Defense the key as Oakland, Miami clash

Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Oakland, Calif., Sunday, Dec. 6

AT A GLANCE: The Dolphins, tied for first in the AFC East, take on the Raiders in a key intraconference battle. After losing 3-of-4 games, Oakland needs a win as it pushes for its first playoff appearance since 1993.

The Dolphins and Raiders are two of the AFC’s more storied teams, but in recent years they have not played much of a role in determining the conference race.

That’s not the case this year. Miami (8-4) is tied with the Jets for first place in the AFC East, with New England and Buffalo only a game back. While Oakland (7-5) can’t claim a division title in the AFC West — Denver has already won the crown — the Raiders still harbor playoff hopes.

However, the Raiders have struggled in recent weeks. Last week’s 29-19 loss to Washington was Oakland’s third in four games. Once 6-2, the Raiders now find themselves in a dogfight for a postseason invitation.

The Dolphins, at least in the Dan Marino era, are best-known for a wide-open passing attack, but they are winning with defense this year. Last week’s 30-10 win over the Saints marked the sixth time this season Miami has held an opponent to 10 or fewer points. But five of those games came at Pro Player Stadium, and the Dolphin "D" still feels it needs to prove its mettle away from home.

Oakland’s success this season is attributable in large part to defense, as well. Defensive coordinator Willie Shaw’s attacking scheme has suited the team well, and young players such as DT Darrell Russell and CB Charles Woodson are turning into forces.

Last year Miami notched its first-ever win at Oakland in its 10th try, defeating the Raiders 34-16.

WHEN THE DOLPHINS HAVE THE BALL:

Although the Dolphin running game has been far from dominant this season, head coach Jimmy Johnson remains committed to running the ball first. RB Karim Abdul-Jabbar is a steady but unspectacular back, while John Avery provides big-play possibilities. OLT Richmond Webb (biceps) and OLG Mark Dixon (neck) are out, which puts a damper on the ground game. Big but unpolished Brent Smith has taken Webb’s place. Smith will be tested by speedy, quick DRE Lance Johnstone, who is undersized but has played well against the run this year.

One reason the Dolphins have remained committed to the run is that they don’t want to expose Marino to an overaggressive pass rush, especially with the injuries to his blind-side blockers. Johnstone (11 sacks this season) often lines up wide and could present problems for Smith.

If he does get time to throw, Marino will try to take advantage of a decimated Raider secondary. Starting S’s Anthony Newman (ankle, toe) and Eric Turner (foot) are almost certainly out for this game, and CB Marquis Walker is still adjusting to the starting lineup after taking over for the injured Eric Allen. Miami WR O.J. McDuffie is very crafty and could take advantage of young CB’s Walker and Woodson. The 5-10 Walker also has a big size disadvantage against Dolphin WR Oronde Gadsden, who is 6-2.