The Miami Dolphins finally broke their three-game losing streak on Monday night, defeating the Los Angeles Rams 23-15 at SoFi Stadium in California. The win showcased a resilient Dolphins team that capitalized on early momentum and held strong throughout to keep the Rams at bay.
Quick Start with Rookie Breakthrough
Miami wasted no time setting the tone, driving 70 yards in less than three minutes to score the game’s first points. Rookie running back Malik Washington led the charge with an 18-yard touchdown run—the first of his NFL career—putting the Dolphins on the board and firing up the team.
Tyreek Hill Back in the End Zone
Wide receiver Tyreek Hill broke his seven-game touchdown drought in the third quarter, catching his second touchdown pass of the season on a short throw from quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. The score extended Miami’s lead to 17-6, a cushion they maintained for the rest of the game. Miami’s kicker Jason Sanders added three successful field goals, contributing essential points to secure the Dolphins’ win.
Dolphins’ Defense Dominates
Miami’s defense rose to the occasion, keeping the Rams out of the end zone all night. They put consistent pressure on Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford, sacking him four times and intercepting one of his passes. Stafford finished the game with 293 passing yards, completing 32 of 46 attempts. He reflected on the loss, noting how costly mistakes in crucial areas—sacks, turnovers, and inefficient plays—prevented the Rams from converting drives into touchdowns.
Dolphins’ Playoff Hopes Still Alive
The Dolphins’ season has been challenging, particularly with Tagovailoa missing four games earlier in the year after a Week 2 concussion against the Buffalo Bills. Despite their 3-6 record, the Dolphins remain in the AFC playoff hunt, standing second in the AFC East and only 1.5 games away from the final wild-card spot.
Tagovailoa, pleased with the team’s resilience, said after the game, “We’ve come a long way through however many losses in a row. The resilience of this team, with the external noise, everyone counting us out. Hopefully this is an opportunity for us to not waste.”
Rams’ Struggles and Missed Opportunities
For the Rams, Monday’s game snapped their own three-game winning streak. Rookie kicker Joshua Karty managed to keep Los Angeles competitive in the fourth quarter, hitting three field goals, including a 22-yarder in the final minute to make it a one-score game. But the Dolphins quickly shut down any comeback hopes by recovering the ensuing onside kick to close out the game.
Miami defensive lineman Calais Campbell summed up the team’s renewed sense of hope, saying, “To create a wildfire all it takes is one spark. We just got to keep believing, keep fighting and keep going for it.”
Next Up
The Dolphins (3-6) will look to build on their victory next week against the Las Vegas Raiders (2-7), while the Rams (4-5) head to New England to face the Patriots (3-7) on Sunday, November 17.
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