In last weeks 16-0 loss, Julius Peppers had his eighth career game with at least 3 sacks. It’s an NFL best since he entered the league in 2002. (ESPN.com)

Unable to move the ball on offense, Brandon Marshall was penalized early in the game for taunting former Denver teammate Jay Cutler. Later, he dropped two passes and left the game near the ned of the second quarter because of a sore right hamstring. Not having some of their starters on the offensive line, back up QB Tyler Thigpen took six sacks, and couldn’t get anything done offensively. The team was 1-12 on third down conversions, and Thigpen finished the game 17/29, for 187 yards, with an interception. He fell to 1-11 as an NFL starter. As for Ricky Williams and Ronnie Brown, they both combined for 11 yards on 6 carries. Defensively, The Dolphins allowed the Bears to convert 10 of 18 on third downs, and that put them in a position to score. With that happening, the Bears were rolling as Matt Forte scored a td, and Robbie Gould was hitting chip shots to put the Dolphins out of reach to make a comeback.

The (5-5) Dolphins head to Oakland, California as they are playing the Raiders who are just coming off a 35-3 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers last Sunday. The Steelers dominated them on both sides of the football as Oakland was unable to move the ball effectively and make plays defensively. Darren McFadden, who has been in the headlines previously for his outstanding performances, was averaging over 108 yards rushing per game; however, the Steelers defense shut him down as he only had 14 yards on 10 carries. Having trouble on 3rd and long, and the team being 3 for 14 on third down was also a huge problem said Tom Cable (Raiders Head Coach).

Both teams struggled last week on offense and defense, and are looking for ways to get back on track. Losing Pennington and Henne was a big loss to the offense as they weren’t able to produce. The team will have to rely on Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams to keep the pressure off of Thigpen who’s been struggling in the passing game.

Miami’s O vs Oakland’s D: Although the offense lost 2 of their best QB’s, it still has talent as Ronnie Brown and Ricky Willams are in the backfield. The team can’t rely on Thigpen’s arm to win the game, so it’s up to the offensive line to open holes for the star backs; that way, it could set up play action passes so play makers such as Brandon Marshall and Davone Bess, can take it in for a score.

Miami’s D vs Oakland’s O: Tom Cable’s squad doesn’t have other threats on his offense besides Darren McFadden. As long as the Miami defense is playing their assignments, and containing McFadden, that should cause turnovers and interceptions. Miami Dolphins Linebacker Cameron Wake leads the AFC with 8.5 sacks and is quite possibly heading for his first Pro Bowl Selection.

PREDICTION: If Miami limits mistakes on offense, and executes correctly, this is a winnable game

Miami: 21 Oakland: 14