’t, why? Tampa Bay was a quality team that consistently handled business each week in 2020. Sure, the Any Given Sunday theme and mottos exist in the realm of many football fans, and media connoisseurs alike as the Las Vegas Raiders have shown determination and grit in their opening two victories.

However, the contending teams go out and win regardless of the situation or who their opponent is. Why? Because what matters is that team knowing what they are capable of, and as a result, they dictate the game to their opponents and not vice-versa. The Raiders have a golden opportunity to impose their will on the Miami Dolphins from a defensive standpoint.

The Raiders should beat the Dolphins with their defense alone.

The Las Vegas Raiders’ defensive line can dictate the outcome of this contest alone. Per Pro Football Focus’ premium stats, the Miami Dolphins currently possess the NFL’s worst pass-blocking offensive line in 2021. Luckily, the Las Vegas Raiders defensive front includes two of the league’s top pass rushers entering Sunday’s contest.

Both Maxx Crosby and Yannick Ngakoue have presented themselves as consistent defensive playmakers thus far this season. The duo should generate pressure, turnovers, and ultimately a long day for a struggling Dolphins front. Look for them to set the tone and lead the Raiders to victory on Sunday. Should the Silver and Black take care of business, the talk of contenders will become more legitimate moving forward.