The Miami Dolphins suffered a tough loss to the Los Angeles Chargers over the weekend, with a critical play late in the game proving to be the difference. Defensive players Jaelan Phillips and Dante Trader Jr. both had opportunities to stop the Chargers' game-deciding 42-yard pass, but were unable to do so.
Missed Opportunities
Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel acknowledged that both Phillips and Trader struggled with the play, saying the players can sometimes be their "own worst enemy" when they are pressing too hard to make a big play.
"Sometimes you can be your own worst enemy when you really want to do well and then you don't," McDaniel said. "You can make your play worse and that's something that more often than not, players in this league have to figure out how to continually take critiques and adjustments in their game and stay confident and press forward."
Dolphins Dealing with Injuries
The loss came at a difficult time for the Dolphins, who have been dealing with injuries to key players like wide receiver Tyreek Hill. Rookie safety Dante Trader Jr. has had to step up in the absence of veteran contributors.
Despite the setback, the Dolphins remain focused on their upcoming matchup against the Cleveland Browns, which will feature a rare quarterback matchup between two left-handed signal-callers in Tua Tagovailoa and Dillon Gabriel.
TL;DR
- The Miami Dolphins lost a close game to the Los Angeles Chargers, with a late 42-yard pass proving to be the difference.
- Dolphins defenders Jaelan Phillips and Dante Trader Jr. both had chances to stop the play but were unable to do so.
- Miami is dealing with injuries to key players like Tyreek Hill, forcing younger players like Trader to step up.
- The Dolphins now turn their attention to a matchup against the Cleveland Browns, which will feature a unique left-handed QB duel.