The Chargers started with the ball on offense, but an Antonio Gates drop on third down meant that the Chargers had to punt it away. The Dolphins looked unstoppable for a time with power running and quick passing, but a Brandon Flowers run stuff and a third down sack by Melvin Ingram took the Dolphins out of FG range.
The Chargers started with terrible field position and were quickly forced to punt again - the Dolphins muffed the punt, but were lucky to fall on it for their second fumble recovery in three drives (they recovered the ball after Melvin Ingram strip sacked Tannehill on their first drive).