Learning Experience For the Dolphins

Learning Experience For the Dolphins

The Miami Dolphins couldn’t have asked for a much tougher start to the 2026 season. On the road against the Las Vegas Raiders, Miami fell 27-13 in a game that showed both the promise and growing pains of a young team beginning a new chapter under head coach Jeff Hafley. 

The Raiders established control early, using a balanced offensive attack to keep Miami’s defense on its heels. Running back Ashton Jeanty was particularly difficult to contain, finishing with 147 yards from scrimmage and three touchdowns. Quarterback Kirk Cousins also found success through the air, throwing three touchdown passes as Las Vegas repeatedly moved the ball.

Miami showed signs of life after halftime. Rookie safety Michael Taaffe intercepted Cousins, and quarterback Malik Willis answered with a 14-yard rushing touchdown to cut the deficit to four, 17-13. The momentum, however, didn’t last long. The Raiders responded with another touchdown connection between Cousins and Jeanty, putting the game back in their control. 

There were still positives for Miami. Willis threw for 220 yards and added 39 rushing yards, while rookie wide receiver Caleb Douglas caught five passes for 94 yards. Defensively, rookie Jacob Rodriguez made an immediate impact with 14 tackles. 

The Dolphins don’t have much time to dwell on the loss. Miami remains on the West Coast for today’s matchup against the San Francisco 49ers. San Francisco enters the game with plenty of confidence after opening its season with a convincing 27-7 victory over the Los Angeles Rams. Quarterback Brock Purdy threw three touchdown passes in the win, while the 49ers’ rushing attack produced 174 yards. 

Christian McCaffrey remains the centerpiece of San Francisco’s offense and will be one of Miami’s biggest challenges. McCaffrey and rookie Kaelon Black combined for 133 rushing yards in the opener, giving the Dolphins another powerful running game to prepare for. 

For Miami, establishing its own ground attack could be just as important. De’Von Achane was held to only 36 yards on 11 carries against Las Vegas, and the Dolphins managed just 74 rushing yards as a team. Getting Achane into space and taking pressure off Willis will be key. 

Protecting Willis will also be a major priority after Miami surrendered five sacks in Week 1. With a young roster still finding its identity, the Dolphins need cleaner execution on both sides of the ball.

Today’s game gives Miami its first chance to respond to the disappointment in Las Vegas. A strong performance against San Francisco would provide an opportunity for the Dolphins’ young players to build confidence and show how quickly this team can learn from its opening-week mistakes.