If Sunday's game between the Chargers and Dolphins is, indeed, the last NFL game ever to be played at Qualcomm Stadium, it would be really nice if the Chargers can find a way to win. However, the schedule makers have not been kind to the Bolts.
The Dolphins have had the Chargers' number of late, and by "of late" I mean the last 20 years. Since the 1994 playoffs, when the Bolts beat Miami by a point on their road to the Super Bowl, the Dolphins and Chargers have played 11 times. Miami has won nine of them.
Last year in South Florida was arguably the worst beating of them all, a 37-0 embarrassment where quarterback Philip Rivers was benched to protect him from permanent damage. If you're thinking that's motivation for this game, you would be right ... and wrong.
"I don't think motivation is the word because I don't think I can want to win a game any Sunday more than I desire to each week, but you don't forget those kind," said Rivers. "I and we have been beaten many times but I don't think I've ever been beaten like that."
This is going to be a rough match-up for the Bolts, so let's focus on a trio of guys who have won more than they've lost in what might be their last games as Chargers regardless of where the team is playing in 2016.
Malcom Floyd, WR
We know for certain this will be Floyd's final game at the Q. He's going to retire after the season. Floyd spent his entire 12-year career with the Chargers. Not bad for an undrafted free agent from Wyoming. Malcom is a fan favorite who caught the first TD pass of Rivers' career. Philip would like nothing more than get him (at least) one more so don't be surprised to see a whole lot of targets for Floyd against the Dolphins.
Antonio Gates, TE
It's gone a bit under the radar with all the other things going on around this franchise but Gates is a free agent at the end of the season. He's certainly played well enough to warrant another contract and he's indicated he wants to play another season but it's unknown if the team would like to bring him back. If this is, indeed, the final home game of his Chargers (or even NFL) career let's all make sure we take time to realize and appreciate we watched a sure-fire Hall of Famer.
Eric Weddle, S
In the off-season Weddle's contract status became a big topic of conversation. During the season he's been a professional, not letting the disappointment over not receiving an extension linger. Weddle has not had the same kind of impact on the field that we've become used to seeing but when he missed the home game against the Raiders it was obvious how much his knowledge and leadership was missed. It would be great to see him get one more interception at The Q.
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Derek's Prediction
My head says the Dolphins are going to win this game. They're probably a better team and have a few pass rushers who can make life miserable (again) for Rivers. But this is one time where my heart is telling my head to shut the hell up.
Final score: Chargers 30, Dolphins 24
