Two struggling teams, the Miami Dolphins (1-2) and Oakland Raiders (0-3), traveled across the Atlantic Ocean for Sunday's game at Wembley Stadium in London. This is the first of three NFL games in London this season.
Both the Dolphins and Raiders are searching for answers and an identity. But only one can get on track in this Week 4 matchup.
Who will prevail? ESPN Dolphins reporter James Walker and ESPN Raiders reporter Bill Williamson discuss.
Walker: Bill, Oakland has played its best football on the road so far this season. How do you explain that coming from a rebuilding team?
Williamson: Really, James, the Raiders have been competitive only once this season and it was Sunday at New England. The 19-14 loss at the New York Jets in Week 1 was not nearly as close as the score indicated. At New England, the Raiders were more competitive on defense than on offense. Still, the team did have a chance to win this game late and there is a sense of confidence with Oakland. We will see if that translates into being competitive against Miami.
James, do you think the Dolphins, who have been struggling as well, have confidence going into this game?
Walker: The Dolphins have a lot of issues, Bill. It would be much easier if the team could say, "Let's fix this one problem and turn it around." But I can name at least a half-dozen issues that hurt the Dolphins the past two weeks. I wouldn't say their confidence is shot. That's probably going too far. But for the first time this season doubt is starting to creep in -- and it's only Week 4. It's questionable whether Miami is good enough to fix all its issues quickly to win enough games. The Dolphins need a win to erase some doubt internally.
I'm intrigued by Oakland rookie quarterback Derek Carr. What are his strengths and weaknesses?
Williamson: His strengths are his leadership and poise. He is very comfortable in his role at the age of 23. Carr has not been great, but the Raiders are not 0-3 because of him and the job does not look to be too big for him. He has been solid on third down and has handled pressure well at times. But the issues are typical of a rookie. His accuracy hasn't been great, defenses stifle him sometimes and execution at times stalls. But I think Carr will get better as he gets more experience and more talent around him.
What have been Ryan Tannehill's biggest problems?
Walker: Similar to the team, leaks in Tannehill's game are springing up in several areas. That's why there are major questions if he can get everything fixed in time to save his job long term. If I had to pick two issues, I would say his lack of accuracy and the fact he doesn't make quick enough decisions in Bill Lazor's offense. Tannehill's footwork has been off and his ball placement isn't consistent.
Miami has a long trip to London, but Oakland has an even longer journey. What are the Raiders doing to make it work?
Williamson: I don't think this long trip will be an issue for Oakland, as the Raiders have been in England all week. They flew directly to London on Sunday night after the New England game. They have time to rest and adjust their body clocks Monday and Tuesday. They practiced (using their same time routine) during the week. I think the Raiders will be rested come game time.
What are the Dolphins' travel plans and how will it affect them?
Walker: The Dolphins took a different approach. Head coach Joe Philbin wants this game to feel as close to their normal routine as possible. They are considered the "road team," so that offered more flexibility and fewer media obligations in London. The Dolphins didn't leave South Florida until Thursday night. Therefore, they had practices at their own training facility Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Miami will have a light walk-through in London on Friday and meetings in the hotel Saturday, just like a normal game. The time change could be a factor traveling so late in the week. But we will find out on Sunday.
