Chargers News: Dolphins Reflect on Previous Matchup, Expect Shifts To Open 2023

Things will be different this time around.

After losing their previous matchup against them in 2022, the Dolphins are looking forward to a rematch with the Chargers to kick off their respective 2023 seasons. 

Ahead of their matchup this Sunday, Miami head coach Mike McDaniel wanted to make it known that his team was better prepared for this season's opener. 

“It wasn’t like they reinvented defense. It was more that their guys understood their issues in each individual coverage and really played in a competitive spirit. I thought there were a lot of 50/50 balls that went the way of the Chargers last year and I just really thought overall that the team itself took that game with seriousness and you could see a unit that was well-coached and well-schooled at the opposing team’s offense in this case. So I just thought they were very competitive and did a very good job challenging things that we were trying to do that particular game."

via Adam H. Beasley, Pro Football Network

McDaniel isn't the only Dolphin who expressed that the opener would have a different result. Tyreek Hill shared his opinion on how the Chargers could be beaten in this upcoming meeting. 

“No excuses because we play this game,” Hill said. “Last year obviously was the first year for everybody in this system. Obviously, we played nine or 10 games up to that point, but I feel like this year we kind of got an understanding of where everybody needs to be at on the field. They do a great job of jamming receivers and playing to their leverage. I feel like this year is going to be a little bit different on both sides. It’s going to be a fun matchup, I’m glad the league gave us this game so we can go ahead and knock it out. It’s going to be fun in L.A.”



via Adam H. Beasley, Pro Football Network

Though LA won round 1 at SoFi by six last year, it'll be important to beat Miami again to get their season off on the right foot this season.