Miami managed to win vs San Diego without displaying a high level of play. Again, like last year, the dolphins are 8-2 after 10 games. This is where the collapse began last year. The Dolphins are also entering the
taffest part of the schedule with games vs NY, Tampa bay, at Buffalo, at N.E and twice against the Colts remaining. The Dolphins played as well as possible. The Phins were without injured DT Gardener and LB Zach Thomas they could return to the lineup next week.
The Dolphins used Martin and OJ more than last week. OJ caught 3 passes out of the 13 completions Fiedler had. The bad part of the game is that Thurman Thomas is out for the year and he will consider retirement. JJ Johnson will probably take his place as the 3rd down back. RB Autry Denson will probably see more action as well.
QB - Fiedler started very well as always completing his first 9 throws but as usuall he struggled after that going 4 of 11. He didn't have a TD or an INT. His final numbers were 13 of 20 for 160 yards. He was OK. C+
RB - Smith had less success against S.D but that was expected against the Chargers strong run defense. He did score Miami's two TDs on short runs. Thomas is out for the season and perhaps his career, Denson was OK. C+
WR - OJ is back he looked good and he caught 3 passes. Gadsden caught a 61 yard bomb on the first play of the game. C+
OL - The OL played very well in the passing game and Fiedler wasn't touched all game long. B
DL - The unit played without DT Darryl Gardener, DT Jermaine Haley took his place. Taylor and Armstrong both got to the QB. B
LB - Zach could be back next week. Izzo didn't start but he played on special teams. He obviously didn't do a good enough job in order to continue playing with him. Jones moved to MLB, a position he played in Dallas and LB Twan Russel got his first start at LB in place of Jones. B
Secondary - The unit got 4 INTs from the 3 Charger QB. Shaw played well also and Wilson got to the QB on the blitz. A-
Special teams - Nothing fancy this time (besides a reverse on a punt return) Mare did his job, P Turk had better games. B+
Coaching - The thing in this game was to try and take this game seriously. Miami is much better than San Diego, and it showed. B
