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This was a game that was supposed to be the one to win, a must win game in the AFC. San Diego came off a Thursday Night Football loss to Denver but they had 10 days to prepare for the dreaded trip to Miami.

It's no secret that San Diego's record in Miami over the last few years is abysmal but the Chargers went into the game looking to bounce back and avoid a third straight defeat. So in what turned out to be an embarrassing shut out, just where did it go wrong for the Chargers?

First drive

On 4th-and-1 the Chargers elected to run the football instead of attempting a field goal. That decision was costly and it just went from bad to worse from there on in.

Pocket protection

Philip Rivers was hurried as the pocket collapsed around him on more than one occassion. Rivers was sacked three times on the night. The Chargers signal caller forced the play too many times and it looked like the team of old under Norv Turner. It was the first time Rivers had ever gone for three picks without throwing for a passing touchdown in his career. D.J. Fluker was brushed aside with ease on too many occassions.

No plays, no points

The Chargers managed a whimper of offense, 178 in total and a low number of 50 yards on the ground. 3rd down efficiency was 3-of-11. There was no productivity from the defense or speacial teams either. This was agaisnt a quarterbakc in Ryan Tannehill who has been relatively easy to get to over the last two seasons. It was one of those days.

Credit to the Miami Dolphins, they converted the first downs, controlled the game and where dominent on all three phases of the football. Coach McCoy has to figure out how to manage his roster in the right manner going into the bye-week. The senior players must keep their heads and show leadership especially at a time where they have slipped from 5-1 to 5-4. 

Forget the play-offs, right now it's about getting back on track and picking up another win. The Chargers schedule looks unfavourable at this moment in time. Trips to the 49ers and Chiefs finish off the season that is after hosting the Patriots and the Broncos.

The most dissapointing thing is the way in which the season seems to be folding in on itself. Talk of winning the AFC West and a possible MVP for Rivers is fading away fast. It's easy to point the finger at one or two individuals but everyone must take equal responsibility. As it stands right now I would take an 8-8 season. The Chargers must prove that they are better than that record. Over to you San Diego.

This was a game that was supposed to be the one to win, a must win game in the AFC. San Diego came off a Thursday Night Football loss to Denver but they had 10 days to prepare for the dreaded trip to Miami.

It's no secret that San Diego's record in Miami over the last few years is abysmal but the Chargers went into the game looking to bounce back and avoid a third straight defeat. So in what turned out to be an embarrassing shut out, just where did it go wrong for the Chargers?

First drive

On 4th-and-1 the Chargers elected to run the football instead of attempting a field goal. That decision was costly and it just went from bad to worse from there on in.

Pocket protection

Philip Rivers was hurried as the pocket collapsed around him on more than one occassion. Rivers was sacked three times on the night. The Chargers signal caller forced the play too many times and it looked like the team of old under Norv Turner. It was the first time Rivers had ever gone for three picks without throwing for a passing touchdown in his career. D.J. Fluker was brushed aside with ease on too many occassions.

No plays, no points

The Chargers managed a whimper of offense, 178 in total and a low number of 50 yards on the ground. 3rd down efficiency was 3-of-11. There was no productivity from the defense or speacial teams either. This was agaisnt a quarterbakc in Ryan Tannehill who has been relatively easy to get to over the last two seasons. It was one of those days.

Credit to the Miami Dolphins, they converted the first downs, controlled the game and where dominent on all three phases of the football. Coach McCoy has to figure out how to manage his roster in the right manner going into the bye-week. The senior players must keep their heads and show leadership especially at a time where they have slipped from 5-1 to 5-4. 

Forget the play-offs, right now it's about getting back on track and picking up another win. The Chargers schedule looks unfavourable at this moment in time. Trips to the 49ers and Chiefs finish off the season that is after hosting the Patriots and the Broncos.

