Miami Dolphins: Week 7 Matchup – Leveraging Offensive Depth and Defensive Pressure to Beat the Raiders

As the Miami Dolphins prepare for their Week 7 showdown with the Las Vegas Raiders, two strengths will define their path to victory: their underrated offensive depth and their ability to generate consistent defensive pressure. While Tyreek Hill and Tua Tagovailoa grab most of the headlines, the Dolphins’ offense has quietly built depth across all positions—from backup running backs to secondary receivers—giving them the flexibility to adapt to the Raiders’ defensive schemes. On the other side of the ball, Miami’s defensive line and blitz packages have proven capable of disrupting opposing quarterbacks, a skill that will be critical against Raiders QB Aidan O’Connell, who struggles under pressure. Miami Dolphins: Week 7 Matchup – Leveraging Offensive Depth and Defensive Pressure to Beat the Raiders breaks down how these two strengths will work in tandem to outmatch the Raiders, bounce back from the Week 6 loss to the Chiefs, and keep the Dolphins atop the AFC East. This game isn’t just about individual talent—it’s about using every weapon in the arsenal to overwhelm Las Vegas and secure a statement win.

Miami Dolphins: Week 7 Matchup – Leveraging Offensive Depth and Defensive Pressure to Beat the Raiders first focuses on the Dolphins’ offensive depth, a asset that sets them apart from many NFL teams. Beyond Hill and Jaylen Waddle, Miami has a cast of reliable playmakers who can step up when the Raiders focus on shutting down the top receivers. Tight end Durham Smythe has emerged as a consistent target (18 catches, 196 yards, 2 touchdowns) and excels in the intermediate passing game, while wide receiver Isaiah Ford (10 catches, 95 yards) has proven he can make clutch catches on third down. Even in the backfield, the Dolphins have depth: if Raheem Mostert (428 rushing yards, 5 touchdowns) needs a break, De’Von Achane (210 rushing yards, 1 touchdown) can step in with his speed to keep the run game alive. Against the Raiders, who often double-team top receivers (they’ve used double coverage on opposing No. 1 wideouts 35% of the time this season), this depth will be critical. Offensive coordinator Frank Smith has emphasized that “depth isn’t just about having backups—it’s about having playmakers who can force the defense to adjust.” By rotating Smythe, Ford, and the backup running backs into the game early, the Dolphins can force the Raiders to spread their defense thin, creating gaps for Hill and Waddle to exploit later. This strategy not only keeps the offense fresh but also prevents the Raiders from settling into a defensive rhythm.

Miami Dolphins: Week 7 Matchup – Leveraging Offensive Depth and Defensive Pressure to Beat the Raiders then turns to the Dolphins’ defensive pressure, a key weapon against O’Connell and the Raiders’ offense. Las Vegas’ offensive line ranks 26th in the NFL in sacks allowed (18) and has given up 62 pressures this season, making them vulnerable to Miami’s pass-rushing unit. The Dolphins’ defensive line, led by Christian Wilkins (3 sacks, 15 pressures) and Jaelan Phillips (2 sacks, 12 pressures), has the speed and strength to beat Raiders blockers one-on-one. But Miami’s pressure isn’t just about the line—defensive coordinator Vic Fangio also uses creative blitz packages, sending linebackers Mohamed Kamara and Andrew Van Ginkel on delayed blitzes to catch the Raiders’ line off guard. Film study shows that O’Connell’s passer rating drops from 95.1 (when clean) to 68.2 (when pressured), and he’s thrown 3 of his 4 interceptions this season while under duress. “Our goal isn’t just to sack O’Connell—it’s to make him uncomfortable, to force him into bad decisions,” Fangio said this week. By generating pressure on 30% or more of O’Connell’s dropbacks, the Dolphins can disrupt the Raiders’ passing rhythm, limit Davante Adams’ opportunities, and force Las Vegas into more rushing plays (where they rank 24th in yards per carry). This defensive pressure will also take pressure off the secondary, allowing cornerbacks Xavien Howard and Kader Kohou to play more aggressively in coverage.

