MIAMI, FL – The Miami Dolphins entered Sunday’s contest against the Los Angeles Chargers in desperation mode. With little hope for them left this season, a win would’ve eased some locker room tension. The Chargers were beatable today and didn’t always display the best drives. Miami’s offense had them in the game, but the defense quickly threw it all away at the end. As a result, the Dolphins fail to keep their late lead and lose to the Chargers, 29-27, in what has been a continuation of disappointment.
Defense Drops the Ball
The defense dropped the ball big time. After an incredible two-touchdown comeback, the defense had 46 seconds to close out this game. 46 seconds!
WILD PLAY BY HERBERT AND MCCONKEY.
LACvsMIA on CBS/Paramount+https://t.co/HkKw7uXVnt pic.twitter.com/9zWXv9zzGD
— NFL (@NFL) October 12, 2025
After the Dolphins kicked it off, Nyheim Miller-Hines ran for 40 yards to the Chargers’ 41-yard line. Unacceptable. Justin Herbert barely avoided a sack on 1st down. On 2nd down, Herbert was able to avoid Miami’s pass rush and throw a 42-yard pass to Ladd McConkey. Just four snaps later, the Chargers did the inevitable, kicked the game-leading field goal.
Tua Tagovailoa had just five seconds to pull off a miracle. He didn’t and instead threw an interception.
Still, I don’t blame this loss not one bit on him. Sure, maybe the interception intended to Jaylen Waddle on the first drive (which really was a dropped pass on him) or the pass interception intended to De’Von Achane in the 3rd quarter could have been the difference maker. However, the defense really let everyone down at the stadium during those last 46 seconds.
It’s unacceptable how many missed tackle opportunities the Dolphins had in this game. The Chargers gained yardage on several plays due to the Dolphins’ inability to make simple tackles. Besides, the Chargers’ defense had three takeaways today. Why couldn’t Miami’s defense come up with a big takeaway themselves? In the first six games of the season, it has been common for the defense to lose the game or not come up with a big play to decide the outcome.
When looking back at the game, the defense did well in the first half, allowing just three field goals. However, the Chargers’ offense tore them apart in the 3rd quarter, scoring 14 points.
The Miami Dolphins currently rank 30th in total defense, 28th in scoring defense, 32nd in rushing defense, and 20th in passing defense.
Offensive Keeps Them in the Game
The Fins had a decent 1st half, walking into halftime with a 13-9 lead. Had a few penalties not been called, the lead could’ve been expanded a bit.
They stalled offensively in the 3rd quarter but came back big in the final quarter. Down 26-13, the Dolphins put up impressive back-to-back drives.
YEAHHH @Rackkwall83
📺: @NFLonCBS & @paramountplus pic.twitter.com/ZoFYsOiqy8
— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) October 12, 2025
Both drives were a mix of Tagovailoa’s short but successful passes and Achane’s runs.
The Dolphins didn’t necessarily outplay the Chargers on offense, but they were able to keep themselves in the game. Achane has continued to prove himself as a reliable weapon on the field with 16 carries for 128 yards and two touchdowns. Tagovailoa completed 21 of 32 passes for 205 yards, one touchdown, and three picks. I was impressed with his ability to get the Fins back in this game.
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