The most dissapointing thing is the way in which the season seems to be folding in on itself. Talk of winning the AFC West and a possible MVP for Rivers is fading away fast. It's easy to point the finger at one or two individuals but everyone must take equal responsibility. As it stands right now I would take an 8-8 season. The Chargers must prove that they are better than that record. Over to you San Diego.

This was a game that was supposed to be the one to win, a must win game in the AFC. San Diego came off a Thursday Night Football loss to Denver but they had 10 days to prepare for the dreaded trip to Miami.

It's no secret that San Diego's record in Miami over the last few years is abysmal but the Chargers went into the game looking to bounce back and avoid a third straight defeat. So in what turned out to be an embarrassing shut out, just where did it go wrong for the Chargers?

First drive

On 4th-and-1 the Chargers elected to run the football instead of attempting a field goal. That decision was costly and it just went from bad to worse from there on in.

Pocket protection

Philip Rivers was hurried as the pocket collapsed around him on more than one occassion. Rivers was sacked three times on the night. The Chargers signal caller forced the play too many times and it looked like the team of old under Norv Turner. It was the first time Rivers had ever gone for three picks without throwing for a passing touchdown in his career. D.J. Fluker was brushed aside with ease on too many occassions.

No plays, no points

The Chargers managed a whimper of offense, 178 in total and a low number of 50 yards on the ground. 3rd down efficiency was 3-of-11. There was no productivity from the defense or speacial teams either. This was agaisnt a quarterbakc in Ryan Tannehill who has been relatively easy to get to over the last two seasons. It was one of those days.

Credit to the Miami Dolphins, they converted the first downs, controlled the game and where dominent on all three phases of the football. Coach McCoy has to figure out how to manage his roster in the right manner going into the bye-week. The senior players must keep their heads and show leadership especially at a time where they have slipped from 5-1 to 5-4. 

Forget the play-offs, right now it's about getting back on track and picking up another win. The Chargers schedule looks unfavourable at this moment in time. Trips to the 49ers and Chiefs finish off the season that is after hosting the Patriots and the Broncos.

The most dissapointing thing is the way in which the season seems to be folding in on itself. Talk of winning the AFC West and a possible MVP for Rivers is fading away fast. It's easy to point the finger at one or two individuals but everyone must take equal responsibility. As it stands right now I would take an 8-8 season. The Chargers must prove that they are better than that record. Over to you San Diego.

This was a game that was supposed to be the one to win, a must win game in the AFC. San Diego came off a Thursday Night Football loss to Denver but they had 10 days to prepare for the dreaded trip to Miami.

It's no secret that San Diego's record in Miami over the last few years is abysmal but the Chargers went into the game looking to bounce back and avoid a third straight defeat. So in what turned out to be an embarrassing shut out, just where did it go wrong for the Chargers?

First drive

On 4th-and-1 the Chargers elected to run the football instead of attempting a field goal. That decision was costly and it just went from bad to worse from there on in.

Pocket protection

Philip Rivers was hurried as the pocket collapsed around him on more than one occassion. Rivers was sacked three times on the night. The Chargers signal caller forced the play too many times and it looked like the team of old under Norv Turner. It was the first time Rivers had ever gone for three picks without throwing for a passing touchdown in his career. D.J. Fluker was brushed aside with ease on too many occassions.

No plays, no points

The Chargers managed a whimper of offense, 178 in total and a low number of 50 yards on the ground. 3rd down efficiency was 3-of-11. There was no productivity from the defense or speacial teams either. This was agaisnt a quarterbakc in Ryan Tannehill who has been relatively easy to get to over the last two seasons. It was one of those days.

Credit to the Miami Dolphins, they converted the first downs, controlled the game and where dominent on all three phases of the football. Coach McCoy has to figure out how to manage his roster in the right manner going into the bye-week. The senior players must keep their heads and show leadership especially at a time where they have slipped from 5-1 to 5-4. 

Forget the play-offs, right now it's about getting back on track and picking up another win. The Chargers schedule looks unfavourable at this moment in time. Trips to the 49ers and Chiefs finish off the season that is after hosting the Patriots and the Broncos.

