The Las Vegas Raiders secured their first victory of the season under head coach Klint Kubiak, defeating the Miami Dolphins 27-13 on Sunday, September 13, 2026. While the team still faces challenges, the win provided tangible evidence of progress in several key areas.
Offensive Momentum
The Raiders' offense showed a more balanced attack, highlighted by the performance of running backs Ashton Jeanty and rookie Mike Washington Jr. The duo combined for 143 rushing yards, with Jeanty contributing six catches for 45 yards and two touchdowns. This effectiveness provided the Raiders with two reliable backs to share the workload, allowing Jeanty to remain fresh while maintaining pressure on opposing defenses. Head coach Klint Kubiak's scheme, along with offensive line coach Rick Dennison's guidance, appears to be giving the unit a clearer purpose and a more cohesive approach. The offensive line, which struggled significantly last season, demonstrated improvement in both run blocking and pass protection. With a healthy Kolton Miller at left tackle, Jackson Powers-Johnson and Spencer Burford bolstering the interior, and center Tyler Linderbaum providing an anchor, the line allowed quarterback Kirk Cousins more time to operate and provided space for the running game. Last season, the Raiders averaged only 77.5 rushing yards per game and 3.6 yards per carry, ranking last in the league.
Defensive Contributions
The Raiders' defense also showed signs of improvement, with Maxx Crosby no longer being the sole prominent playmaker. Free-agent addition Kwity Paye recorded two sacks, and linebacker Nakobe Dean made a crucial third-down stop that forced a field goal attempt, preserving the Raiders' lead. Dean also recovered a fumble in the fourth quarter, which sealed the victory. Quay Walker was active at linebacker, adding range and activity to the group. Rookie safety Treydan Stukes also made an encouraging debut, tallying tackles, staying tight in coverage, and securing an interception. The defense collectively generated five sacks and forced two turnovers.
Areas for Improvement
Despite the positive developments, the Raiders still have areas to address. Kirk Cousins threw two interceptions, and a special teams breakdown led to a 79-yard kickoff return. Lapses in pass coverage also served as reminders of the work ahead. The team achieved this victory without star tight end Brock Bowers, who underwent minor knee surgery and was sidelined for the game. While the initial performance offers reasons for optimism, the Raiders will face tougher opponents who will test these improvements more rigorously. The win was against the Dolphins, and better offenses and quarterbacks will provide a more demanding examination of the defense's capabilities. The team won only three games last year, with an offense averaging 14.2 points and a defense that struggled to consistently make plays.