Tag: Chargers vs. Dolphins highlights

Chargers player of the game from loss to Dolphins

Despite the loss, there was a Chargers player who really shined.

The Chargers had a challenging game. The defense wasn’t clicking, there were mistakes all over the field and the passing game was faltering – but a silver lining amongst all of it was Kellen Moore’s run game, featuring running back Joshua Kelley, and this week’s standout player RB Austin Ekeler.

Ekeler lit up the Dolphins defense on nearly every drive. Averaging 7.3 yards per carry, he found holes in Miami’s defense and bullied his way through tackles to make every carry count. Over the past several seasons, Ekeler has solidified himself as one of the top backs in the league, touting impressive stats in both rushing and receiving, as well as having 20 touchdowns in 2021 and 18 in 2022 – the most touchdowns out of any non-quarterback in the league two years in a row.

Ekeler impressed in today’s game, totaling 117 yards on 16 carries and one touchdown. Last season, he had only two games with over 100 rushing yards, so seeing this level of rushing production from him this early on is phenomenal. It was expected that Ekeler would continue to carry most of the load in the run game, but having Kelley there to share the number of carries made a big difference in Ekeler’s ability to remain explosive and productive throughout all four quarters of the game. The offensive line was also doing a fantastic job of making holes for him to run through, one of which resulted in a massive 55-yard run from Ekeler, which set up a touchdown for Justin Herbert and Donald Parham.

It’s exciting to see the run game come alive the way it did and alleviate some of the pressure from Herbert and the passing game. If Ekeler can continue this level of elite rushing production, then the Chargers’ offense should be a major threat to any defense they will face this season.

Highlight: Chargers QB Justin Herbert passes for first touchdown of season vs. Dolphins

First of many for Justin Herbert.

Justin Herbert is on the board.

The Chargers’ gameplan has been run-heavy early on against the Dolphins, with plenty of success to be had by Austin Ekeler and Joshua Kelley. Herbert has had his moments as well, but the passing game took a bit of backseat in the first half.

Even so, Herbert got his first passing touchdown of the season in the second quarter. On a third and goal, the quarterback fired a laser to tight end Donald Parham Jr., who kept the ball high and away from his defender DeShon Elliott to secure the touchdown.

The pass put the Chargers up 14-10.

First Half Highlights: Chargers vs. Dolphins

The Dolphins currently lead the Chargers by the score of 17-7.

The Chargers currently trail the Dolphins by the score of 17-7 at the halfway mark.

Things didn’t start too hot for Los Angeles after punter Ty Long botched the snap and had it blocked, allowing Miami to take over at their opponent’s one-yard line. From there, running back Salvon Ahmed punched it up the gut for the first score of the game.

L.A. could’ve held Miami to a field goal on their next drive, but a defensive offsides penalty on cornerback Quenton Meeks led to a passing touchdown from quarterback Tua Tagovailoa to wide receiver Jakeem Grant.

The Dolphins were close to taking a 21-point lead, but a botched snap and fumble recovery by linebacker Nick Vigil led to a scoring possession. Quarterback Justin Herbert took it himself for a one-yard rushing touchdown.

Miami will start the second half with the football.