The Chargers defense has been getting run over, run past and run around at times the first two games.
Now into Qualcomm Stadium come the Miami Dolphins, who on Monday ran for 239 yards, 107 of those on 12 plays in the Wildcat formation, in which tailback Ronnie Brown or rookie backup quarterback Pat White takes a direct snap and then runs, hands off or throws.
The Dolphins ran the Wildcat 11 times for 48 yards in their 17-10 victory over the Chargers in October in Miami. It was the other plays they ran that buried the Chargers.
But there were troubling circumstances against Baltimore that present a concern as the Chargers prepare for the Wildcat.
Against the Ravens, the Chargers were just as often exploited on the outside due to overpursuit and lack of playing their assignment as they were victimized by runs up the middle.
Do that against the Wildcat, where Brown (or White) decides what to do based on what he sees, and there will be trouble.
Recognition and responsibility are points of emphasis this week.
“It's especially crucial against the Wildcat,” defensive coordinator Ron Rivera said. “But it's crucial against any offense.”
