Cousins Leads Raiders to Season-Opening Win Over Dolphins
Kirk Cousins threw for 160 yards and three touchdowns as the Raiders defeated Miami 27-13. Ashton Jeanty contributed 102 rushing yards and two scores. The Dolphins struggled offensively, with Malik Willis throwing an interception and no touchdowns.
Cousins completed 21 of 30 passes, but his two interceptions kept Miami within reach until the fourth quarter. Jeanty’s 102 rushing yards and two scores—one receiving, one on the ground—anchored a balanced attack that controlled possession for nearly nine minutes on the opening drive. Miami’s Caleb Douglas led all receivers with 94 yards, yet the Dolphins managed just 13 points, missing a field goal and failing to convert late drives. Both teams now travel west for Week 2, with Las Vegas facing the Chargers and Miami visiting the 49ers.
The Raiders’ defense forced a key interception and limited Miami to field goals early, while Willis’s lone rushing touchdown briefly cut the deficit to four. Las Vegas’s 290 total yards outpaced Miami’s output, though turnovers kept the game competitive until the final quarter.
This season-opening result could set an early tone for both franchises—Las Vegas gains momentum under a veteran quarterback, while Miami faces immediate questions about offensive consistency. Fans and analysts may view the game as a signal of playoff viability, influencing early-season expectations and media narratives. The outcome could also affect player confidence and coaching scrutiny, though one week remains a small sample for long-term judgments.