The Miami Dolphins had a lot to accomplish this week, following their week 1 blowout loss to the Texans.  The Dolphins are working with Ryan Tannehill to limit the number his passes that are tipped at the line of scrimmage. The Dolphins offensive line is working to do a better job of sustaining their blocks.  The Dolphins secondary is working on covering….well everyone.  As I’ve been saying all week, this is a very winnable game for the Dolphins.  If the Dolphins can beat the Raiders and improve to 1-1, maybe some of us will back away from the ledge….a little.  However, if the Dolphins don’t beat the injury depleted Raiders, at home, when the Raiders are on a short work week and flew all the way across the country, in mid-September midday heat….there may be reason to worry more.

The Dolphins will be taking on a Raiders team that has a few injuries to starters.  Linebacker Ronaldo McClain has an ankle injury and did no practice on Wednesday.  His status for Sunday is unknown.  The Raiders also will be without Jacoby Ford (foot) and corner Ron Bartell (shoulder).  The Raiders could be thin at both WR and CB in this game because of other injuries.  The Dolphins must take advantage.  Additionally, the Raiders long snapper suffered a concussion on Monday Night, so his status is unknown for Sunday’s game.

The Dolphins have a couple injuries of their own.  Tony McDaniel, a part of the Dolphins defensive line rotation, is out.  His injury was not considered serious, but since the Dolphins just re-signed Ryan Baker from the practice squad, the injury could be worse than first imagined.  McDaniel did not play in the Dolphins week 1 game against the Texans.

The Dolphins will likely be without 2nd year running back Daniel Thomas, who suffered a concussion on Sunday.  Thomas has been cleared by doctors to run and lift weights, but not for contact.  I wouldn’t expect Thomas to play against the Raiders, which means that rookie Lamar Miller will probably see some carries.  It’s no secret that we really like what Miller can bring.  He’s a homerun threat every time he touches the ball because of his blazing speed.  Miller will be used as Reggie Bush’s backup, if Thomas cannot go.  Marcus Thigpen, who is technically listed as a running back on the Dolphins roster, has been used more as a wide receiver and kick/punt returner.  I hope Thomas is going to be okay, but at the same time I’m excited to see what Miller can do.

Finally, our good buddy Richie Incognito is angry at Antonio Brown of the Texans…..and he’s intent on letting the NFL know about it.  On Sunday, Incognito was kicked in the head by Brown, following Daniel Thomas’ fumble.  On the play, Incognito was blocking Brown, when both players went to the ground, Incognito held onto Brown’s leg (while the play was going on and the ball was loose), to prevent him from getting to the football.  After the ball is recovered, the whistle blows and Brown kicks Incognito in the head/neck.  Watch the top of the screen towards the end of the video (right by where the score is on top):

Richie fully admits that he could have been called for holding (10 yard penalty).  He has been called a dirty player in the past but contends that he has never intended to hurt another player.  He said this last night on Twitter (which has since been deleted):

“@68INCOGNITO: I didn’t know kicking people in the head was good sportmanship? @nflcommish @ProFootballTalk”-

What do you think about this play?  Head over to the Phins Forum to let us know!