The most dissapointing thing is the way in which the season seems to be folding in on itself. Talk of winning the AFC West and a possible MVP for Rivers is fading away fast. It's easy to point the finger at one or two individuals but everyone must take equal responsibility. As it stands right now I would take an 8-8 season. The Chargers must prove that they are better than that record. Over to you San Diego.

In week six when The 49ers faced The Rams it took quite the rally from the 49ers for them to pull out the win. With Kapernick throwing a touchdown to Davis, and Lloyd, ending the night with 343 yards and three touchdowns, The 49ers were able to pull out the win 31-17. The following are five things to know about Sunday's game.

1. Robert Quinn

Two weeks ago, Quinn was able to sack Russell Wilson, and then last week, he also got to Alex Smith as well. Watch for Quinn to try and get the sack on Kaepernick as well.

2. Greg Robinson

Because of a knee injury to Jake Long, rookie Greg Robinson will fill in at the left tackle position. Having only limited success at the left guard position, look for Robinson to work hard at trying to fill Jake Long's shoes.

3. Stevie Johnson

In the first seven games of the season, Johnson received a reception, and each time it was for a touchdown. Watch for Johnson to get more play time on Sunday as well as more to come as the season progresses.

4. Colin Kaepernick

49ers QB Colin Kaepernick has had his share of set backs this season. With a big loss to the Broncos last week, watch for Kaepernick to try and turn it around against the Rams.

5. Injuries

Among a big list of 49er injuries during the bye week was Vernon Davis, who was part of the reason for the 49ers success against The Rams earlier this season. Watch for the entire 49ers team to come together to work for the win against The Rams.

In week six when The 49ers faced The Rams it took quite the rally from the 49ers for them to pull out the win. With Kapernick throwing a touchdown to Davis, and Lloyd, ending the night with 343 yards and three touchdowns, The 49ers were able to pull out the win 31-17. The following are five things to know about Sunday's game.

1. Robert Quinn

Two weeks ago, Quinn was able to sack Russell Wilson, and then last week, he also got to Alex Smith as well. Watch for Quinn to try and get the sack on Kaepernick as well.

2. Greg Robinson

Because of a knee injury to Jake Long, rookie Greg Robinson will fill in at the left tackle position. Having only limited success at the left guard position, look for Robinson to work hard at trying to fill Jake Long's shoes.

3. Stevie Johnson

In the first seven games of the season, Johnson received a reception, and each time it was for a touchdown. Watch for Johnson to get more play time on Sunday as well as more to come as the season progresses.

4. Colin Kaepernick

49ers QB Colin Kaepernick has had his share of set backs this season. With a big loss to the Broncos last week, watch for Kaepernick to try and turn it around against the Rams.

5. Injuries

Among a big list of 49er injuries during the bye week was Vernon Davis, who was part of the reason for the 49ers success against The Rams earlier this season. Watch for the entire 49ers team to come together to work for the win against The Rams.

In week six when The 49ers faced The Rams it took quite the rally from the 49ers for them to pull out the win. With Kapernick throwing a touchdown to Davis, and Lloyd, ending the night with 343 yards and three touchdowns, The 49ers were able to pull out the win 31-17. The following are five things to know about Sunday's game.

1. Robert Quinn

Two weeks ago, Quinn was able to sack Russell Wilson, and then last week, he also got to Alex Smith as well. Watch for Quinn to try and get the sack on Kaepernick as well.

2. Greg Robinson

Because of a knee injury to Jake Long, rookie Greg Robinson will fill in at the left tackle position. Having only limited success at the left guard position, look for Robinson to work hard at trying to fill Jake Long's shoes.

3. Stevie Johnson

In the first seven games of the season, Johnson received a reception, and each time it was for a touchdown. Watch for Johnson to get more play time on Sunday as well as more to come as the season progresses.

4. Colin Kaepernick

49ers QB Colin Kaepernick has had his share of set backs this season. With a big loss to the Broncos last week, watch for Kaepernick to try and turn it around against the Rams.

