Reggie Bush totaled 197 combined yards from scrimmage and scored on two rushing touchdowns in the Miami Dolphins 35-13 victory at home over the Oakland Raiders. Ryan Tannehill went 18-for-30 (60%) for 200 passing yards, 1 passing TD, and one rushing TD.
This was a game of firsts for the Dolphins.
Rookie QB Ryan Tannehill ran for his first career NFL touchdown and threw his first career NFL touchdown to TE Anthony Fasano. Rookie RB Lamar Miller had his first career rushing touchdown. And of course, Joe Philbin got his first career win as an NFL Head Coach.
Miami receiver Brian Hartline had a great game with 9 receptions for 111 yards as the Dolphins offense gained a total of 448 yards from scrimmage. Miami's offensive line did have a little trouble when the Raiders brought pressure on defense, but the rookie Tannehill was able to stay cool under that pressure and continue to drive the offense in the second half.
The Dolphins have always seemed to do really well against the Raiders in recent years, and they continued that trend today. Miami had their way on the ground with 6.2 yards per carry, and they held the Raiders to only 1.6 yards per carry.
Miami's defense did struggle a little bit against Carson Palmer and the Raiders receiving corps. Palmer threw for 373 yards, 1 TD, and 1 INT. They struggled to get a lot of pressure on Palmer, which allowed him to have enough time to find an open receiver.
They were superb against the run yet again, though. Darren McFadden had 11 carries for 22 yards, and his longest run went for only 4 yards.
The Dolphins did come up with a turnover off of a Reshad Jones interception late in the game. A big key for Miami this week was their ability to limit turnovers and win the field position battle.
CB Richard Marshall left the game in the second quarter after a back injury and did not return. I do not believe that it was a severe injury, but it will need to be monitored this week.
Thanks for stopping by. I hope you guys enjoyed this victory as much as I did. Email me at paul@dolphinshout.com. I'm also on twitter @PaulDSmythe.
Did anyone else think it was a little odd that Joe Philbin got a gatorade bath as the game was ending?
