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The Miami Dolphins decimated the Oakland Raiders today, winning the game 34-14. The Raiders could not find any form of offense, and their defense struggled to control Miami's attack. Overall, this was probably the best all around game the Dolphins have played in several years.
Miami offense came out with their foot on the accelerator, and never let off. Quarterback Matt Moore finished the day with 13-for-25 passing, 162 yards, and a touchdown. Running back Reggie Bush reached the century mark for the second time this year, the third time in his career, and he scored a touchdown. Daniel Thomas averaged 5.6 yards, carrying the ball 13 times for 73 yards.
The Dolphins wide outs Brandon Marshall and Davone Bess, along with tight end Anthony Fasano, each had 4 receptions, with Fasano leading the team with 66 yards. Bess found the endzone on a slant patter in the first half.
The defense played well for the majority of the day, with two sacks (Kevin Burnett and Vontae Davis), and seemed to get pressure on Carson Palmer all day. Linebacker Kevin Burnett picked off Palmer, to go with his sack, while fellow linebackers Cameron Wake and Jason Taylor continually found their way towards Palmer, forcing the quarterback to throw the ball away.
The defense let up in the fourth quarter, going to an incredibly soft zone, giving up 152 yards and two touchdowns - equaling their yardage total from the rest of the game.
The Raiders came in to the game as the fourth ranked rushing attack in the league. At the end of the game, they had 46 yards rushing, on 14 tries. Starting running back Michael Bush, who averaged 106 yards per game over his five starts this year, was held to just 18 yards on 10 carries.
Even the punting game favored the Dolphins. Shane Lechler, Oakland's perennial Pro Bowl punter, kicked the ball eight times for 46.5 yards. The Dolphins' punter Brandon Fields averaged 55.5 yards on his 4 punts.
The Dolphins dominated the entire game, save for the last two drives by the Raiders. They have now won their last three home games, and 4-of-the-last-5 games they have played. While the playoffs may be out of reach, this team is playing solid football and will be able to play the spoiler role the rest of the year.
Look for kmb8488's full post game recap tomorrow morning.