This week, the Raiders will take on the Miami Dolphins. The Dolphins bring with them a 3-8 record and are converting 30% (29th in NFL) of their 3rd downs and scoring 44% (25th in NFL) of the time, when in the red zone.

In this weekly article, Pro Football Spotlight will bring you the upcoming opponent’s rushing and passing tendencies, as well as some additional data and observations. For example: Did you know that the Dolphins are ranked 31st in the NFL in sacks per passing attempt?

Every team in the NFL has strengths and weaknesses, tendencies, and go-to guys. They have plays they like to call during tight situations or directions they like to run when in the middle of the football field.

Let’s take a look at the rest of those tendencies…

Rushing Offense

Rushing Notes:

• PFS is trying out a new slider (chart above). You first see the opponents offensive run tendencies…but if you click on the ribbon on the right you will see the Raiders run tendencies. If you click the ribbon (grey column) on the right you will see how opponents are doing against the Chargers’ defense. Hope you like it.
• The Miami Dolphins have ran the ball 89 times directly at the center of the formation (9th in NFL).
• The Dolphins are ranked 6th in the number of attempts toward the left guard area.  They currently are getting 3.26 yards per attempt in that area 24th in NFL.
• Since the Dolphins like to run the ball toward the right center area, they are ranked 9th in number of attempt toward the right guard, and the Raiders are ranked 32nd in the NFL in yards surrendered to the right guard area (8.2 per attempt)…then look for the Dolphins to really attack that area.
• The Raiders run defense is having problems this year.  They are giving up over 4.3 yards per attempt in every area along the offensive line.  And three of those areas are dead last in the NFL in yards given up.

Passing Offense

Passing Notes:

• The Dolphins appear to love to throw the ball deep.  They are ranked no lower than 10th in the NFL in the number off attempts to each deep zone.
• The Raiders are ranked 4th in the NFL in completion percentage surrendered in the deep left zone, and 9th in the deep middle zone.  Look for the Dolphins to take some shots at that deep right zone.  It has been well defensed this year…but compared to the other zones it could be a little more inciting when wanting to throw deep.
• Miami likes to throw the ball left.  Compared to their 130 attempts to the short right, it might not seem to be the case.  But the Dolphins are ranked 3rd in the NFL in the number of attempts to the short left zone.  So, compared to the other NFL teams…the Dolphins have a tendency to throw it left.
• Over the course of the year, Brandon Marshall has been the Dolphins main receiver.  He currently leads Miami with 59 catches and 850 yards.