Dolphins must exploit one major Chargers weakness on Sunday
The Miami Dolphins (8-4) have an opportunity to fortify its standing in the AFC Playoff picture with a win against the Los Angeles Chargers (6-6) this weekend. In order to leave the City of Angels with a win, the Dolphins must resurrect the run game. Head coach Mike McDaniel has used the passing attack to […]
The Miami Dolphins (8-4) have an opportunity to fortify its standing in the AFC Playoff picture with a win against the Los Angeles Chargers (6-6) this weekend. In order to leave the City of Angels with a win, the Dolphins must resurrect the run game.
Head coach Mike McDaniel has used the passing attack to outscore opponents in most of Miami’s wins this season. Against a vulnerable Chargers run defense, the Dolphins need to turn one of its biggest weaknesses into a strength.
The Dolphins don’t run the ball often. In fact, Miami ranks 30th in the NFL with 269 rushing attempts, which equates to 22.4 per game.
While the combination of Jeff Wilson Jr. and Raheem Mostert isn’t the most dynamic duo in the league, they’re each certainly capable of breaking off a big play.
All the Chargers’ defense has done this season is give up explosive plays in the run game. Los Angeles ranks as the NFL’s 29th ranked rush defense, allowing opponents to run for an average of 151.6 yards per game.
Miami can tend to lean on screen passes around the line of scrimmage to act as an extension of the run game. However, they’ll need to pound the rock and impose their will in the trenches to bludgeon the Chargers’ defensive front.
Unlocking the rushing attack against the Chargers could pay dividends later in the season, or even in the postseason. There will be days when Tua Tagovailoa and the passing game can’t get it going. Learning how to win on the ground could prove to be the difference in a cold and blustery playoff game.
Featured image via Kelly L. Cox – USA TODAY Sports
