# Dolphins Week 1 Mailbag: Biggest Issue vs. Raiders > Dolphins' Week 1 loss sparks debate over offensive line struggles and inexperienced team dynamics. - Title: Dolphins Week 1 Mailbag: Biggest Issue vs. Raiders | Shortify - Summary: Dolphins' Week 1 loss sparks debate over offensive line struggles and inexperienced team dynamics. Dolphins' offensive line failed against Raiders, with… - Keywords: dolphins, raiders, offensive line, miami dolphins, week 1, special teams, alain poupart, nfl, play calling, willis, dolphins offense, preseason - Source: Miami Dolphins On SI — https://si.com/nfl/dolphins/onsi/dolphins-post-week-1-mailbag-what-was-the-biggest-issue-vs-las-vegas-01m2nf98dvtp - Published: 2026-09-16T16:07:41+00:00 - Read time: 1 min - Topics: dolphins, raiders, offensive line, miami dolphins, week 1, special teams, alain poupart, nfl, play calling, willis, dolphins offense, preseason ## Dolphins fans after Week 1 loss Dolphins fans questioned what went wrong after losing to the Raiders in Week 1. > What was on the minds of Dolphins fans following the Week 1 loss against the Raiders ## Malik Willis' ball retention Willis held the ball too long, possibly not wanting to check down or due to play-calling for deep throws. > Alain, I agree with you that it seemed Malik was holding the ball too long at times ## Play-calling concerns Check-down plays were underused, with Willis not resorting to them quickly enough. > I do think there’s a good chance that Willis simply didn’t want to resort to the check-down too quickly ## Special teams struggles Special teams coverage was poor in preseason and Week 1 game. > ST coverage was bad in preseason and bad in 1st game ## Inexperienced team dynamics Dolphins have inexperienced players struggling to work together in new offensive schemes. > How much of what we saw today was to be expected because the team is bad, and how much of it is bad because they have a bunch of inexperienced people trying to work together in a new situation ## Offensive line performance Offensive line failed against Raiders with no pass rush or running lanes. > Hey Rich, the offensive line was not good against the Raiders ## Willis' patience concerns Willis was too patient, should have run more plays to avoid pressure. > I thought Willis was too patient, he should have run more ## Preseason reps issue Dolphins lacked preseason reps for starters, affecting offensive execution. > It’s fair to question the lack of preseason reps ## Special teams roster concerns Special teams units struggled due to depth-deprived roster. > The special teams could be bad because the back of the roster simply isn’t up to par ## Talent gap debate Dolphins and Raiders have minimal talent gap but significant experience differences. > No, I don’t believe there’s a huge talent gap between the Dolphins and Raiders ## Play-calling adjustments Coaches can adjust schemes but need better blocking and tackling execution. > The coaches always can and will tweak their scheme and game plan to get better results ## Week 1 performance grade Dolphins earned a C- or D+ for performance with weak line of scrimmage execution. > I’d go with a C- or D+ for the Dolphins ## Draft pick regrets Dolphins regret not selecting Shough who threw for over 400 yards. > I wish the Dolphins had taken Shough in that draft because he tossed it for over 400 yards ## Special teams coverage Special teams coverage was poor due to inexperienced players and lack of depth. > ST coverage was bad in preseason and bad in 1st game ## Offensive line improvements Offensive line needs improvement with better blocking and tackling. > No pass rush, no running lanes, and too much pressure on Willis ## What's next for Dolphins Dolphins expect improvement as season progresses with more experience. > The whole idea and point of the 2026 season is for there to absolutely be improvement as the season moves along ## Key takeaway Dolphins' offensive line failed against Raiders, with inexperienced players struggling to execute plays despite minimal talent gap.