After losing to the Raiders, the Chargers meet with the Dolphins on Sunday night, Dec. 11, at 5:20 pm PT.
To get you prepped for Week 14, here are four key things to know about Los Angeles’ opponent ahead of the matchup.
Mike McDaniel is the man with the plan
The Dolphins hired McDaniel, the offensive guru from the 49ers, this past offseason, and the move has paid dividends. Miami ranks fourth in total yards per game (380.2), second in passing yards per game (290.5), and eighth in points per game (24.9). The only area on that side of the ball that has struggled is the running game, where the Dolphins are averaging just 89.7 yards per game, which ranks 28th.
Tua is tearing it up
Whether Chargers fans want to hear it or not, Tagovailoa is statistically one of the best quarterbacks in the league. Tagovailoa has completed 68.1% of his passes for 2,859 yards, 21 touchdowns, and five interceptions. Tagovailoa has the league-high passer rating (112.0). Tagovailoa also leads the NFL in third-down passer rating (137.8), four-quarter passer rating (125.1), red-zone passer rating (115.0), and yards per pass attempt (8.11). Tagovailoa has significantly benefited from playing under McDaniel and having one of the best one-two receiving threats.
Dynamic duo
Wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle have caused problems for opposing defenses weekly. The Chargers are familiar with Hill and his second-to-none speed, having played on division rival Chiefs the past few seasons. Hill currently has 1,379 yards and five touchdowns on 96 receptions. He has four games with at least ten receptions and 150 receiving yards this season. Waddle, also an explosive playmaker, has 972 yards and six scores on 59 catches, averaging 17.1 yards per catch.
Fearsome front
The Dolphins’ defense ranks middle of the pack, as they’re 15th in defensive DVOA. Their strong suit on that side of the ball is along the defensive line. Edge defenders Jaelen Phillips and Melvin Ingram have wreaked havoc at rushing the passer. They have 48 and 31 quarterback pressures, respectively. Bradley Chubb was added at the trade deadline and has been an excellent acquisition. He has 12 pressures and three sacks. Along the interior part of the defensive line, Christian Wilkins is playing the run at a high level. Wilkins is tied for sixth among defensive linemen with 12 tackles for loss this season. Wilkins’ partner-in-crime, Zach Sieler, has also been an integral piece against the run, with three tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, and 28 run stops.
