If the Los Angeles Chargers want to win in Week 1, they need players to excel against the Dolphins. The Chargers-Dolphins rivalry is just getting started, as both quarterbacks are 1-1 against each other. Last year, Justin Herbert and company took a very easy win against the Dolphins, in a game where it seemed fluke-luck plays were the Dolphins’ only offense. In Week 1 of this year, Charger fans hope more of the same, but it will likely be a well-fought battle between the two playoff-hopeful teams.
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3 Chargers Set to Dominate Against the Dolphins
Justin Herbert
Starting with the obvious, Los Angeles Chargers starting quarterback Justin Herbert is very much expected to excel against the Miami Dolphins. In his previous two games against Miami, Herbert averaged a 71.1% completion percentage, 277 yards, 1.5 touchdowns, 0.5 interceptions, 3 sacks, and a passer rating of 96.2. These stats aren’t completely mind-blowing, but in these matches, he was either a rookie or a third-year quarterback with cracked ribs, with an offensive coordinator who was more than deservedly fired not long after.
This season, look for Herbert to put up big numbers under new offensive coordinator Kellen Moore. With all of Herbert’s playmakers healthy, including himself, it’s going to be an explosive passing attack. Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, Austin Ekeler, Gerald Everett, Quentin Johnston, Joshua Palmer, and other pieces are all healthy and ready to put up huge numbers against this Dolphins’ banged-up secondary.
Stat Prediction: 374 Passing Yards, 2 touchdowns, 20 Rushing Yards, 64% Completion Percentage.
Justin Herbert’s first ever drive in the NFL. A Charger superstar is born⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️ pic.twitter.com/tarEavNIz7
— Herbert is Tier 1 (Just scroll on) (@SunnySideUp211) September 7, 2023
Mike Williams
Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen would also be a good choice for someone who would excel against the Dolphins, but playing against Xavien Howard (although he is regressing) and attracting double teams from Jevon Holland, isn’t exactly the formula one should bet on. Mike Williams is in line for a huge game, as he has favorable matchups all across the board, likely little double teams, and a superstar quarterback throwing him the ball.
Jalen Ramsey is out, Xavien Howard is slowing down, Kader Kohou is on nickel duty at 5’10, and Eli Apple hasn’t ever been good. No matter who Mike Williams is up against, he is favored. Howard is likely to travel with Allen, Kohou will play in the slot against the likes of Joshua Palmer, leaving Eli Apple, or the rookie in his first game Cam Smith against the monstrous Mike Williams, who can simply jump over both of them with his immense jump ball ability.
Stat Prediction: 102 Receiving Yards, 1 touchdown.
Joey Bosa
Moving to the defense, Joey Bosa is destined to excel against the Dolphins. Bosa is going to play against the likes of Kendall Lamm who has been a backup in seven of his eight years in the league. If Bosa isn’t lined up against Lamm, who will be likely playing in place of Terron Armstead who is likely to be out during the course of this contest, he will be against Austin Jackson.
Jackson is a former first-round selection who struggled at tackle his rookie year, leading him to play guard in his second year. Last season, he was banged up with injuries and only played in two games. Jackson has never inspired confidence in the Dolphins coaching staff, which is reflected in his PFF grades. These grades are a career 53.4 offense grade, 54 run block grade, and a 52.3 pass block grade.
With a backup tackle and a very uninspiring former first-round selection on the field, look for the 4 time Pro Bowl edge rusher to make quick work of these Dolphins offensive linemen. Beyond Bosa, Khalil Mack could also very much make easy work of these tackles, as Mack is also looking to sack Tua Tagovailoa.
Stat Prediction: 1.5 sacks, 5 tackles, 1 forced fumble, 2 tackles for loss.
All in all, this Week 1 matchup between the Chargers and Dolphins is going to be filled with star-studded players looking to make a massive impact. For the Los Angeles Chargers, Justin Herbert, Mike Williams, and Joey Bosa are all names to look out for to have a big game to start the 2023 season off.
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Main Photo: Jay Biggerstaff – USA Today Sports
