It’s hard to imagine there has ever been a 4-8 team in NFL history playing any better than the Miami Dolphins are right now.
Miami dismantled Oakland 34-14 on Sunday in a game that was 34-0 before the Raiders added two meaningless touchdowns late in the game.
Think about what Miami has accomplished since starting 0-7. They have won four of five games, outscoring opponents 139-54 along the way. The only loss was by a point in Dallas on Thanksgiving.
The recipe on Sunday was familiar for the Dolphins. The defense absolute suffocated Carson Palmer and the Raiders. Matt Moore made enough plays at quarterback.
The Raiders desperately need Denarius Moore, Jacoby Ford, and Darren McFadden back in the lineup. Most concerning in this game is that they were pushed around on both sides of the ball. Richard Seymour lost his cool and was ejected.
Michael Bush had only 18 yards on ten carries. Carson Palmer was sacked three times and hit five more times. Reggie Bush and Daniel Thomas rushed for 173 yards combined.s
The Raiders are now 7-5 and head to Green Bay next week. The Broncos are in position to pass them in the division.
If the Raiders aren’t tough enough to win battles up front, their dreams of a return to the playoffs will be in serious trouble.