South Florida Sun-Sentinel (Sunday)
NFL WEEK 10 DOLPHINS GAMEDAY
Don’t let Ingram wreck game
Next week will be Tagovailoa’s one-year anniversary since the season-ending hip injury he suffered last year with the University of Alabama, which was an injury that some thought could end his football career. While Tagovailoa is healthy, the last thing the rookie needs is an unsecure pocket, especially against a dynamic pass rusher like Melvin Ingram. That’s why the Dolphins will need the best performances of the season from rookie left tackle Austin Jackson, and rookie right tackle Robert Hunt.
Stop Chargers from rushing for 100 yards
The Chargers have been battling injuries on their offensive line and at tailback all season, but it hasn’t stopped Los Angeles from producing a physical rushing attack. The Chargers have rushed for more than 100 yards in seven of the previous eight games, and last Sunday former Dolphins tailback Kalen Ballage gained 69 rushing yards and scored a touchdown on 15 carries. The Dolphins need better play from their defensive tackles and linebackers to tighten up the run defense.
Contain dynamic receiver Keenan Allen
Chargers rookie QB Justin Herbert has thrown for 2,146 yards and 17 touchdowns since taking over as the team’s starter in Week 2.
Having won four straight games, the resurgent Dolphins will continue their winning ways against the struggling Chargers. And if it’s close, underline that idea. The Chargers are 1-6 in games decided by a touchdown or less after going 2-9 in such games last year.
Omar Kelly, Dolphins Columnist (Season record: 3-5): Dolphins 21, Chargers 17 The Dolphins are playing good team football, where every unit is complementing one another that has led to four straight wins. It’s hard to envision it stopping this week against the injurydecimated Chargers. The biggest concern is how to defend Keenan Allen, and if the Dolphins can actually establish a run game against a team that’s soft against the run.
Safid Deen, Dolphins Writer (Season record: 5-3): Dolphins 34, Chargers 24 The Dolphins have won four in a row, five of six overall and are in the AFC playoff race at seventh place, while the Chargers have lost six games this season by a touchdown or less. Brian Flores’ regimented one-dayat-a-time approach should help elevate the Dolphins in a potential trap game against the Chargers, who may be due for a win at some point.
Kathy Laughlin, Sports Editor
(Season record: 3-5): Dolphins 27, Chargers 24 The Dolphins are playing with confidence, and rookie Tua Tagovailoa showed last week he fares well against young quarterback contemporaries such as Kyler Murray. Tagovailoa knows his QB duel with Justin Herbert will be the big storyline of the game, and he is up for it. The question is: Are the defense and the running game up for it? The Dolphins’ winning streak should continue.
Keven Lerner, Assistant Sports Editor (Season record: 4-4): Dolphins 23, Chargers 20 The surging Dolphins should win their fifth straight game after a 1-3 start. Their 5-3 midway mark matches their best record at the halfway point since 2001. Tua Tagovailoa is 2-0 as a starter and has a passer rating of 103.8. The reeling Chargers have lost five of their last six games, but they only have been outscored by a combined 24 points in their six losses. Chargers QB Justin Herbert, who has thrown 10 touchdowns in three road starts, should keep the game close.
Steve Svekis, Assistant Sports Editor (Season record: 4-4): Dolphins 27, Chargers 13 The Dolphins have had issues with the NFL’s most mobile quarterbacks, but they have feasted on the passers who drop back to a spot and are most comfortable there, such as the Chargers’ Justin Herbert. The injury bug took a bite in Arizona, but going 3-1 against the NFC West is a big deal, and Tua and the team are teeming with confidence.