The Miami Dolphins (8-4) go to the Los Angeles Chargers (6-6) at 8:20 p.m. Sunday at SoFi Stadium; listed here are 5 issues to observe for:
Tua vs. Herbert
Don’t take a look at this as a head-to-head competitors between Miami’s Tua Tagovailoa and Justin Herbert. It’s not. View this within the prism of which quarterback does essentially the most to assist his staff win as each groups chase playoff berths. That’s a job that requires quarterbacks doing little issues in addition to massive issues. So verify which quarterback will get his staff out of the huddle and to the road of scrimmage best, which quarterback makes good choices equivalent to throwing the ball away or taking the sack, and which quarterback retains his receivers out of hazard by putting the move within the appropriate location. Yes, these 50-yard passing touchdowns are essential, however so are the little issues that preserve the offense working easily and preserve teammates calm and assured.
Dolphins’ run sport
You’ve heard this earlier than, however the Dolphins wrestle to run the ball. They’re twenty eighth in speeding at 89.7 yards per sport. The Dolphins, who’ve rushed for 99 yards the final two video games, solely tried eight runs final week in opposition to San Francisco. That makes the offense one dimensional. Beyond that, the Dolphins solely had possession for 19 minutes, 26 seconds. The 49ers had the ball for 40:34. And the Dolphins had been 0 of seven on third downs. A superb run sport may assist these third-down conversions. The offensive line should open up some holes, and working backs Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson Jr. must hit these holes shortly.
Road protection enchancment
The Dolphins, who’re eighth in factors allowed at 24.1 factors per sport, have allowed not less than 27 factors in every highway sport. This development can’t proceed. They’re placing an excessive amount of stress on the offense. The protection should preserve the Chargers to an inexpensive level whole. Most doubtless that begins with the move rush trio of Bradley Chubb, Melvin Ingram and Jaelan Phillips placing stress on Herbert making him uncomfortable. But the protection may get its jumpstart from the secondary, led by cornerback Xavien Howard and security Jevon Holland.
Solid move safety
Pass safety is about ability, however it’s additionally about teamwork, your complete group — offensive line, tight ends, working backs, quarterback, coaches, everybody — working collectively. They’ve acquired to determine what this move safety package deal does finest with out left sort out Terron Armstead (pectoral), who’s questionable to play in opposition to the Chargers. Tagovailoa will need to have time to throw and the outcomes have been tough with out Armstead. If he performs, all ought to be OK. If Armstead doesn’t play, it’s most likely not going to go effectively. The Dolphins should work tougher this week to alter that outlook. It may resolve the sport.
Trap sport
The Dolphins have been good at conserving their focus all season. They’ll want extra of that on Sunday evening as they proceed their three-game highway journey. It’d be simple to miss the Chargers. After all, this sport is sandwiched between the highly-anticipated highway matchups in opposition to San Francisco and Buffalo. And it’s virtually a must-win sport. Lose this one and also you head to Buffalo on a brief week with a three-game December shedding streak as a really actual risk. The Chargers, a .500 staff at a good 6-6, aren’t going to strike concern into many opponents. But hopefully they’ll get the Dolphins’ full consideration.
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Source: www.bostonherald.com