Here’s a look at how the Miami Dolphins (1-4) and Los Angeles Chargers (3-2) match up in six key areas ahead of Sunday’s Week 6 game at Hard Rock Stadium (1 p.m., CBS):
When the Dolphins run: It seemed uncharacteristic of recent weeks when Miami could only muster 19 rushing yards on 14 attempts — and only 14 yards from their running backs, if you remove a 5-yard scramble by quarterback Tua Tagovailoa — in last Sunday’s loss to the Carolina Panthers. Lead back De’Von Achane was restricted to 16 yards on 10 carries, and rookie Ollie Gordon II had minus-2 yards on three carries. Gordon’s few opportunities and ineffectiveness could bring Jaylen Wright back into the equation after he was a healthy inactive against Carolina.
The Panthers seemed to be all over the Dolphins’ ground game like they knew what was coming, so adjustments will be needed. Miami, despite struggles from left guard Jonah Savaiinaea, right guard Cole Strange and right tackle Larry Borom, had put together team rushing efforts of 123 and 130 yards its two previous times out.
The Chargers’ run defense is tied for 14th in the NFL, but it isn’t trending well. Los Angeles has allowed more than 100 yards rushing in each of its past three games. Former Dolphins defensive tackles Teair Tart and Da’Shawn Hand have been solid contributors up front. Four-time Pro Bowl safety Derwin James is always around the ball and provides strong run support for linebackers Daiyan Henley and Troy Dye. Edge: Even
When the Chargers run: Here’s the good news for the Dolphins: The Chargers are down their top two running backs in Omarion Hampton and Najee Harris. The bad news is the Dolphins just allowed 206 rushing yards to Panthers No. 2 rusher Rico Dowdle with Chuba Hubbard out. It’ll probably be a combination of Hassan Haskins and Kimani Vidal running behind guards Zion Johnson and Mekhi Becton. And quarterback Justin Herbert is a threat to scramble.
The Dolphins’ poor run defense in Charlotte was no one-off instance. They rank last in the NFL against the run. The front seven has to play like its fed up with getting exposed on the ground. Rookie defensive tackles Kenneth Grant and Jordan Phillips have not appeared ready to face professional blocking, making it more difficult for veteran linemate Zach Sieler. Linebacker Tyrel Dodson is in concussion protocol and at risk of missing Sunday’s game, which would bring either K.J. Britt or Willie Gay into the fold in his void. Edge: Chargers
When the Dolphins pass: The first game without Tyreek Hill this season had Jaylen Waddle surpass 100 yards receiving and score a 46-yard touchdown in a clutch moment. Tight end Darren Waller expanded on his two-touchdown debut with another score and five catches for 78 yards on five targets. The problem for Waller was he didn’t see another target in the second half.
That was part of the issue for Tagovailoa in having five consecutive drives result in punts after Miami opened up a 17-0 lead against the Panthers. The team failed to extend series by converting on third downs down the stretch. The final stat line for Tagovailoa wasn’t bad — 27 of 36 for 256 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions — but it was that the offense, outside of the long touchdown to Waddle, came up empty throughout the second half.
He was under constant duress, taking three sacks against a Carolina pass rush that had only produced two entering Week 5. The Chargers have a strong pass rush, even with Khalil Mack on IR. As a team, they have 14 sacks in five games, with outside linebacker Tuli Tuipuloto leading the way, with four. They just added Ravens pass rusher Odafe Oweh in a trade this past week. Tagovailoa will have to be mindful of James in the secondary, and cornerback Donte Jackson, who creates a formidable matchup against Waddle. Edge: Chargers
When the Chargers pass: Herbert is completing 65.7 percent of his passes for 1,229 passing yards, eight touchdowns and four interceptions. He has cooled off since LA’s 3-0 start, with the passing game kept under 200 yards in each of the team’s back-to-back losses entering Sunday.
He has a strong receiving trio of Quentin Johnston, Keenan Allen and Ladd McConkey. The Dolphins’ secondary will have its hands full as cornerbacks Rasul Douglas and Jack Jones try to match up. They’ve been serviceable as additions late in the process, but Jones was called for three penalties in Carolina, including the final one which sealed Miami’s fate. Where the Dolphins are really reeling is at nickel cornerback, where Kader Kohou was lost for the season in training camp, Jason Marshall Jr. went on IR after Week 3 and Cornell Armstrong is now on IR coming off the Panthers game. Expect the Dolphins to use three-safety packages to play their nickel defense.
The pass protection has been lacking for Herbert with left tackle Rashawn Slater sidelined and right tackle Joe Alt’s status in question. The Chargers have allowed 17 sacks, which is tied for third-worst in the NFL, and Herbert was sacked four times in last week’s loss to the Washington Commanders. Defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver’s exotic blitzes could affect Los Angeles pass-blocking and Herbert, especially if edge rushers Jaelan Phillips, Bradley Chubb (four sacks), Chop Robinson and Matthew Judon get rolling. Edge: Even
Special teams: Like Riley Patterson for Miami, Chargers kicker Cameron Dicker has made all his kicks. It’s hard to find a hotter punter than Jake Bailey right now, though, as he has downed punts at the 3-, 2- and 1-yard lines in his past two games. Malik Washington is also a playmaker in the return game. Edge: Dolphins
Intangibles: The Dolphins have a coach on the hot seat in Mike McDaniel, while the Chargers have Jim Harbaugh leading the way. But Miami is backed into a corner as a home underdog early in the season fighting for its life. The Chargers have lost on nine of their past 10 trips to Miami, only beating the tanking 2019 iteration of the Dolphins. This is a 10 a.m. Pacific time kickoff for the team traveling from the West Coast. Edge: Dolphins
PREDICTION: Dolphins 24, Chargers 23
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