The Los Angeles Chargers started the 2023 NFL season on the wrong foot as they lost their home opener to the Miami Dolphins, 36-34.
The Chargers and Dolphins were expected to light up the scoreboard and they did exactly that as the two teams seemingly traded scores on every drive.
Justin Herbert and Tua Tagovailoa looked great as passers, routinely finding their receivers for chunk yardage and moving the sticks consistently.
However, Miami had the edge as Los Angeles had no answer to Tyreek Hill who exploded for 215 yards on 11 receptions and two touchdowns.
Although the Chargers were great offensively, their defense left much to be desired as it cost them the game.
Brandon Staley didn’t mince words when it came to his defense’s performance via Around The NFL.
“Our entire group on defense needs to improve,” Staley said.
Chargers HC Brandon Staley on J.C. Jackson's Week 1 struggles: "Our entire group on defense needs to improve"https://t.co/9hIudIBfo9 pic.twitter.com/q2c4e2T12y
— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) September 12, 2023
Staley saying the defense needs to improve is an understatement as the group gave up 536 total yards of offense.
Tagovailoa threw for 466 yards while the running backs combined for 70 yards on 20 carries.
Staley is known for his defensive acumen, but this showing from the Chargers would have most people thinking the opposite as the Dolphins got nearly anything they wanted on each series.
Despite having a unit filled with superstars like Joey Bosa and Derwin James, the defense had too many breakdowns in every area of the field.
It’s just one game so fans shouldn’t be overreacting just quite yet, but if things don’t improve in Week 2 then Staley and the organization might have more trouble on their hands.
NEXT: Chargers Are Dealing With Sudden Austin Ekeler Problem