5. Injuries

Among a big list of 49er injuries during the bye week was Vernon Davis, who was part of the reason for the 49ers success against The Rams earlier this season. Watch for the entire 49ers team to come together to work for the win against The Rams.

In week six when The 49ers faced The Rams it took quite the rally from the 49ers for them to pull out the win. With Kapernick throwing a touchdown to Davis, and Lloyd, ending the night with 343 yards and three touchdowns, The 49ers were able to pull out the win 31-17. The following are five things to know about Sunday's game.

1. Robert Quinn

Two weeks ago, Quinn was able to sack Russell Wilson, and then last week, he also got to Alex Smith as well. Watch for Quinn to try and get the sack on Kaepernick as well.

2. Greg Robinson

Because of a knee injury to Jake Long, rookie Greg Robinson will fill in at the left tackle position. Having only limited success at the left guard position, look for Robinson to work hard at trying to fill Jake Long's shoes.

3. Stevie Johnson

In the first seven games of the season, Johnson received a reception, and each time it was for a touchdown. Watch for Johnson to get more play time on Sunday as well as more to come as the season progresses.

4. Colin Kaepernick

49ers QB Colin Kaepernick has had his share of set backs this season. With a big loss to the Broncos last week, watch for Kaepernick to try and turn it around against the Rams.

5. Injuries

Among a big list of 49er injuries during the bye week was Vernon Davis, who was part of the reason for the 49ers success against The Rams earlier this season. Watch for the entire 49ers team to come together to work for the win against The Rams.

In week six when The 49ers faced The Rams it took quite the rally from the 49ers for them to pull out the win. With Kapernick throwing a touchdown to Davis, and Lloyd, ending the night with 343 yards and three touchdowns, The 49ers were able to pull out the win 31-17. The following are five things to know about Sunday's game.

1. Robert Quinn

Two weeks ago, Quinn was able to sack Russell Wilson, and then last week, he also got to Alex Smith as well. Watch for Quinn to try and get the sack on Kaepernick as well.

2. Greg Robinson

Because of a knee injury to Jake Long, rookie Greg Robinson will fill in at the left tackle position. Having only limited success at the left guard position, look for Robinson to work hard at trying to fill Jake Long's shoes.

3. Stevie Johnson

In the first seven games of the season, Johnson received a reception, and each time it was for a touchdown. Watch for Johnson to get more play time on Sunday as well as more to come as the season progresses.

4. Colin Kaepernick

49ers QB Colin Kaepernick has had his share of set backs this season. With a big loss to the Broncos last week, watch for Kaepernick to try and turn it around against the Rams.

5. Injuries

Among a big list of 49er injuries during the bye week was Vernon Davis, who was part of the reason for the 49ers success against The Rams earlier this season. Watch for the entire 49ers team to come together to work for the win against The Rams.

In week six when The 49ers faced The Rams it took quite the rally from the 49ers for them to pull out the win. With Kapernick throwing a touchdown to Davis, and Lloyd, ending the night with 343 yards and three touchdowns, The 49ers were able to pull out the win 31-17. The following are five things to know about Sunday's game.

1. Robert Quinn

Two weeks ago, Quinn was able to sack Russell Wilson, and then last week, he also got to Alex Smith as well. Watch for Quinn to try and get the sack on Kaepernick as well.

2. Greg Robinson

Because of a knee injury to Jake Long, rookie Greg Robinson will fill in at the left tackle position. Having only limited success at the left guard position, look for Robinson to work hard at trying to fill Jake Long's shoes.

3. Stevie Johnson

In the first seven games of the season, Johnson received a reception, and each time it was for a touchdown. Watch for Johnson to get more play time on Sunday as well as more to come as the season progresses.

4. Colin Kaepernick

49ers QB Colin Kaepernick has had his share of set backs this season. With a big loss to the Broncos last week, watch for Kaepernick to try and turn it around against the Rams.

