The Miami Dolphins will try their luck on the West Coast Sunday against the San Diego Chargers after going 0-3 to start the season in the east. Miami lost for the third time in as many tries last weekend against the Cleveland Browns, while the Chargers sit at 2-1 and are tied with the Oakland Raiders for the lead in the AFC West despite a series of underwhelming performances to start the year.
Rivers turning the ball over
The Dolphins look to improve on their turnover differential against Chargers quarterback Phillip Rivers, who leads the league in thrown interceptions with six. With tight end Antonio Gates out due to a foot injury, getting wide receiver Vincent Jackson double-covered should be priority for the Miami defense. Even though Rivers is pretty good at getting the ball off before getting sacked, Cameron Wake and the Dolphins’ pass rush can do some damage if the secondary consistently takes away Rivers’ first look.
Dolphins coach Tony Sparano recognizes that Rivers still does more things well than poorly.
“He’s thrown more… I would call them big-time throws in his first several games here,” Sparano told the media Wednesday. “I mean the guy does a great job of location. He is always top of the league in completion percentage, those type of things. He’s thrown some balls in some really tight spots. The thing I’m most impressed with him is the way he hangs in there. Some quarterbacks see the rush; this guy is oblivious to the rush."
Bush should get more carries, Slaton claimed
Sparano has stuck with his statement that Reggie Bush is Miami’s No. 1 running back, but rookie Daniel Thomas has been getting most of the backfield work, both on the ground and through the air. However, Thomas didn’t make the trip to San Diego this weekend due to a hamstring injury.
Thomas’ absence means Steve Slaton, who was claimed off of waivers Wednesday after being released from the Houston Texans, will probably see some playing time Sunday despite being with the team for only four days. Sparano said he was encouraged with Slaton’s ability to get up to speed so quickly.
“Yeah, it sure has (been encouraging),” Sparano said. “He was able to jump in there on day one and he took a few plays and was able to take a few plays here today so we’ll see.”
Marshall looking forward
Dolphins wide receiver Brandon Marshall is an important part of Miami’s offense, though his reception totals and yards have gone down in each of the team’s three games. He caught only four passes for 43 yards and dropped a touchdown last week. While Marshall watched game film until 5 a.m. following Sunday’s loss to the Browns, he insists he’s looking ahead.
“I really don’t spend my time in the past,” Marshall told the media Wednesday. “I give myself a little period where I self assess myself and that time is over. If you spend too much time in the past, you’re going to stay there. We’re trying to keep things positive around here. We’re not where we want to be and as unit we’re fighting to keep things on track.”
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