The San Diego Chargers (2-1) took down the Miami Dolphins (0-3) Sunday at home.  The Chargers could not get much going at all in the first three quarters, but their defense did a great job of shutting down the Dolphins.  The only positive the Dolphins had on offense was their Wildcat running attack, as it got them 42 yards on seven tries (6.0 avg).

The Chargers shut down Chad Pennington, who left early in the second half after taking a big hit from Chargers’ linebacker Kevin Burnett.  Chad Henne had even less production against the Chargers defense, as Eric Weddle picked a Henne pass late in the 4th quarter and returned it 31 yards for a game sealing touchdown.

Philip Rivers did not have a huge game, as he failed to throw a touchdown, but he did go for 303 yards on 18/33 attempts (55%).  He did have a 5-yard rushing touchdown in the 3rd quarter, the Chargers first touchdown of the game.  The Chargers passing game was effective but the running game struggled.  Darron Sproles only rushed for 41 yards on 18 attempts (2.3 avg).

The Chargers defense did a great job at shutting the passing game down, but they need to figure out how to slow down the Wildcat formation.  Other teams in the league definitely noticed how the Dolphins’ Wildcat was successful against the Chargers and I am guessing they will try to utilize it against the Chargers as well.  The Chargers had a solid game overall, but they have the capability of playing much better and blowing out a team like the Miami Dolphins.

The San Diego Chargers (1-1) are hosting the Miami Dolphins (0-2) this week.  The Chargers have been inconsistent and although they  have a great offense, it has struggled at times early in this season.  Chargers’ star running back LaDainianTomlinson is still out with an ankle injury, and the talented Derron Sproles will replace him once again.  Sproles is just as dangerous in the passing game as he is on the ground, and he is one of quarterback Phillip Rivers’ favorite targets this year.

The Dolphins are going to need to stop the run if they want a chance at winning this game, but stopping the run has not prevented them from losing their first two games.  They are only giving up 64.5 yards per game on the ground, yet they are still 0-2.  The Chargers will need to figure out a way to get Sproles going on the ground, as time of possession is tough to win against the Dolphins.  The Dolphins have a very strong running attack and their quarterback Chad Pennington does not throw the ball a lot.  The Chargers need to stay on their toes, as the Dolphins run the wildcat better than any team in the league.

Rivers has thrown three interceptions already this year, but the talented quarterback has racked up a ton of yards.  Rivers needs to make sure that he limits the turnovers against the Dolphins, and if he does that I think the Chargers will not have a problem winning.  The Dolphins will put up a good fight but I think the Chargers will win.

FINAL SCORE PREDICTION:  Dolphins 24, Chargers 31

The Chargers will be without starting center Nick Hardwick until at least December due to ankle surgery.  This is a huge blow to the offensive line of the Chargers who will have to run most of the running plays to the outside with the guards also hurting.  Scott Mruczkowski will replace Hardwick in the starting lineup and he has only started 2 games in his five year NFL career.  This injury spells trouble for the Chargers’ offense.

The Chargers have signed DT/DE Alfonso Boone to a 1-year deal.  Boone played in 15 games for the Chiefs last season and he made 17 tackles, defensed 1 pass and he had 1 sack.  Boone has now played in 113 games in his 8-year NFL career and he has made 150 tackles, defensed 13 passes, has 12.5 sacks and he has forced 1 fumble.  The 33-year old Boone doesn’t have a lot of tread left on his tires but the Chargers are gettting desperate.

The Chargers will be without DT Travis Johnson for at least Sunday’s game against the Dolphins with a groin strain.  He has two tackles this season for the Chargers.  This is a bad time for the Chargers to lose defensive linemen as they are having problems stopping the run and the Dolphins are coming to town.