5. Injuries

Among a big list of 49er injuries during the bye week was Vernon Davis, who was part of the reason for the 49ers success against The Rams earlier this season. Watch for the entire 49ers team to come together to work for the win against The Rams.

For my friend, Chris McLeod, it was the game he became a San Diego Chargers fan. For myself, it was one of the saddest days of my life as a Miami Dolphins fan. It’s known as the Epic in Miami – a 41-38 win by the Chargers in the Orange Bowl that changed playoff football in my eyes forever.

To watch it on television – from what I have been told – was a feeling of triumph and then despair. To watch it in person was maybe the greatest football game I have ever seen with the exception of the 31-31 tie between the Seminoles and Gators in 1996.

The game, won by the Chargers in overtime, 41–38, is one of the most famous in National Football League lore because of the conditions on the field, the performances of players on both teams, and the numerous records that were set. It was also referred to in the Miami Herald as the "Miracle That Died", while Sports Illustrated dubbed it the "Game No One Should Have Lost".

This weekend, the Dolphins and Chargers clash again, 32 years later and while there have been many other contests between the two, and all I can think of is how this writer who was 11 years old at the time, was impacted by that game forever.

The Dolphins of 2014 are trying to move forward from the 27-13 sloppy win over the Jacksonville Jaguars and focus on a San Diego Chargers passing attack that may not be as prolific as Dan Fouts and his core of wide receivers and a solid running game, but it has a chance to put up plenty of points on Sunday.

The Miami Dolphins defense, however, may be as tough as the defensive unit back then under Don Shula. As a unit, it will certainly have a say in the outcome on Sunday.

JORDAN LOOKS GOOD IN FIRST GAME

According to the team’s website, defensive end Dion Jordan looked good in his first game of the 2014 season.

Jordan ended up playing 30 of the Dolphins’ 71 snaps on defense and was often used in non-passing situations, something that didn’t happen often in Jordan’s rookie season.

Jordan was credited with two tackles on defense and another one on special teams, where he got 19 snaps.

THE DEFENSE SCORES MORE THAN THE OFFENSE

The Dolphins’ long interception returns, as chronicled on Dolphins.com today, were a hot topic of conversation during the weekly day-after press conferences of Head Coach Joe Philbin and Coyle.

The Dolphins are averaging an amazing 43.2 yards on their six interception returns this season after scoring two touchdowns against Jacksonville, and both Philbin and Coyle said Monday the team spends time at practice working on that part of the game.

“A lot,” Philbin pointed out. “Kevin and the staff do a great job of teaching that. There’s semi-art to it, if you will. A lot of times we do pursuit drills and sometimes we just emphasize pure, flat-out pursuit to the ball carrier. Then there are other days where we will do an interception drill where we will turn the ball around, give guys with hand shields and we’ll set up the blocking the way we want and then coach up going down the numbers and specific blocking that we would like to get. It’s something we like to teach a lot and they take pride in it.”

Coyle said the Dolphins actually are devoting more practice time to interception returns this year than in the past.

Miami has not been a happy hunting ground for the San Diego Chargers. Back in 1995 the Chargers lost 26-49 against the San Francisco 49ers at Super Bowl XXIX. Mike McCoy will be tyring to avoid a third straight defeat on Sunday.

Here are five things to know about the game;

Gates in form

Antonio Gates has had a very productive season for the Chargers thus far. Gates leads the Bolts in touchdowns with nine and needs five me to equal Tony Martin (1996) and Lance Alworth's (1965) touchdown record for a single season for the Chargers (14). If Gates gets another on Sunday, it will be the fourth time in his career that he has reached 10 or more touchdowns in a season. Tony Martin (1996) and Lance Alworth (1965) hold the touchdown record for a single season for the Chargers with 14 touchdowns.

It's time to go long

Miami born Branden Oliver has made the longest play for the Chargers in 2014 with 52 yards rushing. Mike Wallace leads the way for the Dolpins with a 50-yard receptions.

A dollar in the red

Ryan Tannehill has been sacked 17 times so far this season for a loss of 100 yards. Tannehill will be hoping to avoid being the most sacked quarterback for a second season in a row.

Miami love to entertain the Chargers

The Chargers are not only looking to avoid a third straight defeat this season, but they have lost their last eight games on the road to the Dolphins.

Sack master

Cameron Wake is looking for sack number 58 of his career and has had a sack in each of his last three games.

This is a tough game to call, both teams have their sights set on the playoffs. A defeat for either team will be a big set-back.

For my friend, Chris McLeod, it was the game he became a San Diego Chargers fan. For myself, it was one of the saddest days of my life as a Miami Dolphins fan. It’s known as the Epic in Miami – a 41-38 win by the Chargers in the Orange Bowl that changed playoff football in my eyes forever.

To watch it on television – from what I have been told – was a feeling of triumph and then despair. To watch it in person was maybe the greatest football game I have ever seen with the exception of the 31-31 tie between the Seminoles and Gators in 1996.

The game, won by the Chargers in overtime, 41–38, is one of the most famous in National Football League lore because of the conditions on the field, the performances of players on both teams, and the numerous records that were set. It was also referred to in the Miami Herald as the "Miracle That Died", while Sports Illustrated dubbed it the "Game No One Should Have Lost".

This weekend, the Dolphins and Chargers clash again, 32 years later and while there have been many other contests between the two, and all I can think of is how this writer who was 11 years old at the time, was impacted by that game forever.

The Dolphins of 2014 are trying to move forward from the 27-13 sloppy win over the Jacksonville Jaguars and focus on a San Diego Chargers passing attack that may not be as prolific as Dan Fouts and his core of wide receivers and a solid running game, but it has a chance to put up plenty of points on Sunday.

The Miami Dolphins defense, however, may be as tough as the defensive unit back then under Don Shula. As a unit, it will certainly have a say in the outcome on Sunday.

JORDAN LOOKS GOOD IN FIRST GAME

According to the team’s website, defensive end Dion Jordan looked good in his first game of the 2014 season.

Jordan ended up playing 30 of the Dolphins’ 71 snaps on defense and was often used in non-passing situations, something that didn’t happen often in Jordan’s rookie season.

Jordan was credited with two tackles on defense and another one on special teams, where he got 19 snaps.

THE DEFENSE SCORES MORE THAN THE OFFENSE

The Dolphins’ long interception returns, as chronicled on Dolphins.com today, were a hot topic of conversation during the weekly day-after press conferences of Head Coach Joe Philbin and Coyle.

The Dolphins are averaging an amazing 43.2 yards on their six interception returns this season after scoring two touchdowns against Jacksonville, and both Philbin and Coyle said Monday the team spends time at practice working on that part of the game.

“A lot,” Philbin pointed out. “Kevin and the staff do a great job of teaching that. There’s semi-art to it, if you will. A lot of times we do pursuit drills and sometimes we just emphasize pure, flat-out pursuit to the ball carrier. Then there are other days where we will do an interception drill where we will turn the ball around, give guys with hand shields and we’ll set up the blocking the way we want and then coach up going down the numbers and specific blocking that we would like to get. It’s something we like to teach a lot and they take pride in it.”

Coyle said the Dolphins actually are devoting more practice time to interception returns this year than in the past.

Miami has not been a happy hunting ground for the San Diego Chargers. Back in 1995 the Chargers lost 26-49 against the San Francisco 49ers at Super Bowl XXIX. Mike McCoy will be tyring to avoid a third straight defeat on Sunday.

Here are five things to know about the game;

Gates in form

Antonio Gates has had a very productive season for the Chargers thus far. Gates leads the Bolts in touchdowns with nine and needs five me to equal Tony Martin (1996) and Lance Alworth's (1965) touchdown record for a single season for the Chargers (14). If Gates gets another on Sunday, it will be the fourth time in his career that he has reached 10 or more touchdowns in a season. Tony Martin (1996) and Lance Alworth (1965) hold the touchdown record for a single season for the Chargers with 14 touchdowns.

It's time to go long

Miami born Branden Oliver has made the longest play for the Chargers in 2014 with 52 yards rushing. Mike Wallace leads the way for the Dolpins with a 50-yard receptions.

A dollar in the red

Ryan Tannehill has been sacked 17 times so far this season for a loss of 100 yards. Tannehill will be hoping to avoid being the most sacked quarterback for a second season in a row.

Miami love to entertain the Chargers

The Chargers are not only looking to avoid a third straight defeat this season, but they have lost their last eight games on the road to the Dolphins.

Sack master

Cameron Wake is looking for sack number 58 of his career and has had a sack in each of his last three games.

This is a tough game to call, both teams have their sights set on the playoffs. A defeat for either team will be a big set-back.

For my friend, Chris McLeod, it was the game he became a San Diego Chargers fan. For myself, it was one of the saddest days of my life as a Miami Dolphins fan. It’s known as the Epic in Miami – a 41-38 win by the Chargers in the Orange Bowl that changed playoff football in my eyes forever.

To watch it on television – from what I have been told – was a feeling of triumph and then despair. To watch it in person was maybe the greatest football game I have ever seen with the exception of the 31-31 tie between the Seminoles and Gators in 1996.

The game, won by the Chargers in overtime, 41–38, is one of the most famous in National Football League lore because of the conditions on the field, the performances of players on both teams, and the numerous records that were set. It was also referred to in the Miami Herald as the "Miracle That Died", while Sports Illustrated dubbed it the "Game No One Should Have Lost".

This weekend, the Dolphins and Chargers clash again, 32 years later and while there have been many other contests between the two, and all I can think of is how this writer who was 11 years old at the time, was impacted by that game forever.

The Dolphins of 2014 are trying to move forward from the 27-13 sloppy win over the Jacksonville Jaguars and focus on a San Diego Chargers passing attack that may not be as prolific as Dan Fouts and his core of wide receivers and a solid running game, but it has a chance to put up plenty of points on Sunday.

The Miami Dolphins defense, however, may be as tough as the defensive unit back then under Don Shula. As a unit, it will certainly have a say in the outcome on Sunday.

JORDAN LOOKS GOOD IN FIRST GAME

According to the team’s website, defensive end Dion Jordan looked good in his first game of the 2014 season.

Jordan ended up playing 30 of the Dolphins’ 71 snaps on defense and was often used in non-passing situations, something that didn’t happen often in Jordan’s rookie season.

Jordan was credited with two tackles on defense and another one on special teams, where he got 19 snaps.

THE DEFENSE SCORES MORE THAN THE OFFENSE

The Dolphins’ long interception returns, as chronicled on Dolphins.com today, were a hot topic of conversation during the weekly day-after press conferences of Head Coach Joe Philbin and Coyle.

The Dolphins are averaging an amazing 43.2 yards on their six interception returns this season after scoring two touchdowns against Jacksonville, and both Philbin and Coyle said Monday the team spends time at practice working on that part of the game.

“A lot,” Philbin pointed out. “Kevin and the staff do a great job of teaching that. There’s semi-art to it, if you will. A lot of times we do pursuit drills and sometimes we just emphasize pure, flat-out pursuit to the ball carrier. Then there are other days where we will do an interception drill where we will turn the ball around, give guys with hand shields and we’ll set up the blocking the way we want and then coach up going down the numbers and specific blocking that we would like to get. It’s something we like to teach a lot and they take pride in it.”

Coyle said the Dolphins actually are devoting more practice time to interception returns this year than in the past.

Miami has not been a happy hunting ground for the San Diego Chargers. Back in 1995 the Chargers lost 26-49 against the San Francisco 49ers at Super Bowl XXIX. Mike McCoy will be tyring to avoid a third straight defeat on Sunday.

Here are five things to know about the game;

Gates in form

Antonio Gates has had a very productive season for the Chargers thus far. Gates leads the Bolts in touchdowns with nine and needs five me to equal Tony Martin (1996) and Lance Alworth's (1965) touchdown record for a single season for the Chargers (14). If Gates gets another on Sunday, it will be the fourth time in his career that he has reached 10 or more touchdowns in a season. Tony Martin (1996) and Lance Alworth (1965) hold the touchdown record for a single season for the Chargers with 14 touchdowns.

It's time to go long

Miami born Branden Oliver has made the longest play for the Chargers in 2014 with 52 yards rushing. Mike Wallace leads the way for the Dolpins with a 50-yard receptions.

A dollar in the red

Ryan Tannehill has been sacked 17 times so far this season for a loss of 100 yards. Tannehill will be hoping to avoid being the most sacked quarterback for a second season in a row.

Miami love to entertain the Chargers

The Chargers are not only looking to avoid a third straight defeat this season, but they have lost their last eight games on the road to the Dolphins.

Sack master

Cameron Wake is looking for sack number 58 of his career and has had a sack in each of his last three games.

This is a tough game to call, both teams have their sights set on the playoffs. A defeat for either team will be a big set-back.

For my friend, Chris McLeod, it was the game he became a San Diego Chargers fan. For myself, it was one of the saddest days of my life as a Miami Dolphins fan. It’s known as the Epic in Miami – a 41-38 win by the Chargers in the Orange Bowl that changed playoff football in my eyes forever.

To watch it on television – from what I have been told – was a feeling of triumph and then despair. To watch it in person was maybe the greatest football game I have ever seen with the exception of the 31-31 tie between the Seminoles and Gators in 1996.

The game, won by the Chargers in overtime, 41–38, is one of the most famous in National Football League lore because of the conditions on the field, the performances of players on both teams, and the numerous records that were set. It was also referred to in the Miami Herald as the "Miracle That Died", while Sports Illustrated dubbed it the "Game No One Should Have Lost".

This weekend, the Dolphins and Chargers clash again, 32 years later and while there have been many other contests between the two, and all I can think of is how this writer who was 11 years old at the time, was impacted by that game forever.

The Dolphins of 2014 are trying to move forward from the 27-13 sloppy win over the Jacksonville Jaguars and focus on a San Diego Chargers passing attack that may not be as prolific as Dan Fouts and his core of wide receivers and a solid running game, but it has a chance to put up plenty of points on Sunday.

The Miami Dolphins defense, however, may be as tough as the defensive unit back then under Don Shula. As a unit, it will certainly have a say in the outcome on Sunday.

JORDAN LOOKS GOOD IN FIRST GAME

According to the team’s website, defensive end Dion Jordan looked good in his first game of the 2014 season.

Jordan ended up playing 30 of the Dolphins’ 71 snaps on defense and was often used in non-passing situations, something that didn’t happen often in Jordan’s rookie season.

Jordan was credited with two tackles on defense and another one on special teams, where he got 19 snaps.

THE DEFENSE SCORES MORE THAN THE OFFENSE

The Dolphins’ long interception returns, as chronicled on Dolphins.com today, were a hot topic of conversation during the weekly day-after press conferences of Head Coach Joe Philbin and Coyle.

The Dolphins are averaging an amazing 43.2 yards on their six interception returns this season after scoring two touchdowns against Jacksonville, and both Philbin and Coyle said Monday the team spends time at practice working on that part of the game.

“A lot,” Philbin pointed out. “Kevin and the staff do a great job of teaching that. There’s semi-art to it, if you will. A lot of times we do pursuit drills and sometimes we just emphasize pure, flat-out pursuit to the ball carrier. Then there are other days where we will do an interception drill where we will turn the ball around, give guys with hand shields and we’ll set up the blocking the way we want and then coach up going down the numbers and specific blocking that we would like to get. It’s something we like to teach a lot and they take pride in it.”

Coyle said the Dolphins actually are devoting more practice time to interception returns this year than in the past.