One of the Las Vegas Raiders’ biggest questions heading into the 2026 season was how much the offensive line could improve after being the worst unit in the NFL a year ago. If the Week 1 matchup against the Miami Dolphins is any indication, the Raiders will be a night-and-day difference in the trenches compared to last season.
A dominant win is typically paired with a dominant performance from the offensive line, and Las Vegas’ 27-13 victory was no different. Quarterback Kirk Cousins wasn’t sacked
and was only hit twice on his 30 pass attempts. Meanwhile, second-year running back Ashton Jeanty finally got some breathing room, scooting for 102 yards on 23 carries (4.4 ypc), and rookie Mike Washington Jr. added seven carries for 41 yards (5.9 ypc).
That means the Silver and Black’s running backs combined for 30 rushes and 146 rushing yards (4.87 ypc), as the line paved the way for rushing lanes all afternoon. Gameballs are in order for new o-line coach Rick Dennison, Kolton Miller, Spencer Burford, Tyler Linderbaum, Jackson Powers-Johnson and DJ Glaze, as they played a big part in giving Raider Nation something to cheer about in the season opener.
On that note, let’s see how the internet is reacting to the Raiders’ big win!
Jeanty and Cousins gave some love to the big fellas.
Good company for Jeanty.
Klint Kubiak still isn’t satisfied.
How about some love for rookie defensive back Treydan Stukes?
Big shoutout to Kwity Paye for a strong Raiders debut, too.
A few thoughts from our community chat (click the links/quotes below to join the conversation):
- They won 1 of the 2-3 i thought they were gonna win this year W Titans and maybe Jets?!?! Happy for a win looking good but Dolphins are bottom of the barrel cant wait to get a real progress measurement playing against a playoff favorite team to see where we actually stand. Good start to the season. — FredFuchs
- QB Cousins need to find a team so he can call home Mendoza doesn’t need him to take up some of his playing time he didn’t need Cousins when he won the Heisman Trophy or when he took his team to win the Championship title in 2026 the Raiders need to let Mendoza play ball or is it that they don’t want to see Mendoza excel because of his nationality Bo Dix didn’t have anyone tailing him when he started his rookie year and he didn’t accomplish as much as Mendoza Raiders need to stay off Mendoza behind and let him show his talent. — rcal57
- First I’ll preface with 1st game and vs Dolphins. Having said that…I saw a professionally coached team with HC who knows wtf he’s doing, an actual defense who put the game away. Imagine that… — SeaofHands74
- I really like that a lot of home grown guys are showing some talent. Jeanty, Laube, Washington, Mayer, JPJ, Hemingway, Tucker, Bech and Stukes. Also, didn’t hear DJ Glaze’s name all day. I am liking this. — SnB Stop the Run
- Excellent performance by the Raiders today! Everything went right. What was not to like? — LeslieMonteiro
- I know it’s againat the dolphins, but last year’s team would have either lost or barely squeak by with a win at best. Feels so good that we actually look improved. — Jack’s Axe
- I dont mean to be a debbie downer, but didnt we feel this good about this time last year? — Saclicious
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