LONDON -- A few thoughts on the Miami Dolphins' 38-14 win Sunday over the Oakland Raiders at Wembley Stadium:
What it means: After back-to-back losses, the Dolphins (2-2) responded with an important victory over the Oakland Raiders to get back to .500. Sometimes it takes adversity for a team to find itself. The Dolphins had plenty of it last week with pressure from losing and some in-house quarterback drama. Miami responded with its most complete performance of the season. The Dolphins took care of business against a bad Raiders team (0-4) which had no answers.
Stock watch: Miami's offense is certainly on the rise. This group has struggled this season, especially in the first half. But the Dolphins' offense put points on the board out of the gate, taking control with a 24-7 lead at intermission that it never relinquished. It was the first time the Dolphins led at halftime all season. Miami also had both the passing game and running game going simultaneously for the first time.
Finally, interceptions: It took four regular-season games and four preseason games, but the Dolphins finally got interceptions from their secondary. Pro Bowl cornerback Brent Grimes picked off Oakland rookie quarterback Derek Carr in the third quarter to set up a touchdown, and Jimmy Wilson and Walt Aikens intercepted backup Matt McGloin. Add in a 50-yard fumble return for a touchdown from cornerback Cortland Finnegan and the secondary had a strong day overall.
Game ball: Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill showed resolve after a tough week that included a non-endorsement from head coach Joe Philbin. Tannehill responded with one of his most impressive games of his career. He had a near-perfect first half -- which included 14 straight completions -- and finished with 278 yards, two touchdowns and one interception late in the second half. Tannehill had a passer rating of 109.3. There is no question about Tannehill's status as the starting quarterback entering Miami's bye week.
What's next: The banged-up Dolphins will take a much-needed bye during Week 5 to rest. Miami had 22 players listed on its injury report coming into the game. They will next take the field Oct. 12 against the Green Bay Packers (2-2) at Sun Life Stadium.
