NFL Spin Zone
Fansided

Miami Dolphins: 3 Bold predictions vs. Raiders in Week 9

By Chris Spooner

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - SEPTEMBER 24: Head coach Adam Gase of the Miami Dolphins looks on against the New York Jets during the second half of an NFL game at MetLife Stadium on September 24, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The New York Jets defeated the Miami Dolphins 20-6. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - SEPTEMBER 24: Head coach Adam Gase of the Miami Dolphins looks on against the New York Jets during the second half of an NFL game at MetLife Stadium on September 24, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The New York Jets defeated the Miami Dolphins 20-6. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 4
Next
CARSON, CA – SEPTEMBER 17: Wide receiver DeVante Parker #11 of the Miami Dolphins slips past free safety Tre Boston #33 of the Los Angeles Chargers as he makes a catch and runs for big gain during the second half of their NFL game at the StubHub Center September 17, 2017, in Carson, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
CARSON, CA – SEPTEMBER 17: Wide receiver DeVante Parker #11 of the Miami Dolphins slips past free safety Tre Boston #33 of the Los Angeles Chargers as he makes a catch and runs for big gain during the second half of their NFL game at the StubHub Center September 17, 2017, in Carson, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /

2. DeVante Parker finally breaks out

I’ve harped on the Dolphins lack of offense a lot already this season. It’s been hard to watch at times, yet there have been flashes of brilliance from the squad late in games. Which makes the Dolphins lack of production all the more frustrating. They’re better than the near historically bad numbers they’ve put up so far this season. The fact that the Dolphins still have a winning record through all the offensive mediocrity is a testament to just how strong the defense has been.

More from NFL Spin Zone

That offense hit what fans should hope is rock bottom on Thursday in the shutout loss to the Ravens. There’s nowhere to go but up, right? That’s the hope as the Dolphins limp towards the halfway point of the season Sunday night against the Raiders. Oakland is going to be without several key players for Sunday Night’s game. The Dolphins offense is going to come in angry. If the offensive line can do its job and protect the quarterback, I like the odds of a breakout performance from one Dolphin in particular. DeVante Parker.

Parker has missed the last two games with an ankle injury. He should finally be at full strength coming off the Dolphins mini bye week. With the Raiders losing cornerbacks Gareon Conley and David Amerson and having safety Karl Joseph listed as questionable, the matchups appear to be in the Dolphins favor. Each of the Dolphins top targets should see an increased workload this week. My money is on Parker to benefit most from the Ajayi ouster.

Fans have been waiting somewhat impatiently for Parker to realize the promise he showed when the Dolphins selected him in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft. Staying on the field has been the biggest issue for Parker. Now that Parker is healthy and the offense will likely have little choice but to throw it early and often, it’s time for Parker to “put up or shut up” so to speak. It’s now or never.

Home/Miami Dolphins