Phillips’ interception came after a sack from defensive tackle Christian Wilkins. Raiders QB Aiden O’Connell was parallel to the ground when he made a desperation attempt on fourth down. Wilkins has 4.5 sacks this season, tying a career high. However, his effort play on the following drive exemplified Miami’s star defensive tackle.
Raiders wide receiver Hunter Renfrow broke several tackles on his way to a 31-yard reception. Wilkins, who weighs 310 pounds and has played in 95 percent of snaps, was the one who brought him down.
“If you ever watch him at practice and you watch him in games, he does that literally every snap that the ball is down the field,” McDaniel said. “That’s what happens when you have players like that who have high standards for their game—they raise the level of everyone.”
The Dolphins also limited the NFL’s defending rushing champ, Josh Jacobs, to just 39 yards on 14 attempts.
3. Next man up
The offense has been dealing with injuries all season. Miami started its seventh new offensive line combination in 10 games, was without starting tight end Durham Smythe, and running back De’Von Achane left the game after just one carry.
Tyreek Hill left the game for one drive with a hand injury but later returned. On the possession without Hill, Miami scored the game-winning touchdown, primarily through Jaylen Waddle. Tua Tagovailoa completed three consecutive passes to Waddle for 36 yards.
Without Achane, Salvon Ahmed finished the drive with an 11-yard receiving touchdown on third-and-long.