Discipline has been a topic of contention for this Miami squad for the past few seasons. It was even cited in the “Dolphins Dive” previewing this week’s contest with the Dolphins hosting the Oakland Raiders. If the Dolphins maintained discipline throughout the first half, the scoreboard would look different. But even still, they found a way to hold on for the 28-20 victory.

On the opening drive of the game, Jordy Nelson caught two passes in accounting for 73 yards and a Raiders touchdown. After another 66-yarder from quarterback Derek Carr to Nelson, Miami returned to their disciplined ways and made an impressive goal-line stand at the one.

The Dolphins would continue to stay sharp until the 10:46 mark in the second quarter. After securing the sack on third down, defensive tackle Akeem Spence drew an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty and was ejected. Not only a killed Raider drive revived back to life for a field goal and 10 first-half points, but Spence’s disqualification further depleted what is arguably weakest spot on the depth chart. The spot that also happens to be most responsible for slowing the man known for initiating “Beast Mode,” running back Marshawn Lynch.

Yet, despite those moments of struggle and nine penalties on the day, discipline late in the game kept the Dolphins floating back to the top. The defense held the Raiders to a paltry two-for-five in the red zone, and offensively they gave up no turnovers on the day.

Jakeem Grant shined on offense in crucial plays with two trips for six on both his catches for 70 yards. One of those two catches was on a gadget play where wide receiver Albert Wilson slung a 52-yard rainbow. Wilson also turned a short pass into a 74-yard jaunt that put the final nail in the coffin. But what set up those big plays that lead to the Dolphins win? Discipline.

Only one sack was allowed by the offensive line, and quarterback Ryan Tannehill was good for completing 74 percent of his passes throwing 17-for-23 for 289 yards and three touchdowns. This permitted head coach Adam Gase to lull the Raiders defense into a vulnerable position to be gashed for points.

It was the discipline that has the Dolphins at 3-0 heading into New England to play the Patriots next week.