Special Preview- NFL, Week One
Miami Dolphins at Los Angeles Chargers
Dolphins: Mike McDaniel was a good hire for them. He’s an offensive minded coach that can help develop a Quarterback and that’s what they needed for Tua Tagovailoa. At one time in 2022, the Miami Dolphins were in first place in the AFC East. With everything Tua experienced last year, Miami still found themselves in the postseason where they gave the Buffalo Bills all they could handle but fell short. It’s the fact they were able to hang with the best team in their division with a third string Quarterback. At one point, they were 8-3 which was their best 11 game start since the 2001 season. Then came the collapse when they lost five straight game and just squeaked into the playoffs. The driving point of this offense was Tyreek Hill. I think some of you can erase the “Mahomes product” title you applied to him because at one point, he was the favorite to win Offensive Player of the Year. In the offseason, they were able to acquire Jalen Ramsey from the Los Angeles Rams. The tandem of Jalen along with Xavien Howard will give them lockdown corners which will force offenses to become one dimensional. Good luck to any offense trying to beat them in the passing game. On paper, this is a team that can make the playoffs again. It just all depends on a healthy Tua. The speed of Tyreek and Jaylen Waddle on the outside and the defense they could be, watch out. They kick off their 2023 season in Los Angeles this Sunday.
Chargers: I still remember when many had them as the favorite to win the AFC West. They did make the moves to acquire Khalil Mack from the Chicago Bears, J.C. Jackson was signed in free agency, and they were able to resign Derwin James to a contract extension. Once again, the Chiefs won the division, but the Chargers were able to win ten games and clinched a spot in the playoffs for the first time since 2018. Speaking of the playoffs, let’s talk about that and get the ugly out of the way. Back in January, they were dominating the Jacksonville Jaguars and had a 27-point lead. Sounds like a victory, right? Not at all! No lead is safe in this league, ask the Atlanta Falcons I’m sure they’ll tell you all about that. If there’s any coach that enters this season on the hot seat, it’s Brandon Staley and I’m shocked they even elected to bring him back for another season. While the Chargers may have question marks, the one shining point of this team is Justin Herbert who has become a top-five Quarterback today. I knew he was special back in college at Oregon and he’s shown that in the NFL. This offense is a machine when everyone is consistent. A healthy Keenan Allen will make all the difference for this offense, and I can say the same about Mike Williams as he was in and out of the line up for most of last season. They will welcome the Dolphins to town on Sunday afternoon.
Dolphins X-Factor: Raheem Mostert– Last season, the Chargers had such a tough time stopping the run. Have they done anything to fix that? If I’m the Dolphins, I’m establishing Raheem early on. I was excited when they were able to acquire him from the 49ers because of his history with Coach McDaniel. He’s a slippery runner in space and will make you miss or he’ll run through you.
Chargers X-Factor: J.C. Jackson– He was signed for games just like this. For the teams with the elite receivers and he’ll see one on Sunday when he’s lined up against Cheetah. J.C. is one of the best corners in this league when healthy. He has that true nose for the football and plays his position with excellent ball skills. The question is will he play Tyreek on the island or will he have help over the top? That is to be determined.
Three Things To Watch
1. Chargers Defense: When these two met last year, the Chargers defense had one of their best performances of the season. They were able to limit Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle by holding them each to under 100 yards receiving. The Chargers were also able to pressure Tua and he was so limited that he finished the game with 145 yards passing and one touchdown. By pressuring the Quarterback, it gave their defense a reset.
2. Battle Postponed: When the Dolphins acquired Jalen Ramsey, pairing him with Xavien Howard immediately caught my attention. These are two of the best Defensive Backs in the league today. They both get a test right out the gates with Mike Williams and Keenan Allen who are one of the best tandems of receivers in the league. Jalen unfortunately got hurt and will be out until December. My philosophy would be to keep Mike in check. When he gets it going, Justin will continue to feed him the football. He uses his height to his full advantage. Keenan is one of the best route runners in this league today.
3. Miami’s Adjustments: The Dolphins couldn’t get much of anything going in their matchup with the Chargers last year because they were neutralized. They will find different ways to get the football in the hands of Tyreek Hill. Feed your playmakers the football in any way, shape or form. I look for Cheetah to get the ball on screens and jet sweeps. This will throw the Chargers defense off because they will be anticipating him to go deep down the field. I’m also watching Waddle and his approach.
Final Thoughts: The second I saw this was a matchup, I knew I’d get my hands on it. These two played in December in 2022 with the Chargers coming out on top. This will be one of the more higher scoring games on the week one slate. Both offenses have more than enough speed and I wouldn’t be surprised if this became a shootout! I expect the Dolphins to come out early and test that Chargers run defense which was one of the worst in the league a season ago. Speaking of that LA defense, will they be able to get pressure once again on Tua? Watch for the balance of the Dolphins offense. McDaniel is an offensive minded guy that will find a way to push the ball up the field. I like Miami here to get a win on the road in week one.
Prediction: Dolphins 34, Chargers 31
