Big Test for Offense

The Miami Dolphins take on the San Diego Chargers this upcoming weekend, and even though all the talk is about stopping Philip Rivers, the Chargers’ pass defense may be just as good.  Their pass defense is ranked 6th in the league, allowing just 219.1 yards passing per game, and they have only allowed one QB, which was Carson Palmer to go over 300 yards passing.

The Dolphins offense has been the epitome of inconsistent, so it will be interesting to see what they can do against one of the better defenses they have faced this season.  Tannehill and the Dolphins’ offense struggled to gain first downs against a mediocre Jaguar defense, so there should be concern about what they can accomplish against a better one.

Most football gambling fans would say that the best way to be successful in the passing game is to be able to run the football.  The Dolphins have been successful running the ball this season, however they rarely like to center their offensive game plan around the run.  Hopefully Lazor will make more of a commitment to the run against the Chargers this weekend, because with the help of Miller, Thomas and Tannehill, the Dolphins should be able to run the ball against a Charger defense that is allowing 110.9 yards per game.

I believe that if the Dolphins can run against the Chargers it will help them to move the chains and keep the phins’ offense on the field for longer then 3 plays at a time.  If they can do this, it will also keep Rivers and the Chargers offense off the field, where they can not hurt the Dolphins.  In addition if the Chargers have to put more defenders in the box to defend against a potent rushing attack, then there will be opportunities down the field for Tannehill and the passing game to take advantage of.

Tannehill and the passing game is going to have their hands full.  For starters the offensive line needs to give Tannehill time to go through his reads.  When Tannehill has been able to keep his jersey clean, he has proved to be a more efficient and effective QB.  Lazor should concentrate on letting Tannehill begin the game with short and easy passes to throw.  The Dolphins need to obviously score points if they want to win, however before that, they need to move the chains and get first downs.  If they play like they did in the first half of the Jaguars game, then Rivers is not going to be as sloppy as Bortles, and instead he will make the Dolphins pay the price.

I think the Dolphins offense will be more ready to play, because they will be hosting a team that they know they will be competing with, for a playoff spot.  The goal is still to make the playoffs, so they have to beat teams that are also playoff worthy, and I think most football gambling fans would say that the Chargers are a playoff worthy team.