The Las Vegas Raiders eked out a win in Miami, and remain undefeated in the preseason.
The game was a close encounter for the entirety of the duration, with both teams taking big swings at each other late in the game. After retaking the lead late in the fourth quarter, a missed field goal from Dolphins kicker Jason Sanders locked up the 15-13 win for the Silver and Black.
"I thought our guys competed. We came here for one purpose and that was to try to improve," Head Coach Josh McDaniels said. "Compete against a good football team, which is what they are.
"They're well coached. They make it hard on you. It's not easy, they do a lot of good things and challenge you with their scheme, challenge you with their players. Our concern was really just trying to do our job the best we could and I thought our guys tried to do that."
In the low scoring affair, defense meant everything. While the Raiders' surrendered over 300 yards in the air, their run defense was a completely different story.
The Silver and Black's defense gave up only 37 rushing yards to the Dolphins, a big factor behind their win. Being aggressive against the run is something that McDaniels said he was keen on this week in practice.
The dominant run defense for the Raiders was led by defensive lineman Tashawn Bower. He stole the show with five total tackles, two TFLs and a sack. Bower has become a Training Camp standout for the Raiders, coming to the team after two seasons with McDaniels in New England (2020-21).
"Physical guy. It's not my first year being around Tashawn. He loves to play football," said McDaniels. "He's doing his job the right way. He's setting a good example for the way we want to try to play on the edge with his opportunities. He's rushed the quarterback; he used some power tonight. A lot of those guys did some good things tonight, played with some physicality up there and he's certainly one of them."
Bower confirmed his coach's philosophy on needed to stop the run against the Dolphins, as he and his teammates took a very serious approach to it heading in to the game.
"At my position, it's a lot of the same process," Bower said. "You trust your eyes, you let the blockers tell you where he's going to go and you just stay disciplined in your assignment. With stopping the run, it's trusting your eyes.
"Having your vision and your target and being physical at the point of attack – that's always going to be a point of emphasis. If you don't stop the run, on any team, they're going to throw the ball and they're going to have their way."
The Raiders have two practices and a preseason game left of Training Camp, all of which will be against McDaniels' former team: the New England Patriots. But for now, he'll take pride in another preseason W before reviewing the film and getting back to work.
"I thought our guys gave a great effort," said McDaniels. "It certainly wasn't perfect. We've got a lot of things we can do better and a lot of things we can learn from this film, but I appreciate the effort for sure."
View photos from the Raiders' Week 2 preseason matchup against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jarrett Stidham (3) during the preseason away game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jarrett Stidham (3) during the preseason away game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jarrett Stidham (3) during the preseason away game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tyron Johnson (1) during the preseason away game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jarrett Stidham (3) during the preseason away game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Jesper Horsted (80) during the preseason away game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Keelan Cole (84) during the preseason away game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver DJ Turner (19) during the preseason away game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver DJ Turner (19) during the preseason away game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders center Andre James (68) during the preseason away game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Keelan Cole (84) during the preseason away game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Keelan Cole (84) during the preseason away game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders guard Dylan Parham (66) and wide receiver Keelan Cole (84) during the preseason away game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (35) rushes for a 2-yard touchdown during the preseason away game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (35) is congratulated by teammates after rushing for a 2-yard touchdown during the preseason away game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (35) is congratulated by teammates after rushing for a 2-yard touchdown during the preseason away game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders punter AJ Cole (6) and kicker Daniel Carlson (2) celebrate after a made PAT during the preseason away game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) during the preseason away game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Luke Masterson (59) during the preseason away game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Darien Butler (58) during the preseason away game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Matthias Farley (49) during the preseason away game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tyron Johnson (1) during the preseason away game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (35) during the preseason away game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
The Las Vegas Raiders huddle during the preseason away game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Kenyan Drake (23) and quarterback Jarrett Stidham (3) during the preseason away game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders center Andre James (68) during the preseason away game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tyron Johnson (1) during the preseason away game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Keelan Cole (84) during the preseason away game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders punter AJ Cole (6) during the preseason away game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders punter AJ Cole (6) during the preseason away game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Amik Robertson (21) on the sidlines during the preseason away game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Kyle Peko (92) during the preseason away game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders Head Coach Josh McDaniels on the sidlines during the preseason away game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Luke Masterson (59) during the preseason away game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Kendal Vickers (95) during the preseason away game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins (90) and linebacker Darien Butler (58) during the preseason away game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Darius Phillips (20) during the preseason away game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Luke Masterson (59) during the preseason away game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (35) and quarterback Nick Mullens (9) during the preseason away game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Nick Mullens (9) during the preseason away game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Keelan Cole (84) during the preseason away game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Keelan Cole (84) during the preseason away game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Matthew Butler (73) on the bench during the preseason away game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Kyle