FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – SEPTEMBER 12: James White #28 of the New England Patriots makes a catch past the reach of Jerome Baker #55 of the Miami Dolphins during the second half at Gillette Stadium on September 12, 2021 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
For the second consecutive year, the Miami Dolphins head to Sin City to face the Silver and Black. Which five performers must play well this Sunday?
After an opening Sunday victory over the rival Patriots at Foxborough, Brian Flores’ team came crashing back to Earth at home against the defending AFC East champions. The Dolphins not only made it six straight losses to the Bills, they were humbled by a 35-0 score.
Now the ‘Fins make their way to Las Vegas for the second straight season to take on a Raiders’ team that has been a surprise to date thanks to a pair of wins over two 2020 playoff teams in the span of seven days.
In the first Monday night game of 2021, Jon Gruden’s team outlasted the Ravens, 33-27, in overtime. Six days later, the Raiders went to Pittsburgh and knocked off the defending AFC North champions, 26-17.
Flores’ team hopes to bounce back smartly from last week’s embarrassing setback. And they need the following players to step up this weekend.
5. Jerome Baker
He led Brian Flores’ team in tackles in both 2019 and last season. And after two games, guess who has more stops than any other Dolphins’ defender?
Linebacker Jerome Baker had a dozen tackles in the Week 1 victory at Foxborough. He had only three stops in the 35-0 loss to the Bills but knocked down a pass and forced a fumble. He will not only look to put a little heat on Raiders’ quarterback Derek Carr (he led the team with 7 sacks in 2020) but hopes to prevent the Las Vegas’ running game from getting untracked.