The Chargers are looking to turn things around after dropping two consecutive games. They will have a good chance to start building some momentum against a Dolphins team that looks like they’re in rebuild mode.
Nonetheless, there will still be some key matchups to watch that could determine the outcome of the game.
Here are three to keep an eye on:
WR Keenan Allen vs. CB Xavien Howard
Through three games, Allen has been the most productive wideout in the NFL, leading the charge with 29 receptions, 404 yards and three touchdowns. No matter what cornerback is lined up across from the former Cal product, they have no answer for him.
Allen will be slated for a matchup against the highest paid corner in the league on Sunday.
It’s been a bit of slow start for Howard after setting the bar high with his stat line that consisted of 11 interceptions and 25 passes defensed the past two seasons. He was gashed by Cowboys’ Amari Cooper last Sunday, and will be looking for a bounce back game against Allen.
Cooper and Allen are both premiere route runners, so if that’s what Howard struggled against in one-on-one situations, then it could be another monster performance from Allen.
FS Rayshawn Jenkins vs. QB Josh Rosen
Coach Anthony Lynn said that Jenkins was playing the single-high role at an “elite” level, but his game against the Texans suggested otherwise. Jenkins fell victim to a couple touchdowns, as he was late to diagnose the play and was consistently on the wrong side of the play.
Jenkins, who will remain as the starting free safety on Sunday, will have a quarterback in Rosen that’s not afraid to throw it deep. Rosen has witnessed a lot of dropped passes deep down the field, but it’s not always guaranteed that’ll be the case.
If Rosen gets his opportunity to sling it, then it’ll be Jenkins responsibility to defend those deep routes and show more acceleration to get to those passing lanes to disrupt the play, or else there could be similar results to last weekend’s game.
Chargers offensive line vs. Dolphins defensive line
The offensive line looked improved in Week 2, but followed that up with a piss-poor performance against the Texans.
Guard Dan Feeney has allowed three sacks this season, which is tied for the most allowed by any guard in the NFL. Trent Scott has allowed three as well, and Sam Tevi has allowed four.
The Dolphins know that they have to put quarterback Philip Rivers under duress early and often so that way he has little time to find his favorite target in Allen.
Miami only has four sacks through three games, but they will be making it a top priority to take advantage of an offensive line that has struggled in pass protection.
