Raiders at Dolphins -- Week 2
Where: Sun Life Stadium (grass, outdoors)
When: Monday, 1 p.m. EDT (CBS)
Spread: Raiders by 2.5
Forecast: Highs in the mid-80s with isolated thunderstorms and a 30 percent chance of rain.
Records: Raiders (Overall: 0-1, AFC West: 0-1); Dolphins (Overall: 0-1, AFC East: 0-0)
Past results: Two most recent meetings -- Dec. 4, 2011: Dolphins 34, Raiders 14; November 28, 2010: Dolphins 33, Raiders 17. Series record: Raiders hold a 16-14-1 regular-season edge and 3-1 postseason advantage.
What matters: After falling 22-14 to San Diego at home on Monday night, the Oakland Raiders have to travel to the East Coast in a short week to face Miami, a team they have lost to six of the past seven meetings. It’s only Week 2, but some Raiders are calling this a “must win” because they can’t afford to fall to 0-2 with Pittsburgh and Denver next up on the schedule. The Raiders rushed for only 45 yards on 20 carries against San Diego. New offensive coordinator Greg Knapp’s zone-blocking scheme is still a work in progress, and it won’t be easy for the Raiders’ running game to get untracked against Miami’s stout front seven. The Raiders new-look defense had a nice debut, holding the Chargers to five field goals and just one TD. The Raiders can take control of this game if they get some pressure on rookie QB Ryan Tannehill, who was intercepted three times and posted a passer rating of 39.0 in his NFL debut against Houston.
Who matters: Starting WR Denarius Moore is expected to make his 2012 debut after missing all four preseason games and Monday night’s game with a hamstring injury. Moore was QB Carson Palmer’s favorite target last season and will give him another dangerous weapon. Darren McFadden caught a career-high 13 passes for 86 yards against San Diego, the most receptions in franchise history by a running back and one off former wide receiver Tim Brown’s overall team record. He also rushed 15 times -- but for only 32 yards. To keep McFadden fresh and healthy, Raiders coach Dennis Allen said he’ll try to spread the workload at running back, giving Taiwan Jones and Mike Goodson more snaps. Cornerback Pat Lee will make his second career start in place of the injured Ron Bartell, who broke a shoulder blade against San Diego. The Dolphins will surely try to test him.
Key matchups: Raiders left offensive tackle Jared Veldheer vs. Dolphins right defensive end Cameron Wake: Since coming to the Dolphins in 2009 after a stint in the Canadian Football League, Wake has racked up 28 sacks, including 8.5 last year and 14 in 2010. At 6-foot-3 and just 258 pounds, he’s undersized, but he's quick and will provide a stiff test for Veldheer, who has established himself as the Raiders' most consistent and solid offensive lineman.
Injuries of note: Wide receiver and return man Jacoby Ford underwent surgery Wednesday on his left foot and is out, as is Bartell. Long snapper Jon Condo (concussion) was knocked out of Monday night’s game in the second quarter and is questionable. He’ll make the trip to Miami, but if he can’t play, rookie long snapper Nick Guess will be promoted to the 53-man roster.
Inside stuff: Center Stefen Wisniewski missed the final three preseason games with a calf injury and backed up Alex Parsons on Monday night. He’s likely to return to the starting lineup Sunday and should help the Raiders’ running game get untracked with his physical play.
Connections: Raiders first-year general manager Reggie McKenzie and Dolphins rookie coach Joe Philbin worked together in Green Bay from 2003-11. McKenzie was in the Packers’ personnel department, Philbin was an assistant coach.
Stat you should know: Defensive tackle Tommy Kelly has 23 tackles and 3.5 sacks in five career games against the Dolphins.
Record watch: Sebastian Janikowski has kicked 392 career extra points, three shy of George Blanda’s franchise record.
Looking ahead: The schedule gets much tougher for the Raiders with a home game against Pittsburgh next week then a road game at Denver. The Raiders defense will have to deal with Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger and Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning in back-to-back games before a Week 5 bye.
Prediction: Raiders 20, Dolphins 16
Follow Raiders reporter Eric Gilmore on Twitter: @CBSRaiders.
