Things we discovered during the Miami Dolphins’ victory over the Los Angeles Rams, 23–15

Things we discovered during the Miami Dolphins’ victory over the Los Angeles Rams, 23–15

**Things We Discovered During the Miami Dolphins’ Victory Over the Los Angeles Rams, 23–15**

The Miami Dolphins continued their impressive run this season with a hard-fought 23–15 victory over the Los Angeles Rams. The game, which took place at SoFi Stadium, was a showcase of Miami’s resilience and offensive firepower, coupled with the Rams’ defensive determination. As the Dolphins further solidified their place as one of the NFL’s top teams, there were several key takeaways from the game that revealed more about both teams’ strengths, weaknesses, and emerging trends.

### 1. **Tua Tagovailoa’s Maturation Continues**

One of the most notable storylines from the Dolphins’ victory was the continued maturation of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. After a somewhat inconsistent start to his career, Tua has looked more like a franchise quarterback in recent weeks. Against the Rams, he demonstrated poise under pressure, moving the ball efficiently and making the key throws when necessary. His decision-making was spot on, and his accuracy remained sharp, completing 70% of his passes for 270 yards and two touchdowns.

Tua’s chemistry with his playmakers, especially wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, was evident. He delivered a few perfectly placed deep balls and showed an ability to read the defense and adjust. As the season progresses, Tua is continuing to grow into his role, and if he can maintain this level of performance, Miami could be a legitimate Super Bowl contender.

### 2. **Tyreek Hill Is Unstoppable**

It’s clear now that Tyreek Hill is playing at a different level. The Rams, who have one of the better defensive backfields in the league, simply had no answer for Hill’s explosive speed and route-running precision. He finished the game with 120 yards receiving and a touchdown, consistently burning the Rams’ secondary and providing Tua with a reliable deep-threat option.

Hill’s ability to create separation and take the top off the defense forces opposing teams to game plan around him. His presence on the field opens up opportunities for Miami’s other receivers, particularly Jaylen Waddle, who also had a solid game. With Hill playing at this elite level, Miami’s offense has become one of the most dangerous in the NFL.

### 3. **The Dolphins’ Running Game Shows Promise**

While Miami’s passing attack gets most of the attention, the running game made important strides in the win against the Rams. Raheem Mostert, who has been a consistent contributor in the backfield, had a strong performance, rushing for 85 yards on 20 carries. The Dolphins’ ability to establish a balanced offensive attack kept the Rams’ defense honest and opened up opportunities in the passing game.

Mostert’s ability to break through tackles and gain yards after contact was crucial, particularly in the second half when Miami was able to chew up clock and maintain control of the game. If the Dolphins can continue to feature a reliable running game, it will only complement their high-powered passing attack and make their offense even more difficult to stop.

### 4. **Rams’ Offensive Struggles Persist**

Despite a solid defensive effort, the Rams’ offense continues to sputter. Quarterback Matthew Stafford, who had shown flashes of brilliance earlier in the season, struggled to find rhythm against the Dolphins’ defense. Stafford finished the game with just 215 yards passing, one touchdown, and an interception, and he was under constant pressure from Miami’s pass rush.

The absence of a consistent running game didn’t help the Rams’ cause either. Rookie running back Zach Evans got the start but struggled to find running lanes, rushing for just 42 yards on 13 carries. With Cooper Kupp still working his way back from injury, the Rams’ offense lacks the explosiveness it had when both Kupp and Stafford were clicking.

Without a fully functional offense, the Rams couldn’t keep pace with Miami. While their defense made key stops at times, especially in the red zone, they couldn’t consistently slow down the Dolphins’ high-octane attack.

### 5. **Dolphins’ Defense Steps Up When Needed**

Miami’s defense has often been overlooked in favor of its offense, but the unit made critical plays when the game was on the line. While the Rams managed to put together some solid drives, Miami’s defense stepped up in key moments, particularly in the red zone. The Dolphins’ ability to force a turnover in the fourth quarter, along with their relentless pressure on Stafford, helped seal the victory.

Cornerback Xavien Howard was particularly noticeable, breaking up several key passes and helping to neutralize the Rams’ top receivers. The defense may not be as flashy as Miami’s offense, but it’s clear they can hold their ground when the pressure is on, providing a strong foundation for the team as a whole.

### 6. **The Rams’ Playoff Hopes Are In Jeopardy**

At 4–5, the Rams are now facing an uphill battle in the NFC West. Their inability to secure wins against playoff-caliber teams, coupled with offensive struggles, puts their postseason hopes in serious jeopardy. If they can’t find more consistency, particularly on offense, Los Angeles may find itself on the outside looking in come January.

### 7. **The Dolphins Are for Real**

The victory over the Rams moves the Dolphins to 7–2, keeping them firmly in the playoff race and within striking distance of the top seed in the AFC. With Tua playing at a high level, Hill continuing to dominate, and a defense that is capable of stepping up, Miami is emerging as one of the league’s elite teams. If they continue to play with this kind of execution on both sides of the ball, the Dolphins could make a deep run in the playoffs.

### Conclusion

The Miami Dolphins’ 23–15 win over the Los Angeles Rams not only highlighted the team’s offensive potency but also exposed the weaknesses of the Rams’ squad. Miami’s balance, led by Tua Tagovailoa and Tyreek Hill, makes them a formidable opponent, while the Rams’ struggles on offense continue to plague their season. As the Dolphins eye a potential Super Bowl run, they are proving that they are one of the NFL’s most complete and dangerous teams in 2024.