Throughout the game, neither the Raiders or Dolphins had a full grasp of the momentum. It really could've went either way.
Despite a valiant effort from defense and special teams, the Raiders fell short 20-13. The turnover margin was even, with both teams securing three turnovers. Luke Masterson and Nate Hobbs stripped the ball out for fumbles, while Isaiah Pola-Mao came in for an injured Marcus Epps and catching his first career interception.
This was the fifth game this season the Silver and Black defense has held an opponent to 21 points or less. After having 13 turnovers all last season, they've totaled that number in 11 games.
Special teams also played their part with Daniel Carlson knocking down a 34- and 47-yard field goals. Punter AJ Cole, in the midst of an All-Pro caliber season, averaged nearly 53 yards per punt, with two downed inside the 20-yard line.
The one phase of the game that couldn't replicate the same success was the offense. The unit produced six points on the following drives of their three turnovers, and went 4-of-14 on third down.
"I think offensively, we've got a lot of things to look at and we'll do that," Antonio Pierce said following his first loss as interim head coach. "For our team, I think we fought. ... Defense battled, special teams played well. We won a play or two back here and there. And again on offense, you're talking about a game of inches, maybe a yard or two on some throws that are explosive for us and we just didn't make it."
"There's no moral victories, but we know as a defense we're going in the right direction," Maxx Crosby echoing his head coach postgame. "We know offensively we're only going to get better. So there's no moral victory, but at the end of the day we took a lot of positives from it. We just got to watch the film and keep moving forward."
Davante Adams had a sensational showing, with seven catches, 82 yards and his first touchdown grab since Week 3. However, Josh Jacobs was limited to 39 rushing yards. Rookie quarterback Aidan O'Connell went 24-of-41 with three interceptions.
"I'm learning how hard the NFL is and how hard it is to win," O'Connell said. "Just kudos to our defense, played so well in the second half. Kept us in the game, with, I think [Miami] scored six points in the second half. ... Our defense did an awesome job keeping us in the game. It's really going to come down to our offense and watching the film to just be better all around and it starts with me."
Despite the end results, the defense can keep their heads high after their road performance against the No. 1 ranked offense in the NFL. They'll have to bring the same energy next Sunday to Allegiant Stadium against the defending champion Kansas City Chiefs.
"There [are] no moral victories," said Pierce. "I told them keep their chins up and we're going to be the same way win, lose or draw. We'll go back to work on Tuesday and get after it."
View photos from the Raiders' Week 11 matchup against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (4) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders punter AJ Cole (6) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders long snapper Jacob Bobenmoyer (50) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Luke Masterson (59) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle John Jenkins (95) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Marcus Peters (24) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Tre'von Moehrig (25) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Luke Masterson (59) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Marcus Epps (1) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Adam Butler (69) and defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Adam Butler (69) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (8) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (87) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Hunter Renfrow (13) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) kicks a 34-yard field goal during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Tre'von Moehrig (25) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Malcolm Koonce (51) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Bilal Nichols (91) and safety Marcus Epps (1) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (11) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (4) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (8) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (4) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (4) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) makes a 46-yard touchdown catch during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) makes a 46-yard touchdown catch during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) celebrates after making a 46-yard touchdown catch during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Divine Deablo (5) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Robert Spillane (41) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Jerry Tillery (90) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Isaiah Pola-Mao (20) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Adam Butler (69) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Tyler Hall (37), safety Tre'von Moehrig (25) and linebacker Robert Spillane (41) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Isaiah Pola-Mao (20) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (87) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (8) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (8) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (4) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Tre'von Moehrig (25) and cornerback Marcus Peters (24) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Isaiah Pola-Mao (20) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) on the bench during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (35) on the bench during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders Interim Head Coach Antonio Pierce on the sidelines during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders punter AJ Cole (6) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Isaiah Pola-Mao (20) and punter AJ Cole (6) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) and safety Isaiah Pola-Mao (20) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) goes to kick a 47-yard field goal during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Isaiah Pola-Mao (20) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (4) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah (22) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders long snapper Jacob Bobenmoyer (50) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah (22) and long snapper Jacob Bobenmoyer (50) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Bilal Nichols (91) and defensive tackle John Jenkins (95) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Tyler Hall (37) and linebacker Luke Masterson (59) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Tyler Hall (37) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Tyler Hall (37) and defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Adam Butler (69) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
The Las Vegas Raiders special teams during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Amik Robertson (21), defensive lineman Jerry Tillery Jr. (90) and defensive tackle Bilal Nichols (91) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders center Andre James (68) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (4) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Divine Deablo (5) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Tre'von Moehrig (25) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (87) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (4) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders punter AJ Cole (6) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Jerry Tillery (90) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Tre'von Moehrig (25) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Malik Reed (52) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (8) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Hunter Renfrow (13) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (4) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (8) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders guard Dylan Parham (66) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (4) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Robert Spillane (41) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (4) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (8) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (11) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Bilal Nichols (91) and defensive tackle John Jenkins (95) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle John Jenkins (95) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Tyree Wilson (9) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Robert Spillane (41) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Isaiah Pola-Mao (20) and cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Hunter Renfrow (13) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Hunter Renfrow (13) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Hunter Renfrow (13) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Hunter Renfrow (13) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Robert Spillane (41) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Tyree Wilson (9) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Luke Masterson (59) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (11) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (11) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (4) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
