The Los Angeles Chargers fell to 2-7 on the season after a 29-21 loss to the Miami Dolphins.
First quarter
The Chargers went three and out on their first possession of the game, forcing a Ty Long punt.
On fourth-and-14 from the Chargers' on 21-yard line, Long bobbled the snap. His punt was blocked by linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel and recovered by cornerback Jamal Perry at Los Angeles' one-yard line. A play later, Salvon Ahmed punched in his first career NFL touchdown to give Miami an early 7-0 lead.
Los Angeles punted back to Miami on its second possession. The Dolphins moved the ball down to the Chargers' 10-yard line. On fourth-and-1, defensive back Quenton Meeks went offsides, giving Miami new life.
Three plays later, Tua Tagovailoa found wide receiver Jakeem Grant for a three-yard touchdown to extend Miami's lead to 14-0 after one.
Earlier in the quarter, Keenan Allen passed Charlie Joiner for second on the Chargers' all-time receptions list (587).
Second quarter
The Bolts punted to open the second quarter. The Dolphins got down to the LAC 10, but on third down, the snap was fumbled, and Nick Vigil recovered it and took it to the Miami 37 for a 44-yard return.
Los Angeles went for it on fourth down, inches from the goal line, and Herbert kept it to stretch over for the score and capitalize off the turnover.
Miami got the ball back with 1:06 left in the second quarter and ended up kicking a 50-yard field goal to increase their lead, 17-7.
The Dolphins will get the ball to start the second half.
Third quarter
The Chargers forced Miami to punt on its first possession of the second half. That set up Los Angeles' best drive of the game so far.
Herbert and Co. went 68 yards on 11 plays – seven runs and four passes – ending with a two-yard touchdown reception by tight end Hunter Henry. Michael Badgley's extra point cut the Dolphins lead to 17-14.
Miami got three back on its next possession with a 35-yard Jason Sanders field goal.
Through three quarters, Chargers running back Kalen Ballage has 16 carries for 55 yards and four catches for 36 yards. Herbert is 13-of-18 for 120 yards and two total touchdowns.
Fourth quarter
On the second play of the fourth quarter, Herbert dropped back but his throw intended for Mike Williams was picked off by Xavien Howard. Howard returned it to the LAC 32.
The Dolphins capitalized on the turnover with Tagovailoa finding tight end Durham Smythe in the end zone for the touchdown. Miami's two-point attempt failed, but they led the Chargers, 26-14.
Later in the quarter, Miami missed a 47-yard field goal setting the Chargers up at their own 37; however, the Chargers faced a 4th-and-1 from near midfield and failed to convert therefore turning the ball over on downs.
On the drive following the turnover on downs, the Dolphins increased their to 29-14 with just under four minutes left in the game.
The Bolts cut Miami's lead to 29-21 off a 13-yard touchdown from Herbert to Allen. The Chargers attempted an onside kick, but the Dolphins recovered to seal the game.
