Miami Dolphins: Week 7 – Turning Pre-Game Film Study into On-Field Success Against the Raiders

For the Miami Dolphins, Week 7’s matchup with the Las Vegas Raiders isn’t won on Sunday—it’s won in the film rooms during the week leading up to kickoff. Pre-game film study has always been a cornerstone of head coach Mike McDaniel’s approach, but this week, it’s even more critical: the Raiders have inconsistent tendencies on both offense and defense, and exploiting those patterns will be the key to bouncing back from the Week 6 loss to the Chiefs. From identifying Davante Adams’ favorite routes to pinpointing Maxx Crosby’s pass-rush tells, every hour spent analyzing tape will translate to smarter decisions on the field. Miami Dolphins: Week 7 – Turning Pre-Game Film Study into On-Field Success Against the Raiders breaks down how the Dolphins’ coaching staff and players are using film to gain a competitive edge, why specific Raiders tendencies are vulnerable, and how this preparation will turn into points and stops when it matters most. This game is a test of how well the Dolphins can turn observation into action—and for a team with playoff aspirations, that translation is non-negotiable.

Miami Dolphins: Week 7 – Turning Pre-Game Film Study into On-Field Success Against the Raiders first focuses on the offense’s film-driven adjustments to counter the Raiders’ defensive schemes. Film study reveals that the Raiders rely heavily on “cover-3” defense on early downs (using three deep safeties to prevent big plays), but they shift to “cover-1” (single high safety) on third-and-long, leaving the slot vulnerable to intermediate routes. Offensive coordinator Frank Smith has built the game plan around this pattern: on first and second down, the Dolphins will use quick slants and screen passes to exploit the short zones in cover-3, then switch to slot routes for Isaiah Ford or Durham Smythe on third-and-long, where cover-1 leaves the middle of the field open. Tape also shows that the Raiders’ defensive line tends to overpursue on run plays to the left, creating cutback lanes for De’Von Achane. “Film study isn’t just about watching plays—it’s about finding patterns you can attack,” Smith said. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has spent extra time reviewing clips of Raiders cornerbacks’ coverage habits, too: Amik Robertson tends to bite on pump fakes, while Nate Hobbs (if healthy) struggles with deep comeback routes. By turning these film observations into specific plays, the Dolphins can keep the Raiders’ defense off-balance and convert more drives into points. This preparation isn’t just about having a plan—it’s about having a plan that’s tailored to the Raiders’ unique weaknesses.

Miami Dolphins: Week 7 – Turning Pre-Game Film Study into On-Field Success Against the Raiders then turns to the defense’s film study, which has zeroed in on Aidan O’Connell’s tendencies under pressure and the Raiders’ red-zone playcalling. Film shows that O’Connell has a clear “hot read” (a go-to target) when pressured: he looks to Davante Adams on the right sideline 70% of the time, instead of checking down to running backs or tight ends. Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio has adjusted the secondary’s coverage to exploit this: when the Dolphins send a blitz, cornerback Xavien Howard will shade toward Adams’ side, with safety Jordan Poyer providing over-the-top help to prevent a deep completion. Tape also reveals that the Raiders run the same red-zone play— a “power run” to Josh Jacobs up the middle—35% of the time when they’re inside the 10-yard line. The Dolphins’ defensive line has practiced “gap stacking” to counter this, with Christian Wilkins and Zach Sieler clogging the A-gaps to force Jacobs outside, where linebackers Andrew Van Ginkel and Mohamed Kamara can make the tackle. “O’Connell and the Raiders have habits—we just need to make them pay for those habits,” Fangio explained. By turning these film findings into on-field adjustments, the Dolphins can limit the Raiders’ scoring opportunities and force turnovers. This film-driven defense isn’t just about stopping the run or pass—it’s about anticipating what the Raiders will do before they do it.

Miami Dolphins: Week 7 – Turning Pre-Game Film Study into On-Field Success Against the Raiders emphasizes how the Miami Dolphins’ wide receivers are using film study to beat the Raiders’ secondary. Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle have spent hours reviewing tape of Raiders cornerbacks, identifying subtle tells that reveal coverage intentions: Robertson tenses his shoulders before blitzing, while Hobbs (if active) shifts his weight to his right foot when he’s going to play press coverage. The Miami Dolphins’ wide receivers have turned these tells into actionable strategies: Hill will use a quick jab step to counter Hobbs’ press, while Waddle will fake a blitz reaction to get Robertson out of position. Film also shows that the Raiders’ secondary struggles with “stacked formations” (two receivers lined up close together), as it confuses their coverage assignments. The Miami Dolphins’ wide receivers will line up in stacks on 30% of snaps, with Hill and Waddle taking turns running crossing routes to pull defenders out of place. “Film study helps us play faster—we don’t have to think on the field; we just react because we’ve seen it all before,” Hill said. By using film to anticipate coverage, the wide receivers can create separation more consistently, giving Tagovailoa more open targets and increasing the offense’s scoring potential. This isn’t just about talent—it’s about using preparation to make talent more effective.

Miami Dolphins: Week 7 – Turning Pre-Game Film Study into On-Field Success Against the Raiders also highlights how the Miami Dolphins’ offensive line is leveraging film to neutralize the Raiders’ pass rush. Tape reveals that Maxx Crosby has a predictable pass-rush sequence: he starts with a speed move, then switches to a power move if the tackle blocks him wide. The Miami Dolphins’ offensive line—specifically right tackle Austin Jackson—has practiced countering this by staying balanced on the first step, then using a “swim move” to block Crosby’s power push. Film also shows that the Raiders’ interior linemen tend to jump offsides on 3rd-and-long (they have 8 offsides penalties this season), so the offensive line will use “hard counts” to draw them into false starts. The Miami Dolphins’ offensive line has also studied the Raiders’ blitz tendencies: Las Vegas blitzes 32% of the time on third down, with most blitzes coming from the right side. Guards Kevin Zeitler and Robert Hunt have practiced “blitz pickup drills” to ensure they can handle these extra rushers without leaving Tagovailoa exposed. “The offensive line doesn’t get credit for film study, but it’s how we stay ahead,” Zeitler said. By using tape to anticipate the Raiders’ pass-rush moves and blitzes, the offensive line can keep Tagovailoa clean, allowing the offense to execute its game plan and avoid the turnovers that plagued them against the Chiefs.

Miami Dolphins: Week 7 – Turning Pre-Game Film Study into On-Field Success Against the Raiders concludes by stressing that the Miami Dolphins’ in-game film adjustments will be the final piece of the puzzle. Even the most thorough pre-game film study can miss something—like a last-minute Raiders formation change or a new pass-rush move from Crosby—and the Dolphins need to be ready to adapt. The Miami Dolphins’ in-game film adjustments will be led by McDaniel and his coaching staff, who will have a condensed film reel of the first quarter’s key plays ready by the second quarter. For example, if the Raiders start using a new red-zone formation, the staff will quickly analyze it and send adjustments to the defense via sideline signals. Players will also contribute: veterans like Wilkins and Hill will share on-field observations (like a change in O’Connell’s cadence) that film study couldn’t predict. “Pre-game film gets you ready, but in-game adjustments win you the game,” McDaniel said. The Miami Dolphins’ in-game film adjustments will also involve staying calm under pressure—if the Raiders make a film-driven play against the Dolphins, the team needs to reset and adjust instead of panicking. By combining pre-game preparation with in-game flexibility, the Dolphins can turn film study into a tangible advantage, beat the Raiders, and get back on track in the AFC East. For the Dolphins, Week 7 isn’t just about bouncing back—it’s about proving that preparation is just as important as talent in the NFL.