Miami Dolphins get off the schneid; down Los Angeles Rams on Monday Night Football
Can you say narrative buster?
The Miami Dolphins had to travel to Los Angeles, California to square off with the Rams in week 10 on Monday Night Football. Plenty of questions were being asked about the squad from South Florida ahead of the matchup.
Could the team finally defeat a quality opponent outside of the friendly confines of Hard Rock Stadium? Could the team stop a high powered offense led by one of the greatest quarterbacks of this generation in Matthew Stafford? Could they corral a bevy of highly talented receivers like Cooper Kupp, Puka Nacua, Tutu Atwell and Demarcus Robinson?
Yes, yes and yes!
The Miami Dolphins answered their naysayers in resounding fashion on Monday night — defeating the Los Angeles Rams by a score of 23-15 — while putting themselves squarely in the race for the final Wild Card nod in the floundering American Football Conference.
Rejoice, Dolphins fans. Your favorite team is finally back in the win column, and with the Las Vegas Raiders and New England Patriots on the docket for the team’s next two contests — with fingers crossed — they could be looking at an opportunity to pull even at 6-6 with a pivotal game against the Green Bay Packers looming on Thanksgiving night if they take care of business beforehand.
But… let’s not get too ahead of ourselves and instead look back at the good, bad and ugly from Miami’s Monday night victory.
GOOD
Miami’s defense holds high powered Rams offense to just five field goals in win
When Tua Tagovailoa went down in week two with another concussion, Miami’s defense stepped up as best they could in his absence. They kept games close, even allowing for a narrow victory on the road against the Patriots in week five.
However, when Tagovailoa returned against the Arizona Cardinals, the Dolphins defense suddenly looked lost, allowing 28 points in a one point loss. Against the Buffalo Bills the following week, it was more of the same as the team’s defense allowed 30 points in a three point loss to Josh Allen and company.
Against the Rams on Monday night, against a highly talented offense coached by another Mike Shanahan disciple in Sean Mc’Vay, Miami’s defense came to play — allowing no touchdowns and just 15 points via five made field goals.
The returns of defensive tackle Zach Sieler, cornerback Kader Kohou and safety Jevon Holland invigorated defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver’s unit. Miami will need more performances like their week 10 showing if they want to continue their unlikely playoff push.
BAD
Dolphins offensive line takes step back against stout Rams defense
Miami’s offensive line has been a surprising positive in a frustrating year for the franchise. The team found a new identity running the football while their quarterback was nursing his latest concussion.
On Monday against the Rams, that offensive line took a step back against a dominating defensive line. Without starting right tackle Austin Jackson, and with linemen shuffling in and out of the game due to injury, Miami’s line couldn’t get any push in the running game — netting just 67 yards on 22 attempts (3.0 yards per carry).
They also struggled with trying to protect their franchise quarterback from an onslaught of defenders — with Tagovailoa being pressured all night, and being sacked a total of three times against Los Angeles.
The offensive line will need to regroup with Maxx Crosby and the Las Vegas Raiders coming to town in week 11.
UGLY
Two Tua Tagovailoa first half turnovers slow Dolphins offense
Tua Tagovailoa had been playing splendid football since his return from injury against the Arizona Cardinals. He was efficient, surgical, and smart with his decision making. And then Monday Night Football happened…
Against the Rams, Miami’s young singal-caller made a couple of bone-headed plays in the first half, leading to two turnovers that luckily didn’t devastate the team’s chances at a win thanks to the stellar play of the Dolphins defense.
First, Tagovailoa tried to rip a ball to a Dolphins pass catcher on a roll-out to his left that was jumped by Rams linebacker Christian Rozeboom at the start of the 2nd quarter. Even worse was Tagovailoa’s tackle on the play — a tackle that saw a player with an extensive consussion history lower his head to complete the takedown only to be kicked forcefully in the side of the helmet.
On the very next offensive series, Tagovailoa inexplicably held onto the ball for an extended amount of time while facing a brawny pass rush, only to be stripped of the ball by a Rams defender. Los Angeles would recover — however Miami’s defense would once again come to the rescue by forcing the Rams to settle for a short field goal.
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The Dolphins secured a much needed win on Monday night to bring the team’s record to 3-6 on the season. It wasn’t the prettiest game, but a win is a win. Where do you place the team’s playoff chances at this time? Can they continue to stockpile wins and get back to a .500 record? Let me know in the comments below or on Twitter at @MBrave13. Fins up!
