The Miami Dolphins and Los Angeles Rams, both play-off contenders last season, came into this game with postseason potential still very much alive.
But every NFL season is defined by key moments and close games, and early stumbles can dig a team into a hole that’s hard to escape.
Monday night’s performance gave Miami a solid 23-15 road win over the Rams, but it was bittersweet as they reflected on missed chances earlier in the season.
Miami’s playoff hopes have been hindered by quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s missed games due to a concussion and a pair of narrow losses on last-second field goals after his return.
The Rams also had a slow start to the season, they had clawed back to a 4-4 record with three consecutive wins, bringing momentum into Monday night.
However, they couldn’t capitalise, putting in an unexpectedly sluggish performance, especially unusual for a team coached by Sean McVay.
The loss leaves them at 4-5 and makes the playoff path more challenging.
DUB CITY ‼️ pic.twitter.com/UjcMfONArr
— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) November 12, 2024
The Rams had a rough start to the game. They gave up an immediate touchdown and struggled to protect quarterback Matthew Stafford.
Even after intercepting Tagovailoa, Kyren Williams fumbled the ball back on the very next play. The Rams’ usually disciplined team looked out of sync.
The Dolphins, while scoring quickly on a 70-yard opening drive, didn’t fare much better after that.
Both quarterbacks finished the first half with fewer than 100 yards. The teams combined for six punts and four turnovers in the first two quarters.
The Rams managed to cut Miami’s lead to 10-6 just before half-time with a field goal.
The second half opened with more of the same. A botched snap cost the Rams 13 yards, and although they made a 52-yard field goal, a false start nullified it. Joshua Karty missed the ensuing 57-yard attempt.
Miami capitalised on the Rams’ missed field goal. After a big play from Jonnu Smith brought the Dolphins to the 1-yard line, Tyreek Hill caught a touchdown to extend the lead to 17-6.
The Rams still had a chance late in the game, trailing 20-9. They pushed inside the 5-yard line but stalled, and McVay opted for a field goal, cutting the deficit to 20-12 with 6:31 remaining. But they couldn’t step up under pressure.
The Dolphins then ran down the clock with a series of first downs, and Jason Sanders’ field goal with 2:38 left effectively clinched the game. It wasn’t a flawless performance, but Miami’s road win was a big step forward in their season.
