Today’s Miami Dolphins and San Diego Chargers game was a serious back and forth game. There were FIVE lead changes in this game. The most important lead change though, was when Dolphins middle linebacker KIKO ALONSO took an interception 60 yards down the right sideline for the eventual game-winning score that gave the Dolphins an eventual 31-24 victory at Qualcomm Stadium.
Alonso who was signed for just south of $1 million this past March in a trade between Miami and Buffalo, jumped in front of a PHILIP RIVERS pass at the MIA 40-yard line and ambled down the right side for the first pick-six of his three-year career. Plays like that may get him signed for much longer than the one-year contract he signed with Miami (5-4) back in March.
The Dolphins who will continue their West Coast road trip next week when they travel to the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum to play the Los Angeles Rams, always found ways in this game to counter the Chargers (4-6) potent scoring offense.
Dolphins quarterback RYAN TANNEHILL was one of those players whose job it was to counter San Diego’s scores. He had an efficient game today which included his being able to hook up with some up and coming and established receivers today. He finished 17 of 24 for 240 yards and 2 scores. 
The Dolphins didn’t need a huge game from running back JAY AJAYI as he carried 19 times for 79 yards and no score. But many of his runs gave Miami good real estate as far as field positions and some of his runs set up scores.
Rivers threw for 326 yards on 23 of 44 accuracy and 3 touchdown passes today. But he also threw four interceptions, including Alonso’s aforementioned pick sick and one to Miami cornerback TONY LIPPETT in front of the Chargers bench which happened near the tail end of the game.
The Chargers extended their lead when tight end ANTONIO GATES (4 catches for 63 yards and 1 scores) beat under and over coverage from strong safety ISA ABDUL-QUDDUS and cornerback BACARRI RAMBO respectively, for an 11-yard touchdown reception. With 7:37 left in the second quarter the Chargers had a 10-0 lead.
But the Dolphins cut into that lead when receiver KENNY STILLS (2 catches for 47 yards and 1 score) got behind the Chargers defense and just in front of the back of the end zone for a 39-yard touchdown reception. With around three minutes left in the second quarter the Chargers’ lead was cut to 10-7.
The Dolphins took their first lead of the day when running back DAMIEN WILLIAMS crashed into the end zone from 2-yards out. With around 12:30 left in the third quarter Miami took a 14-10 lead.
Late in the third quarter, rookie tight end HUNTER HENRY came through for the Chargers when he caught a Rivers 7-yard scoring pass near the top right corner of the end zone. With 5:36 left in the third quarter the Chargers snatched the lead back from Miami at 17-14.
But the Dolphins weren’t done countering Chargers scores. Because late in the third quarter, Williams scored his second touchdown of the game when he beat Chargers outside linebacker KYLE EMANUEL for a left back-corner of the end zone 18-yard scoring reception. With 1:43 to go in the third quarter the Dolphins took the lead again at 21-17.
Chargers receiver TYRELL WILLIAMS (5 catches for 125 yards and 1 score) came up with a huge play for the Chargers deep into the fourth quarter, when he got between and then behind the Dolphins defense for a 51-yard touchdown reception. With 4:04 left in the game the Chargers took a 24-21 lead.
More stories you might like
