Chargers shock Dolphins with late game magic

Here’s a full breakdown of the Chargers’ 29–27 win over the Dolphins today — a thrilling finish and one of those close calls you won’t forget as Chargers shock Dolphins.

justin herbert how ???? pic.twitter.com/j7pD9kV2EO

— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) October 12, 2025

Key Storyline & Turning Point: Chargers at Dolphins

• The Chargers snapped a two-game losing skid by nailing a 33-yard field goal from Cameron Dicker with just 5 seconds left.
• That was Dicker’s fifth field goal of the day (5-for-5). 
• Earlier, Miami had taken a late lead on a Tua Tagovailoa → Darren Waller touchdown with 46 seconds remaining. 
• The Chargers responded immediately: Nyheim Miller-Hines returned the kickoff to Los Angeles’ 41, and then Justin Herbert → Ladd McConkey broke off a 42-yard screen play that placed L.A. at Miami’s 17, setting up Dicker’s winner. 
• On Miami’s final play, Derwin James Jr. intercepted Tagovailoa to seal the win. 

That last-minute swing was the kind of dramatic moment that decides a game’s legacy.

Game Flow & Progression: Chargers at Dolphins

Here’s how the game progressed quarter by quarter:

So L.A. dominated the third quarter and built a cushion, but Miami’s late push nearly flipped it.

Individual Performances & Stats: Chargers at Dolphins

Chargers

• Justin Herbert: 29-of-38, 264 passing yards, 2 TDs, 0 INTs. 
• Kimani Vidal: 18 carries, 124 rushing yards; also caught a 7-yard TD reception. 
• Ladd McConkey: Had 7 receptions for 100 yards and the crucial 42-yard play. ESPN.com
• Cameron Dicker: Perfect 5/5 on field goals (distances: 35, 31, 29, 35, 33). 
• Odafe Oweh: Notable early impact—recorded a sack in the first quarter.

Dolphins

• Tua Tagovailoa: 21-of-31, 205 yards, 1 TD, 3 INTs.
• De’Von Achane: 128 rushing yards on 16 carries, 2 rushing TDs. 
• Darren Waller: Caught the go-ahead touchdown from Tua with 46 seconds left. 

Miami’s offense showed flashes (especially Achane), but the turnovers and inability to close down the stretch cost them.

Watch the video below to see how Justin Eboigbe (6’4, 300+ lbs) had 3 solid 3 kick return tackles vs the Dolphins. He pulled off a hat trick on special teams!

Justin Eboigbe (6’4, 300+ lbs) with 3 kick return tackles vs the Dolphins. Not sure how many times a dude his size has pulled off a hat trick on special teams. pic.twitter.com/pi5y3u7CxS

— Powder Blue Blood (@pwdrblueblood) October 12, 2025

What Decided It / Takeaways

1. Third Quarter Surge
   — The Chargers turned the game on its head in the third, scoring twice (on their first two red-zone trips) and forcing a turnover to build separation. 
   — Miami’s offense was largely stifled that period.
2. Huge Clutch Play by McConkey
   — That 42-yard screen play in crunch time was everything — sneaky, explosive, set up the game-winning FG.
3. Dicker’s Consistency
   — In tight games, reliable kickers win them. He never missed.
4. Turnovers & Mistakes Hurt Miami
   — Three interceptions, including the final one to Derwin James, were costly.
   — Also, allowing a catch + run on 2nd-and-10 right after kickoff was brutal.
5. Momentum Swings
   — Miami almost stole it late, but L.A.’s special-teams + offense combo blew the door open at the end.

Implications & What’s Next

• The Chargers improve to 4–2, and the win stops their losing streak. 
• The Dolphins drop to 1–5, a rough start to their season. 
• L.A. heads home next to face the Indianapolis Colts. 
• Miami’s next will be at Cleveland.