MIAMI GARDENS, Fla.: Jalen Ramsey has a new nickname in…
“As advertised,” linebacker Jaelan Phillips said. “That was Jalen Ramsey. He can call his shots, so we call him ‘as advertised.’”
For once, the Dolphins’ defense outshined their offense. Miami turned the ball over three times for just the second time this season. But the defense has improved to the point that it could weather that adversity.
The Dolphins (7-3) limited Las Vegas to 36 yards rushing and 260 yards passing, intercepted O’Connell three times and stopped the Raiders on two fourth-down attempts. The Raiders rarely threw the ball in Ramsey’s direction, but he still deflected two passes along with his pair of picks.
“I’m really hoping they throw at him, honestly,” coach Mike McDaniel said. “I mean, both interceptions were out of control in difficulty level. … I think the whole team has gotten a little bit better to a degree since he’s been on our team or since he’s been back, and that’s the type of effect that players of that caliber can have on people.”
The Dolphins entered Week 8 — Ramsey’s season debut — with the 21st-ranked defense in the league, allowing just under 350 total yards and…
That bodes well for Miami as it tries to maintain its hold on the AFC East. The Dolphins play at the division…
Phillips said Sunday’s defensive battle could be a preview for future games.
“We might have to win the rest of the season like that,” he said. “You never know how it goes, and on any given Sunday in this league teams can bring their best stuff and we might not have our best…
WHAT’S WORKING
Miami’s defense was able to protect a one-score lead despite the Raiders…
WHAT NEEDS HELP
Ball security and third-down efficiency. The Dolphins surpassed 400 yards of offense for the fifth time this season but had…
STOCK UP
The secondary. The Dolphins have only had the cornerback duo of Ramsey and Xavien Howard for two games, and…
STOCK DOWN
Jason Sanders entered the game with the fewest field goal attempts of any kicker in the league, and he missed a…
INJURIES
RB Devon Achane re-injured the same knee that caused him to miss the previous four games. McDaniel said he’s considered day to day.
KEY NUMBER
1,142 — The amount of yards the Dolphins have…
NEXT STEPS
After a short week to prepare for the Jets, the Dolphins will play at Washington in Week 13. After that, four of their last five games are at home, where they are undefeated.
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