Shaken Dolphins Hope To Recoup In San Diego

NFL News - September 23rd, 2009 - Written by John

Dolphins at Chargers -- The bad news is the Dolphins became the first team in NFL history (at least the part recorded) to have 45 minutes of possession in a game and lose.

The good news is that the two other teams who lost on Monday Night Football this season both turned around and got a win the following week. Miami will hope to follow suit as they travel to San Diego for the first time in four years. Making their second road trip of they year, they are six-point underdogs despite dominating the series. The Dolphins have won seven games in a row against the Bolts, including last year's meeting, winning 17-10.

They are 0-2 for the second season in a row, still reeling from last Monday where they outrushed the Colts, dominated time of possession and more-or-less had their way with Indianapolis' defense. The wildcat offense seemed to be picking up steam, gaining 239 yards on the ground with Chad Pennington and Ronnie Brown splitting time as quarterback. The only problem was Peyton Manning was on the other sideline and didn't need all that much time. He torched Miami's secondary for five plays of 20 yards or more and was able to guide a young receiving corps.

The Dolphins will see another Pro Bowler under center in Philip Rivers. He was the highest-rated passer last season with 23 more touchdowns than interceptions. And with the loss of LaDainian Tomlinson for an undisclosed amount of time, the passing attack has become more dynamic. Darren Sproles has become a new fashion, of sorts, cutting through the grass with such a low center-of-balance that he has been difficult to put a man on. Never was that more obvious than last week against the Ravens, when Sproles took a pass out in the flats and burned up the sidelines for a 81-yard score, turning All-Pro Ed Reed on his head in the process.

Vincent Jackson has also come to fruition. The five-year veteran has become the deep-threat management envisioned when they drafted him out of Northern Colorado, with 197 yards and two touchdowns so far.

If the Dolphins can maintain their effective offense, they could have a shot at upsetting the Chargers at home. After all, they started 0-2 a season ago before reeling of 11 wins in their next 14 games . Taking them straight up in this one will land a +230 return. Since 2001, Miami is 2-0 against the spread vs. San Diego. Both teams are 0-2 against the spread so far this year, so do with that what you want. Visit BetUS Sportsbook to look at all the betting lines for this game.

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