Dolphins Triumph Over Rams 23-15: Winners and Losers on Monday Night Football

The Miami Dolphins held onto their playoff hopes with a much-needed 23-15 win against the Los Angeles Rams on Monday Night Football. The victory elevated Miami’s record to 3-6, while Los Angeles dipped below .500, standing at 4-5.
Opening the game with a determined energy, the Dolphins maintained control and held off the Rams, who found themselves struggling to keep up. With both teams fighting for momentum in a competitive AFC landscape, Miami came out on top. Here, we dive into the standout performances and missteps in this critical matchup.

Winner: Dolphins' Defensive Wall

Miami’s defense, particularly its secondary, shone brightly. Ranked among the top in critical defensive stats, the unit stifled Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford, who completed 32 of 46 passes for 293 yards at an average of just 6.4 yards per throw. The Dolphins’ defensive front also sacked Stafford four times, with each sack credited to a different player, keeping the Rams from finding the end zone throughout the game.

Loser: Rams’ Third-Down Struggles

The Rams’ inability to capitalize on third-down opportunities hurt their momentum. Los Angeles only converted 3 of 12 third downs, while Miami found success on 6 of their 13 attempts, allowing them to sustain drives and stay in control. This lack of execution on key downs limited the Rams' ability to challenge the Dolphins' lead effectively.

Winner: Tua Tagovailoa and the Dolphins’ Offense

In the absence of a strong ground game, Tua Tagovailoa stepped up to carry Miami’s offense. Building on his previous strong performance, Tagovailoa completed 20 of 28 passes for 207 yards, throwing one touchdown and an interception. His clutch plays kept Miami moving, particularly in connections with Tyreek Hill, who managed three catches for 16 yards and a touchdown, despite playing with a wrist injury. Odell Beckham Jr. also made a significant impact, securing a critical first-down reception and finishing with two catches for the night.

Loser: Ineffective Ground Games