The Miami Dolphins will begin their regular season against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday.
This is the second week of the NFL season, but only the first week of action for the Dolphins. Hurricane Irma led to the postponement of Miami's season opener and now the Dolphins will need to play for at least 16 straight weeks. The Chargers meanwhile lost their season opener, but have a playoff-contending roster.
The Chargers will be making their debut in Los Angeles, after moving from San Diego in the off-season. In their first game, the Chargers suffered a heartbreaking loss to the Denver Broncos. The game was nationally televised and it was a rough start for the relocated franchise. Despite the loss, Los Angeles showed plenty of promise against a talented Denver squad.
This game will feature the regular season debut of Jay Cutler. After coming out of retirement, Cutler only played in parts of two preseason games for the Dolphins. Cutler saw plenty of practice time however and the veteran should have no problem finding a rhythm with his new offense. Cutler has worked with head coach Adam Gase in the past and has some terrific targets to throw to.
Cutler's day could be helped or hindered by the work of running back Jay Ajayi. After a breakout 2016 season, Ajayi comes into this year with high expectations. If Ajayi can move the ball up the field, the rest of the playbook will open up for Cutler and the Miami offense. While Ajayi is listed as questionable officially on the injury report, he is expected to play and see a normal allotment of plays.
Rey Maualuga meanwhile is unlikely to play and is also listed as questionable officially. After not participating in any preseason games, Maualuga is now out of action due to a hamstring strain. The linebacker was signed to be a starter for Miami, but missed several days of practice leading up to this game. Mike Hull would likely start for the Dolphins if Maualuga can't play, with Chase Allen waiting behind him.
The defense will have a busy day defending the pass, but will also need to keep an eye on Melvin Gordon. In the first game of the season, Gordon rushed for only 54 yards on 18 tries. Quarterback Philip Rivers made up for that with a strong passing day, but Gordon has the ability to post a 100-yard day or better on his own. Last year, Gordon rushed for 70 yards against the Dolphins in a November contest.
Local
In a contest that should be close, the kicking game could be the difference. Miami has a pair of new kickers on the team, with Cody Parkey and Matt Haack set to make their debuts for the team. Parkey is taking over placekicking duties for the Dolphins, while Haack will be handling punts.
Sunday's game will get underway at 4:05 p.m.
