The Chargers enter Week 10 with a record of 2-6 and sit at the bottom of the AFC West. With so many one-possession games to this point, it’s easy to think about how differently we’d look at this team if some of these had gone their way.

Regardless, Week 10 presents another opportunity to build on an impressive rookie season from quarterback Justin Herbert. With a matchup against the Dolphins waiting for them, let’s take a look at what the Chargers will need to do in order to fly home happy.

3. Control the Tempo

The last 5 games for LA have been shootouts, with each week’s combined score surpassing 55 every time. While Herbert is more than capable of winning a high scoring affair, the defense has not inspired much confidence that it can hold onto any leads.

One way to combat this is to slow the game down and control the time of possession. Quick strikes are great, but it gives the other team more opportunities to score as well. Keeping Tua and the Dolphins off of the field should be priority number one on Sunday.

2. The Keenan Allen Experience

If this sounds familiar, it’s because it is. With Austin Ekelker still out with a hamstring injury, the offense has to run through Keenan Allen. His ability to find holes in the defense and run picture-perfect routes has been a saving grace for a team trying to bring along a rookie quarterback still finding his footing in the offense. He has been Justin Herbert’s most reliable target all season long, and this will need to continue if the Chargers are to finally find the win column again.

1. Battle of the Rookies

Tua and Herbert have been linked since their college days, as many have debated which of the two would be the better QB in the NFL. And while Justin Herbert holds the early lead in experience and performance, Tua is more than capable in his own right.

This game will come down to which rookie can run their offense more efficiently and limit their turnovers for 60 minutes. Needless to say, this is going to be a fun one.

Game Details

• Los Angeles Chargers @ Miami Dolphins
• Sunday, November 15th @ 1:05 PM PT on CBS

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