Miami Dolphins: Week 7 Execution Keys to Outlast the Las Vegas Raiders

For the Miami Dolphins, Week 7’s matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders isn’t just about having a strong game plan—it’s about executing that plan with precision for 60 minutes. After a Week 6 loss to the Chiefs where execution lapses (turnovers, coverage mistakes) cost them the game, the Dolphins know that small errors against the Raiders could lead to the same result. Las Vegas, despite its 2-4 record, has proven it can capitalize on opponents’ mistakes—they’ve scored 21 points off turnovers this season, the 10th-most in the NFL. Miami Dolphins: Week 7 Execution Keys to Outlast the Las Vegas Raiders breaks down the critical execution elements the Dolphins need to master, from ball security to defensive discipline, and why each key will determine whether they leave the field with a win. This game is a test of the Dolphins’ maturity as a team—can they turn their game plan into action, even when the Raiders apply pressure?

Miami Dolphins: Week 7 Execution Keys to Outlast the Las Vegas Raiders first focuses on ball security, the most critical execution key for the Dolphins’ offense. Against the Chiefs, Tua Tagovailoa threw two interceptions, and the offense failed to recover a fumble—mistakes that directly led to 14 Kansas City points. This week, the Raiders’ defense ranks 11th in takeaways (6), with a secondary that’s quick to jump routes and a pass rush that forces hurried throws. For Tagovailoa, execution means two things: avoiding forced passes into double coverage and following through on pre-snap reads. In practice this week, Tagovailoa has worked on “checkdown drills,” where he’s required to quickly move from his first target to his second or third if the primary option is covered. Running backs Raheem Mostert and De’Von Achane have also focused on execution in ball security—they’re practicing tucking the football with their non-carrying hand when running through traffic and keeping the ball high against tackles. Offensive coordinator Frank Smith has emphasized that “execution here isn’t flashy—it’s about making the safe play when the risky one isn’t there.” By limiting turnovers, the Dolphins can keep the Raiders’ offense off the field and prevent Las Vegas from gaining momentum. This execution key is non-negotiable: if the Dolphins turn the ball over more than once, their chances of winning drop by 40%, per NFL historical data.

Miami Dolphins: Week 7 Execution Keys to Outlast the Las Vegas Raiders then turns to defensive discipline, a must for containing the Raiders’ passing attack. Las Vegas loves to use pre-snap motion and formation shifts to confuse defenses, hoping to draw players out of their assignments. For the Dolphins’ defense, execution means staying in their lanes, ignoring distractions, and sticking to their coverage responsibilities—especially when defending Davante Adams. Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio has run “motion drill” in practice, where the Dolphins’ secondary and linebackers must maintain their positions even as Raiders’ offensive players shift across the line of scrimmage. For example, when the Raiders motion Adams from the slot to the outside, cornerback Xavien Howard must communicate with safety Jordan Poyer to ensure coverage doesn’t break down. Linebackers Andrew Van Ginkel and Mohamed Kamara also need to execute by not overpursuing Josh Jacobs on run plays—film study shows the Raiders often use play-action passes after drawing linebackers toward the line. “Discipline is execution on defense,” Fangio said this week. “One player out of position can turn a 3-yard gain into a 30-yard touchdown.” By staying disciplined, the Dolphins can limit the Raiders’ big plays and force them into long third downs, where Las Vegas has a 32% conversion rate (28th in the NFL).

Miami Dolphins: Week 7 Execution Keys to Outlast the Las Vegas Raiders emphasizes how the Miami Dolphins’ offensive line must execute in pass protection to neutralize Maxx Crosby. Crosby, the Raiders’ star edge rusher, has 4 sacks and 15 pressures this season, and he thrives on exploiting small mistakes—like a lineman’s late hand placement or a missed block. For the Dolphins’ offensive line, execution means three things: maintaining proper leverage, communicating blitzes quickly, and following through on double-teams. Right tackle Austin Jackson, who will face Crosby most often, has practiced “leverage drills” where he focuses on getting his hands inside Crosby’s shoulders to push him away from Tagovailoa. Guards Kevin Zeitler and Robert Hunt have worked on executing blitz pickups, ensuring they recognize when a Raiders linebacker is blitzing and adjust their blocks accordingly. The Miami Dolphins’ offensive line also needs to execute on run-blocking—creating consistent gaps for Mostert and Achane will keep the Raiders’ defense off-balance and reduce the pressure on Tagovailoa. Execution here is about consistency: if the offensive line allows more than two sacks, Tagovailoa’s passer rating drops by an average of 22 points, per Pro Football Focus. By executing their pass protection assignments, the Dolphins can keep Tagovailoa clean and let their passing attack shine.

Miami Dolphins: Week 7 Execution Keys to Outlast the Las Vegas Raiders also highlights how the Miami Dolphins’ wide receivers must execute in creating separation—especially against the Raiders’ physical secondary. Las Vegas’ cornerbacks, Amik Robertson and Nate Hobbs, use press coverage on 40% of snaps, trying to disrupt receivers at the line of scrimmage. For Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, execution means winning the initial battle at the line—using quick jabs or subtle shoulder moves to get past press coverage. Hill, who has 45 catches for 582 yards this season, has practiced “release drills” where he works on escaping Robertson’s press without drawing a penalty. Waddle, meanwhile, has focused on executing intermediate routes (like curls and comebacks) to give Tagovailoa a reliable target when deep routes are covered. The Miami Dolphins’ wide receivers also need to execute in yards after the catch—Hill averages 6.2 yards after catch, and exploiting the Raiders’ inconsistent tackling (they miss 8.3 tackles per game) can turn short passes into long gains. “Separation is execution for us,” Hill said this week. “If we can get open quickly, we make Tua’s job easier, and that makes the whole offense better.” By executing their releases and yards after catch, the Dolphins can keep the chains moving and put pressure on the Raiders’ defense.

Miami Dolphins: Week 7 Execution Keys to Outlast the Las Vegas Raiders concludes by stressing that the Miami Dolphins’ late-game execution will be the difference between winning and losing. The Raiders have won two games this season by 4 points or fewer, and they excel at making plays in the fourth quarter (they’ve scored 45 fourth-quarter points, 12th in the NFL). For the Dolphins, late-game execution means managing the clock, converting third downs, and making stops on defense. Offensively, Tagovailoa needs to execute in two-minute drills—he has a 98.7 passer rating in two-minute situations this season, but he needs to avoid the forced throws that cost the Dolphins against the Chiefs. Defensively, the Dolphins must execute on third-and-long—they have a 28% third-down stop rate in the fourth quarter, and improving that will prevent the Raiders from extending drives. The Miami Dolphins’ late-game execution also includes special teams—kicker Jason Sanders needs to execute on potential game-winning field goals, and punter Jake Bailey must pin the Raiders inside their 20-yard line to limit their scoring chances. “Late-game execution is about staying calm and doing your job,” head coach Mike McDaniel said. “We practice these scenarios every week, and now we need to execute them when it matters.” If the Dolphins can master late-game execution, they’ll not only beat the Raiders but also prove they have the poise to win close games in the playoffs. For the Dolphins, Week 7 is more than a bounce-back game—it’s a chance to show they can execute under pressure, a skill that defines great teams.