MIAMI GARDENS — The Miami Dolphins (1-4) enter Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Chargers (3-2) badly needing a victory, similar to last week. The difference now is the the Dolphins are at home, where they’re 19-8 (.704) in the coach Mike McDaniel era.
Both teams have concerning offensive line problems. The Chargers are dealing with injuries to tackles Joe Alt (ankle) and Rashawn Slater (knee) and guard Mekhi Becton (hand) although Alt and Becton could play. The Dolphins have been dealing with injuries to right guard James Daniels (pectoral) and right tackle Austin Jackson (toe) all season.
The Chargers are 1-1 on the road, winning at Las Vegas (20-9), but losing at the New York Giants (21-18).
By the way, weather might not be much of a factor in the Dolphins’ favor as the forecast calls for 83 degrees at kickoff with a “feels-like” temperature of a comfortable 82 degrees. Perhaps the Dolphins benefit from the West-to-East travel advantage that essentially makes this a 10 a.m. kickoff for the Chargers.
Here are five things to watch for in Sunday’s game:
Tua vs. Herbert
The debate will continue regarding the Dolphins drafting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa with the No. 5 pick, one ahead of Chargers QB Justin Herbert who was the No. 6 pick. Tagovailoa is 0-1 in the playoffs while Herbert is 0-2. But for their careers Herbert is 44-40 (.524) in the regular season while Tagovailoa is 39-28 (.582).
Keep an eye on mobility, arm strength and ability to take hits in this game. Herbert is thought to be better on those traits than Tagovailoa, and all of those could be factors considering both teams are dealing with offensive line injuries.
Run defense
The Dolphins are the league’s worst run defense at 174.2 yards per game, allowing more than 100 yards to each opponent and more than 200 yards to their past two opponents. Of course, it should be noted the Dolphins have faced the league’s No. 1 rusher (Indianapolis’ Jonathan Taylor) and No. 2 rusher (Buffalo’s James Cook). Taylor only rushed for 71 yards against the Dolphins while Cook rushed for 108 yards.
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The Chargers are without running backs Omarion Hampton (ankle) and Najee Harris (Achilles), but Carolina was without their starter last week, too. The Dolphins’ front seven, led by defensive tackle Zach Sieler and linebacker Jordyn Brooks, must lead the charge.
Darren Waller
Waller, who retired after the 2024 season, has been a success story through two games. Well, kind of. Waller, who had two touchdowns in his debut against the New York Jets, was shut down in the second half of last week’s Carolina game after totaling five receptions for 78 yards in the first half. The Panthers reportedly shut down the middle of the field by using bracket coverage against Waller, and that could serve as a template for the Chargers for the entire game.
Perhaps a focus on Waller opens the pass game up for wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (six receptions, 110 yards, one touchdown vs. Carolina) or running back De’Von Achane (six receptions, 30 yards, one touchdown). But the Dolphins can’t allow Waller to be completely shut down again.
Grant and Savaiinaea
The rookies have been struggling. Defensive tackle Kenneth Grant, the Dolphins’ first-round pick, and left guard Jonah Savaiinaea, the Dolphins’ second-round pick, are among the worst in the league at their respective positions according to ratings by Pro Football Focus. Grant, a run-stuffing specialist, has been moved off his spot regularly by double teams. His rate of success hasn’t been much better when dealing with 1-on-1 blocks.
Savaiinaea, valued for his size (6 foot 5, 326 pounds), hasn’t been effective as a run blocker or pass blocker. There’s concern both rookies might lose their confidence. And at some point the Dolphins could be forced to bench one or both.
Pass protection, pass rush
The Dolphins’ pass protection package has been porous, allowing 11 sacks, which is tied for 18th-fewest in the league. What’s more promising is the Chargers have allowed 17 sacks, which is tied for third-most in the league. If the Dolphins, who rank 30th in rushing at 82.2 yards per game, can give Tagovailoa time to pass to Waller, Waddle, Achane or his other receivers it gives them a viable way to consistently move the ball despite the Chargers being No. 4 in pass defense (172.2 ypg allowed).
Conversely, if the Dolphins can get their pass rush going, led by Sieler and outside linebackers Bradley Chubb, Jaelan Phillips and Chop Robinson, they give their secondary some much-needed help.
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