Keys to the Dolphins’ 37-0 victory over San Diego Chargers

San Diego’s offensive line vs. Dolphins front seven

Who won: Dolphins

The impact: On the first possession of the game, the Dolphins established the tone of the day by getting a sack, drawing two holding penalties then stuffing Branden Oliver for a 1-yard loss on fourth-and-1 from the Dolphins’ 22. OK, safety Reshad Jones made that stop, but only because the front seven occupied the line. After three quarters, the Dolphins had squashed the Chargers running game — 20 yards rushing and no first downs on 12 carries after three quarters — recorded four sacks, forced and recovered a fumble and had pressured Philip Rivers all day.

Dolphins receivers vs. San Diego’s coverage

Who won: Dolphins

The impact: Seven different wide receivers or tight ends caught 21 passes for 264 yards and three touchdowns Sunday. Ryan Tannehill threw the ball well — 24 of 34 for 288 yards and three touchdowns — but it helps matters when your targets are actual options because they’re running open like it’s free play at Gwen Cherry Park. Rishard Matthews made a nice play by moving with a scrambling Tannehill to get open for his 21-yard touchdown that put the game away at 27-0.

Dolphins secondary vs. San Diego wide receivers

Who won: Dolphins

The impact: On San Diego’s first two drives, this matchup went to the Chargers. And, then the pocket got a little tighter and Rivers felt the need to make something happen. So, Rivers not only threw to Malcolm Floyd, who was under heavy surveillance, but overthrew him and Reshad Jones intercepted to set up a Dolphins field goal. Brent Grimes jumped in front of Keenan Allen to pick off a throw behind the receiver, then took away a deep ball from Allen in garbage time. After completing six of his first seven throws, Rivers went 7 for 16 for 62 yards and three interceptions.

This story was originally published November 2, 2014 at 8:04 PM with the headline "Keys to the Dolphins’ 37-0 victory over San Diego Chargers."