Miami Dolphins at Las Vegas Raiders: 3 Surprises in Week 3

Sep 26, 2021; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders coach Jon Gruden (right) celebrates with Raiders fan Mark Acasio aka Gorilla RIlla after the game against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium.The Raiders defeated the Dolphins 31-28 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 26, 2021; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders coach Jon Gruden (right) celebrates with Raiders fan Mark Acasio aka Gorilla RIlla after the game against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium.The Raiders defeated the Dolphins 31-28 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – SEPTEMBER 26: Cornerback Casey Hayward Jr. #29 of the Las Vegas Raiders high-fives inside linebacker Denzel Perryman #52 after Hayward tackled Jaylen Waddle #17 of the Miami Dolphins in the end zone for a safety during their game at Allegiant Stadium on September 26, 2021, in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Raiders defeated the Dolphins 31-28 in overtime. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – SEPTEMBER 26: Cornerback Casey Hayward Jr. #29 of the Las Vegas Raiders high-fives inside linebacker Denzel Perryman #52 after Hayward tackled Jaylen Waddle #17 of the Miami Dolphins in the end zone for a safety during their game at Allegiant Stadium on September 26, 2021, in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Raiders defeated the Dolphins 31-28 in overtime. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

The Las Vegas Raiders took care of business against the Miami Dolphins in Week 3, and here are some surprises from the 31-28 victory.

It took coming back from 14 points early, then winning in overtime, but in the end, the Las Vegas Raiders ran their record to 3-0 on Sunday inside Allegiant Stadium. It was a total team effort, one that took an extra frame once again, but in the end, the Raiders showed they are a legitimate team to beat in the AFC this season.

Here are three surprises from the Week 3 victory over the Dolphins.

Miami Dolphins at Las Vegas Raiders: 3 Surprises in Week 3

How good Denzel Perryman has been

The Raiders needed help at the linebacker spot due to injuries this summer, as both Nicholas Morrow and Javin White were hurt towards the end of camp. They turned to some veterans in Denzel Perryman and K.J. Wright, and while Wright has been solid, Perryman has been downright outstanding.

Perryman had the luxury of playing under Gus Bradley in Los Angeles, and since putting on the Silver and Black, he has been a tackling machine. Against Miami, he was all over the field, racking up 14 tackles, and displaying that old-school, punishing mentality that netted him 14 tackles, including ten of the solo variety.

What was once considered an issue after the injuries has become a strength for this Raiders defense.

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