Peko (92) on the bench during the preseason away game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Kenyan Drake (23) during the preseason away game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Luke Masterson (59) during the preseason away game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Curtis Bolton (36) forces a safety during the preseason away game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Kendal Vickers (95) during the preseason away game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Luke Masterson (59) and linebacker Curtis Bolton (36) during the preseason away game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (35) during the preseason away game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Kenyan Drake (23) during the preseason away game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders punter AJ Cole (6) during the preseason away game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Johnathan Abram (24) and cornerback Darius Phillips (20) during the preseason away game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Johnathan Abram (24) during the preseason away game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Johnathan Abram (24) and linebacker Luke Masterson (59) during the preseason away game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Tashawn Bower (96) and defensive lineman Tyler Lancaster (63) during the preseason away game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Johnathan Abram (24) and defensive end Tashawn Bower (96) during the preseason away game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Johnathan Abram (24) during the preseason away game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Johnathan Abram (24) during the preseason away game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Kenyan Drake (23) during the preseason away game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
The Las Vegas Raiders huddle during the preseason away game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Kenyan Drake (23) during the preseason away game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Kenyan Drake (23) during the preseason away game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders guard Dylan Parham (66) during the preseason away game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders guard Dylan Parham (66) during the preseason away game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Nick Mullens (9) during the preseason away game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders punter AJ Cole (6) during the preseason away game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders punter AJ Cole (6) during the preseason away game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Sam Webb (48) during the preseason away game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Myron Tagovailoa-Amosa (69) during the preseason away game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Zach VanValkenburg (54) during the preseason away game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Tashawn Bower (96) during the preseason away game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Tashawn Bower (96) during the preseason away game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Sam Webb (48) and safety Matthias Farley (49) during the preseason away game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle Bamidele Olaseni (79) during the preseason away game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) during the preseason away game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Darien Butler (58) during the preseason away game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Isiah Brown (46) during the preseason away game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Isaiah Pola-Mao (40) and cornerback Isiah Brown (46) during the preseason away game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tyron Johnson (1) during the preseason away game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Chase Garbers (15) during the preseason away game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Brittain Brown (38) during the preseason away game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Chase Garbers (15) during the preseason away game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Isaiah Zuber (89) during the preseason away game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Chase Garbers (15) during the preseason away game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Chase Garbers (15) during the preseason away game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Brittain Brown (38) during the preseason away game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Matthias Farley (49) during the preseason away game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Sam Webb (48) and linebacker Darien Butler (58) during the preseason away game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Isiah Brown (46) during the preseason away game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Isiah Brown (46) during the preseason away game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Isaiah Zuber (89) during the preseason away game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Chase Garbers (15) during the preseason away game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Jesper Horsted (80) during the preseason away game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Justin Hall (12) and tight end Nick Bowers (82) during the preseason away game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders offensive lineman Alex Bars (64) and quarterback Chase Garbers (15) during the preseason away game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Brittain Brown (38), linebacker Darien Butler (58) and defensive end Zach VanValkenburg (54) during the preseason away game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Darien Butler (58) during the preseason away game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Kendal Vickers (95) during the preseason away game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Darien Butler (58) and defensive end Zach VanValkenburg (54) during the preseason away game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Chase Garbers (15) and running back Brittain Brown (38) during the preseason away game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Brittain Brown (38) during the preseason away game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Brittain Brown (38) and tackle Jackson Barton (78) during the preseason away game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Brittain Brown (38) during the preseason away game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver DJ Turner (19) during the preseason away game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver DJ Turner (19) during the preseason away game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) lines up to kick a 31-yard field goal during the preseason away game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) kicks a 31- yard field goal during the preseason away game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Bryce Cosby (44) during the preseason away game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Myron Tagovailoa-Amosa (69) and safety Bryce Cosby (44) during the preseason away game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Sam Webb (48) and safety Matthias Farley (49) during the preseason away game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Isiah Brown (46) and cornerback Sam Webb (48) during the preseason away game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Brittain Brown (38) during the preseason away game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
