Dolphins' nightmare appears to be coming true vs Chargers

The LA Chargers host the Miami Dolphins in Week 1 of the 2023 NFL season in a rematch from 2022. Los Angeles got the best of Miami in the 2022 matchup, dominating the game from start to finish to win a comfortable game that was not as close as the final score indicated.

Brandon Staley's team was able to do that last season despite having a laundry list of players who were hurt and inactive. This time around, the Chargers have a much cleaner bill of health, which has Chargers fans salivating over what this team might be capable of doing.

On the other side of the aisle, the Dolphins are looking at a much different situation. While the Dolphins do not have as many injuries as the Chargers had a year ago, they might be without their most important offensive player not named Tyreek Hill: Terron Armstead.

The Dolphins are in serious trouble if Terron Armstead doesn't play against the Chargers

Terron Armstead is the most important player on the offensive line for the Dolphins and him not playing would be a massive loss for the team. The timing could not be any worse, either, as the Chargers have one of the best pass-rushing duos in the sport. This is also Tua Tagovailoa's first game since he suffered his second concussion last season.

To make matters worse, it appears that the Dolphins might be making the questionable decision of starting 2021 second-round pick Liam Eichenberg at left guard. Eichenberg has been pretty awful throughout his career. If Miami does indeed start him then the left side of the line could end up being a massive concern.

This is a complete 180 from the matchup last season, where both Rashawn Slater and Trey Pipkins were among the several Chargers that did not play. Los Angeles was able to weather the storm and put together a good enough offensive game to beat Miami.

Will the Dolphins be able to do the same? It is hard to say.