Miami Dolphins

First win in Miami since 1982.

The Los Angeles Chargers faced the Miami Dolphins during Week 4 of the 2019 season, securing a significant road victory. This win marked the first time the franchise had won in Miami since the famous 'Epic in Miami' game played in 1982. The matchup took place while the Chargers were playing their third and final season at Dignity Health Sports Park before moving to SoFi Stadium in 2020. Although the team finished the year with a losing record, this specific victory against the Dolphins stands out as a rare bright spot on the road during a difficult campaign.

Lore & Background

The 2019 season offered a historic milestone for the Chargers regarding their history with the Miami Dolphins. After a long drought, the team finally broke through to win on the road in Miami during Week 4. This victory was notable because it was the franchise's first win in that city since the legendary 'Epic in Miami' game of 1982. The context of this win was set by a season where the Chargers struggled significantly, holding a 2–5 record by Week 7 and eventually finishing with their first losing season since 2016. Despite these broader struggles, defeating the Dolphins provided a specific moment of success that connected the modern Los Angeles iteration of the team to its historic San Diego past.

Reader's Guide

For fans tracking the Chargers' performance, the 2019 game against the Dolphins is a key data point regarding the team's ability to perform away from home. It highlights that despite a 2–5 start and eventual elimination from playoff contention after Week 14 due to the Steelers beating the Arizona Cardinals, the team could still secure wins. The victory over Miami was one of only four total wins in a season where they finished with a losing record for the first time as a Los Angeles-based team. It also serves as a reminder that Philip Rivers played his final season with the franchise before signing with the Indianapolis Colts in the offseason.

Did You Know?

During the 2019 season, the Chargers wore powder blue as their primary home jerseys for the first time since 2007.
The 2019 season marked the final year Philip Rivers played quarterback for the franchise before joining the Indianapolis Colts.
The Chargers suffered nine one-score losses in 2019, the most by any NFL team that season.