The LA Chargers open the 2023 season at home against the Miami Dolphins on September 10. While it is not a divisional matchup, this is a rivalry game of sorts as the two teams have been tied together because of their franchise quarterbacks.
The Chargers won in dominant fashion on primetime when these two teams played in 2022 so the Dolphins are going to come in with a vengeance. And while it is only in Week 1, this came could have huge playoff complications as it could act as a playoff tiebreaker 17 weeks later.
Every NFL game is important but this Week 1 game feels especially important for both parties and both teams are hoping to be at full strength. Miami is already dealing with some bad injury luck, though, as star cornerback Jalen Ramsey suffered a knee injury and will reportedly be out of action until December.
To put a bandage over the wound, the Dolphins signed polarizing cornerback Eli Apple, who is known for talking a big game but not really backing it up on the field. With Apple playing a big role in the secondary likely as the CB3 in Week 1, rookie wide receiver Quentin Johnston has a real chance to start his NFL career with a massive bang.
Quentin Johnston during the Week 1 home game like: https://t.co/FbqU7Yx9jR pic.twitter.com/FmxujoAoga
— Tyler Schoon (@tylerjschoon) July 29, 2023
Quentin Johnston vs. Eli Apple is a dream matchup for the Chargers
Of course, there is a lot of time until this Week 1 game and a lot can happen until then. But of all the talented options the Chargers could throw at Apple on the outside, the rookie Johnston might be the best bet.
Don't get it wrong, Keenan Allen, Mike Williams and even Joshua Palmer could all do well against Apple in this matchup. But the athleticism and speed of Johnston are going to be a real issue for a veteran cornerback past his prime to handle. And for Johnston's sake, this is the best possible scenario so he can start his career off on the right foot.
Miami still has some playmakers on the defensive side of the ball but it might end up being really tough for the team to stop this high-powered Chargers offense with Kellen Moore now calling the shots. Johnston vs. Apple is one of many favorable matchups for the Bolts, who have to be considered the favorites in this home game to start the season.