LAS VEGAS — Malik Willis was sacked five times and the Miami Dolphins struggled to generate consistent offense in a 27-13 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday at Allegiant Stadium.
The Dolphins had trouble protecting Willis throughout the game, with Raiders EDGE Maxx Crosby repeatedly creating pressure. Miami’s offense also was hurt by penalties and turnovers as the Raiders controlled much of the game physically.
Las Vegas scored on its opening possession after forcing Miami to punt, moving the ball with a combination of Ashton Jeanty’s running game and short passing from quarterback Kirk Cousins. The drive ended when Cousins found Jack Bech for a touchdown, giving the Raiders an early 7-0 lead.
A questionable taunting penalty on cornerback JuJu Brents after a hit by Dolphins safety Zayne Anderson extended another Las Vegas drive. The Raiders took advantage and eventually built a 10-0 lead.
The Dolphins struggled to sustain drives in the first half.
Back-to-back holding penalties on center Aaron Brewer and tackle Patrick Paul pushed Miami back, but Willis responded with a 25-yard completion on second-and-26 to set up a third-and-1. The Raiders stopped running back De’Von Achane on the next play, and Riley Patterson kicked a 35-yard field goal.
Cousins continued to rely on the short passing game, finding Jeanty in the flat for a touchdown that extended the Raiders’ lead.
Willis and Caleb Douglas then provided Miami with a much-needed spark. Willis found Douglas in the slot for a 30-yard gain, setting up Patterson’s second field goal of the game.
Douglas had four catches for 81 yards by halftime as Miami went into the break trailing 13-6.
The Dolphins defense gave the offense another opportunity early in the second half when rookie safety Michael Taaffe intercepted Cousins.
Willis then found rookie wide receiver Chris Bell for his first career catch, a 25-yard reception, before connecting with Douglas for another 13 yards.
Miami eventually reached the end zone when Willis scrambled to the left and rookie tight end Will Kacmarek led the way as Willis scored on a 14-yard run, cutting the Raiders’ lead to 17-13.
However, Las Vegas answered immediately.
Cousins connected with wide receiver Tre Tucker on a deep completion before finding Jeanty for another touchdown. Jeanty finished with 102 yards rushing and 147 all-purpose yards.
Willis later threw a deep pass toward the middle of the field for Douglas, but Raiders safety Treydan Stukes intercepted the pass.
Miami’s special teams nearly provided another opportunity when running back Jaylen Wright broke loose for a 79-yard kickoff return. The Dolphins couldn’t capitalize, however, as Patterson missed wide left on his third field-goal attempt.
The Dolphins defense came up with another turnover when safety Dante Trader Jr. intercepted Cousins after the Raiders quarterback double-clutched and threw his second turnover of the game.
Again, Miami couldn’t turn the takeaway into points.
Crosby got through tackle Austin Jackson on the right side of the Dolphins’ offensive line and recorded his second sack of the game. He later drew a hands-to-the-face penalty.
Crosby added another sack with just under three minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, bull-rushing through Paul after getting pressure up the middle.
Hafley said throughout training camp that he wanted to give Achane as many touches as possible, but the Pro Bowl running back was held in check for much of the afternoon, finishing with 11 carries for 36 yards and four catches for 30 yards. Miami’s offense struggled to create room against a physical Raiders defense.
Willis showed flashes as both a passer and runner but at times held onto the ball too long, allowing the Raiders’ pass rush to get home as Crosby led the way with two sacks in the game.
Douglas was one of the few consistent bright spots for Miami. The 2026 third-round pick finished his NFL debut with five catches for 94 yards.
Miami’s day ended with another turnover when Malik Washington fumbled after taking a big hit from Raiders defensive back Jeremy Chinn.
Cousins finished with three touchdown passes and two interceptions, but his ability to sustain drives with short throws helped the Raiders control the game.
The Dolphins will need better play from their offensive line and more production from their playmakers beyond Douglas when they return to action next week.
Up next
The Dolphins (0-1) travel to face the San Francisco 49ers (1-0) next Sunday at Levi’s Stadium.
The Raiders (1-0) visit the Los Angeles Chargers (0-1) at SoFi Stadium.
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