Miami Dolphins: Week 7 Matchup – Leveraging Offensive Depth and Defensive Pressure to Beat the Raiders emphasizes how the Miami Dolphins’ secondary receivers will exploit the Raiders’ thin cornerback depth. Las Vegas is dealing with injuries in its secondary—starting cornerback Nate Hobbs is questionable with a knee injury, and his backup, Amik Robertson, has struggled in coverage (allowing a 72% completion rate when targeted). This is a golden opportunity for Smythe, Ford, and even rookie wide receiver Braxton Berrios to make an impact. The Miami Dolphins’ secondary receivers can attack Robertson and other backup corners with a mix of intermediate routes (like curls and comebacks) and red-zone fades. Smythe, in particular, has the size (6’4”) to win jump balls against smaller cornerbacks, and he’s already scored 2 touchdowns in the red zone this season. Ford, meanwhile, is a reliable target on third down—he’s converted 5 of his 8 catches into first downs. By featuring these secondary receivers early, the Dolphins can force the Raiders to move safety Tre’von Moehrig into slot coverage, which opens up deep routes for Hill and Waddle. “Our secondary receivers aren’t just backups—they’re playmakers, and this week, they’ll get their chance to shine,” Tagovailoa said. The Miami Dolphins’ secondary receivers will also help keep the offense balanced, as their contributions will prevent the Raiders from stacking the box to stop the run. This depth isn’t just a luxury—it’s a strategic advantage that will keep the Raiders’ defense guessing all game.

Miami Dolphins: Week 7 Matchup – Leveraging Offensive Depth and Defensive Pressure to Beat the Raiders also highlights how the Miami Dolphins’ blitz packages will target the Raiders’ offensive line weaknesses. The Raiders’ right tackle, Jermaine Eluemunor, has allowed 4 sacks and 12 pressures this season, making him a prime target for Phillips and Kamara. The Miami Dolphins’ blitz packages will focus on this side, using “edge blitzes” where Phillips lines up wide and uses his speed to beat Eluemunor around the edge. Fangio will also mix in “inside blitzes,” sending Wilkins and defensive tackle Zach Sieler through the A-gaps (between center and guards) to pressure O’Connell from the middle. Another key blitz package: the “double-edge blitz,” where both Phillips and Kamara rush from opposite edges, forcing the Raiders’ tackles to handle them one-on-one (a mismatch Miami can exploit). The Miami Dolphins’ blitz packages aren’t just about quantity—they’re about timing. Fangio will call blitzes on key downs (like third-and-7 or second-and-long) when the Raiders are likely to pass, catching them off guard. “Blitzing isn’t about sending more players—it’s about sending the right players at the right time,” Fangio explained. By targeting the Raiders’ offensive line weaknesses with these blitz packages, the Dolphins can generate consistent pressure, force turnovers, and keep the Raiders’ offense from finding a rhythm.

Miami Dolphins: Week 7 Matchup – Leveraging Offensive Depth and Defensive Pressure to Beat the Raiders concludes by stressing that the Miami Dolphins’ synergy between offense and defense will be the final key to victory. A strong offensive performance won’t matter if the defense can’t generate pressure and stop the Raiders’ scoring drives. Similarly, a dominant defense won’t be enough if the offense can’t capitalize on the opportunities created by the defense’s pressure. The Miami Dolphins’ synergy between offense and defense means every play is connected: if the defense forces a three-and-out and pins the Raiders inside their 10-yard line, the offense can use its depth to march down the field and score, building a lead. If the offense scores quickly, the defense can play more aggressively, knowing a stop will keep the momentum on Miami’s side. This synergy was missing at times in the Week 6 loss to the Chiefs—now, the Dolphins need to rediscover it. Head coach Mike McDaniel has focused on this synergy in practice, running “two-phase drills” where the defense and offense work together (e.g., a defensive stop followed by an offensive scoring drive). “We’re not two separate units—we’re one team, and we win or lose together,” McDaniel said. If the Dolphins can maintain this synergy, leverage their offensive depth, and generate consistent defensive pressure, they’ll not only beat the Raiders but also send a message to the rest of the AFC that they’re a force to be reckoned with. For the Dolphins, Week 7 is more than a bounce-back game—it’s a chance to prove they’re a complete team, capable of winning with both offense and defense.