The Miami Dolphins ended a three-game dropping streak to maintain their NFL Playoffs hopes alive with a gritty 23-15 victory over the Los Angeles Rams.
Tyreek Hill caught a brief landing cross from Tua Tagovailoa within the third quarter, whereas rookie receiver Malik Washington rushed for his first NFL landing on the opening possession of a much-needed turnaround recreation for the beleaguered Dolphins (3-6), who had misplaced three video games by a mixed 10 factors since their final victory on October 6.
The Dolphins’ strong protection stepped up impressively at SoFi Stadium, forcing two turnovers and conserving the Rams out of the top zone regardless of yielding 327 yards.
Matthew Stafford handed for 293 yards and rookie Joshua Karty kicked 5 area targets for the Rams (4-5), whose three-game profitable streak ended with a significant offensive regression. Los Angeles failed to attain a landing for under the eighth time in coach Sean McVay’s eight seasons, and it couldn’t rating an offensive landing for under the second time in 4 years.
Tagovailoa handed for under 207 yards, however he made a collection of huge throws whereas the Dolphins transformed six third downs, most of them at key moments. Tagovailoa was 9 of 12 for 137 yards on third downs alone.
Hill had three receptions whereas enjoying by a wrist harm, and Jason Sanders kicked three area targets.
After scoring 76 factors in its three straight wins, Los Angeles failed to attain a landing for the primary time since November 5 2023, at Inexperienced Bay whereas Stafford was injured.
Puka Nacua had 9 catches for 98 yards, and Cooper Kupp made seven receptions for 80 yards.
Miami wanted lower than three minutes to attain first. After Tagovailoa hit Jaylen Waddle for 36 yards on third and lengthy, Washington – a sixth-round decide from Virginia – took a pitch 18 yards for a rating on his second profession speeding try.
Los Angeles’ offense managed simply 27 yards on its first 5 drives, and Stafford threw an interception in his sixth straight recreation when Anthony Walker Jr. dived to catch a tipped ball proper earlier than the primary quarter ended.
Tagovailoa threw his first interception since September 12 to Christian Rozeboom within the second quarter, however Kyren Williams fumbled on the Rams’ subsequent play. Rams rookie Jared Verse sacked Tagovailoa and recovered the fumble on the Miami 36 4 performs later, however the Rams may solely handle a area objective.
After Karty missed a 57-yard area objective try when a false begin worn out his profitable 52-yarder within the third quarter, the Dolphins drove from midfield for Hill’s 1-yard TD catch and a 17-6 lead.
Los Angeles drove to the Miami four-yard line within the fourth quarter, however McVay settled for a fourth area objective that made it a one-score recreation with 6:31 to play.
Miami’s Odell Beckham Jr. then made a key catch for the primary down within the stadium the place he badly injured his knee whereas profitable the Tremendous Bowl with the Rams three seasons in the past, and the Dolphins drove for Sanders’ 50-yard area objective with 2:38 left.
Stats leaders
Los Angeles Rams
- Passing: Matthew Stafford, 32/46, 293 yards, 1 INT
- Speeding: Kyren Williams, 15 carries, 62 yards
- Receiving: Puka Nacua, 9 catches, 98 yards
Miami Dolphins
- Passing: Tua Tagovailoa, 20/28, 207 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
- Speeding: De’Von Achane, 12 carries, 37 yards
- Receiving: Jaylen Waddle, 3 catches, 57 yards
What’s subsequent?
The Dolphins will now intention to go back-to-back and really revive their season once they host the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday at 6pm.
The Rams, in the meantime, head to the New England Patriots on the identical night time.
Watch three matches from Week 11 reside on Sky Sports activities NFL, with the Washington Commanders on the Philadelphia Eagles subsequent up at 1.15am on Friday night time. Additionally stream with NOW
