Dolphins Dominant in Statement Win Against Chargers

Throughout the Miami Dolphins’ 37-0 destruction of the San Diego Chargers, Joe Philbin’s Dolphins looked like the more talented and inspired team. Miami’s performance was a bold statement that the Dolphins are a legitimate playoff contender as the second half of the season arrives.

Everything worked for the Dolphins this week, which is credence to the coaching staff that it's hitting its stride at the right time of the season. Head coach Joe Philbin has led his team to three straight victories after a start filled with flashes of brilliance but also stretches of baffling decisions. Mike Wallace simply stated the "win was for Coach Philbin," per Andrew Abramson of The Palm Beach Post:

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Mike Wallace: This win was for Coach Philbin. We didn't have to say anything to him. We knew.

— Andrew Abramson (@AbramsonPBP) November 2, 2014"

In the wake of his father passing late Friday night, Coach Philbin coordinated a masterful rout of a very good Chargers team. His team delivered at a critical juncture, as the Dolphins face three more winning teams in the coming weeks, and every win is sorely needed to reach the playoffs. As a third-year coach, Philbin is getting the most out of his coaching staff and players, which is necessary for any playoff contender.

Led by quarterback Ryan Tannehill, the Dolphins offense posted yet another 30-point game, its third in eight games. From the start of the game, Miami flexed its muscles as an offense capable of sustaining drives but also connecting on explosive plays. Tannehill orchestrated five drives with eight or more plays, with each leading to a scoring opportunity. Mike Pouncey praised offensive coordinator Bill Lazor for "doing a great job," according to Abramson:

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Pouncey: "Lazor is doing a great job. He's brought intensity we needed on offense. He’s brought in the playbook that matches our skill set"

— Andrew Abramson (@AbramsonPBP) November 2, 2014"

Tannehill and Lazor were masterful as they progressed through the game, cutting through the Chargers’ decimated defense like a warm knife through butter.

For the first time in his three-year career with the Dolphins, Tannehill played like an elite quarterback for an entire game. He has had some great stretches of play this year in Lazor’s offense, but for the most part, he was only putting all of his talents together for a half. Pouncey was also impressed with Tannehill's performance, calling it "unbelievable," per Abramson:

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Pouncey on Tannehill: "He’s had a lot of good games but today was unbelievable. The kid just made play after play."

— Andrew Abramson (@AbramsonPBP) November 2, 2014"

But Tannehill was spectacular against the Chargers in every fashion. He extended plays by rolling out of pressure. He delivered perfect strikes on all levels of the field throughout the game, accounting for three touchdowns, and should’ve had a fourth that Charles Clay lost on the goal line. His 47 yards rushing was second on the team once again.

Backing up Tannehill was a ferocious defense, led by cornerback Brent Grimes and defensive end Cameron Wake. Grimes had two interceptions, and Wake had a sack and pass deflected, per ESPN.com. To limit Rivers to just 138 passing yards and four turnovers was an incredible performance by the Dolphins defense.

Defensive coordinator Kevin Coyle brought pressure from everywhere to disrupt the high-powered Chargers’ offense, and it worked. Rivers has been outstanding against the blitz this season, but he wasn’t able to overcome the Dolphins’ deep pool of talent at defensive line.

Miami’s performance was truly spectacular and will likely cause national pundits to re-evaluate their stance on the Dolphins. What’s more important is that this game should give the locker-room confidence needed for the Dolphins teammates to continue claiming victories in the coming weeks.