Dolphins’ defense, passing should win

By Safid Deen |

Here’s a look at how the Dolphins (5-3) and Chargers (2-6) matchup in six key areas ahead of Sunday’s game at Hard Rock Stadium:

Rookie Salvon Ahmed was the Dolphins’ leading rusher against the Arizona Cardinals, showing some burst en route to 37 yards rushing — two more than quarterback Tua Tagovailoa had after several runs during the game. The Dolphins were able to account for 91 yards rushing, which was enough to keep their offense fluid between the run and pass. But Miami needs more from veteran Jordan Howard, who despite four touchdowns has just 33 yards on 28 carries this season. The Chargers defense is 15th against the run this season. Edge: Chargers

The Dolphins will see a familiar face on Sunday when former running back Kalen Ballage, who had 15 carries for 69 yards and a touchdown in his debut with the Chargers last week, returns to Hard Rock Stadium. The Chargers have been decimated by injuries to Austin Ekeler (out since Week 4) and Justin Jackson (hurt last week), which opened the window for Ballage, who was unable to get his career going with the Dolphins in three seasons. The Dolphins are seventh worst against the run, but should be able to contain Ballage unless quarterback Justin Herbert, who has 33 runs for 166 yards and two rushing touchdowns, breaks free. Edge: Dolphins

Tagovailoa completed 20-of-28 passes for

248 yards with two touchdowns, including a game-tying TD drive that helped Miami pull off its comeback victory against Arizona. Tagovailoa was able to find his rhythm offensively in his second career start, while showing his health is

100 percent after his lackluster first start against the Rams. Now, Tagovailoa will face the Chargers defense, which is 14th and giving up 358.5 yards per game but ranks 21st allowing 27.0 points per game, without second-year receiver Preston Williams, who is sidelined due to a foot injury.

Edge: Dolphins

When the Chargers pass: Herbert, who Miami passed on for Tagovailoa in the 2020 NFL draft, has shown signs of promise during his first seven games as a rookie. He has thrown 17 touchdowns and for 2,146 yards with a 104.7 passer rating while averaging 8 yards per pass attempt — all top-10 figures in the league. Herbert is also second among all active quarterbacks, behind just Seahawks star Russell Wilson, averaging 306.6 yards per game passing this season. The Dolphins defense — which ranks fourth in scoring defense (20.1 ppg allowed) and eighth allowing opposing quarterbacks to average an 88.0 passer rating — will look to confuse Herbert with several formations and pressures. Edge: Dolphins

Jason Sanders may be the most reliable kicker in the NFL. The Dolphins trusted him to kick two field goals against the Cardinals and he remained perfect on the season, kicking a career-long 56-yarder as the first half expired and a 50-yarder that won the game. Dolphins returner Jakeem Grant has scored the NFL’s only punt return touchdown this season, while punter Matt Haack remains steady at fourth with 16 punts landing inside the opponents’ 20-yard line. Chargers kicker Michael Badgley (UM) has missed five field goals and two extra points, punter Ty Long averages 37.3 net yards per punt and has only seven punts placed inside the 20, while receiver Joe Reed is in the top 15 with 23.3 yards per kick return this season. Edge: Dolphins

Dolphins coach Brian Flores and Chargers coach Anthony Lynn will face off in the only NFL matchup this season between black head coaches. They represent two of the five minority coaches in the league this season (Pittsburgh’s Mike Tomlin, Washington’s Ron Rivera, and Falcons interim coach Raheem Morris). But both coaches are on distinctly different tracks this season. Flores’ Dolphins are second in the AFC East and holding onto the final wild-card spot in the AFC playoff race, while Lynn’s Chargers are 1-6 in games decided by a touchdown or less after going 2-9 in such games last year. Flores’ regimented one-dayat-a-time approach should elevate the Dolphins in a potential trap game, but the Chargers may also be due for a win at some point. Edge: Dolphins

Prediction: Dolphins 34, Chargers 24

Allen is one of the top route runners in the NFL, and consistently uses his body control and ability to change the speed of his routes to get open. He’s recorded 651 yards and scored four touchdowns on his 62 receptions this season. While he moves all around the field, Allen does his best work on the inside. It might benefit the Dolphins to have cornerback Xavien Howard shadow him, even going inside when Allen lines up at the slot. Howard delivered a solid performance shadowing Arizona’ De’Andre Hopkins last Sunday, limiting him to three catches for 30 yards. When the Chargers run:

When the Dolphins run:

When the Dolphins pass:

Special teams:

Intangibles: