Tagovailoa, Hill Shine in Dolphins’ Debut Win Over the Chargers, 36-34.

It’s a special time to be a part of the Miami Dolphins faithful.

Tua Tagovailoa, Tyreek Hill and company combined for 466 yards of total offense. That was complimented by timely defense to pull out the win over the Los Angeles Chargers in Sofi Stadium, 36-34.

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Cheetahs, Penguins, and Tuas, Oh My

From the start of the game, Miami utilized its speedy, refined offense, built around the strengthened connection of Hill and Tagovailoa.

Hill cooked the Chargers’ man-coverage set, racking up 11 receptions on 15 targets for 215 yards and two touchdowns. Hill put together the most points from any player in fantasy football in the opening week (44.5 PPR points).

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With Hill finding holes in coverage, the offense opened up for Miami, giving players like Jaylen Waddle and Braxton Berrios slots to make key plays.

Tagovailoa spread the offense in Week 1. He targeted seven different players accumulating 466 yards, in 28-for-45 attempts, with three touchdowns on one interception. He also earned the top-QB nod in fantasy this week with 27.14 PPR points.

.@Tua to @d1__jw for a 35-yard gain! pic.twitter.com/C0O3sISYGx

— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) September 10, 2023

Punch for Punch

Though the Miami offense was high-flying, the Chargers’ defense made a stop on the opening drive recovering a fumble and marching 98 yards downfield to strike first. From there, the game featured a whopping seven lead changes.

It was a teeter-totter as Miami and Los Angeles went touchdown for touchdown. It all came down to who had the ball last going into half when Miami kicked a field goal to go up 20-17.

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Heading the Charge

Quarterback Justin Herbert’s connection with Keenan Allen kept the Chargers within reach and at some points in control of the game.

Herbert was 23-for-33 with 228 yards and one touchdown while Allen hauled in six receptions for 76 yards.

Running back Austin Eckler was instrumental in keeping up with the Dolphins as he ran for 177 yards and one touchdown.

How’d He Catch That?

One of Hill’s most impressive catches to date combined with a perfect lob by Tagovailoa was the offensive decision-maker in the game. It came late in the 4th quarter down by four points.

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Defense When It Means Most

In the final drive, the Chargers were overwhelmed by the Dolphins’ defensive front.  Miami blitzed and dropped into man coverage resulting in an intentional grounding penalty by Herbert. That play was followed by a sack from Christian Wilkins on second down.

To Dolphins closed the game out on a fourth-and-13 stunner by Jaelan Philips.

Miami got the win 36-34.

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