The Miami Dolphins season has not lived up to the expectations they had going into the season. After an impressive 2023 season that ended in a disappointing playoff performance in Kansas City, Miami hoped to get over the hump in 2024. After a 2-7 start, many fans and analysts thought the Miami Dolphins would commit to being “sellers” at the trade deadline. After an inactive trade deadline, the Dolphins needed a good performance to instill any hope into the fanbase and organization. Week 10’s Monday Night Football game against the Los Angeles Rams gave them a great chance to put their potential on display.
Miami Dolphins Defeat Los Angeles Rams
Led by an outstanding effort from the defense, the Miami Dolphins defeated the Los Angeles Rams, 23-15, at SoFi Stadium. Outgained 336-237 in total yards, the Dolphins’ defense had four sacks and two major turnovers. An interception by Anthony Walker Jr. and a recovery of a fumbled snap by Kendall Fuller. The pivotal aspect was the defense holding the Rams to just 3-of-12 on third-down conversions, showing once more that bend-but-don’t-break trait that seems to allow them to make big stops at crunch time.
On offense, Tua Tagovailoa completed 20-of-28 for 207 yards with a touchdown and an interception. Early rhythm was found as the Miami offense started, sparked by a 36-yard pass to Jaylen Waddle on the opening drive and capped off by rookie Malik Washington’s first career touchdown on an 18-yard rush. The five explosive plays they were able to produce, three through the air and two on the ground, represented the potential dynamic moments the team is capable of creating despite their struggle for consistency.
How Miami Hung On For the Victory
There were pivotal moments during the game that challenged whether the Miami Dolphins would take advantage of any defensive momentum. In response to Tagovailoa’s interception, Miami’s defense forced a fumble on the very next snap-a complementary piece of football with a desire not to yield. Tyreek Hill scored on a 1-yard touchdown reception after his highlight 33-yard catch and run by Jonnu Smith allowed them to extend their lead on their ensuing series showing a rare glimpse into the cohesiveness of this offense.
The Rams kept chipping away with field goals, but, Miami always seemed to have an answer that would keep Los Angeles at arm’s length. Jason Sanders’ two 50-yard field goals, one of which came late in the fourth quarter cemented the lead for the Miami Dolphins. This victory shows how good Miami can be when their offense and defense complement each other, a standard they’ve been chasing this 2024 season.
The Future Of the Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins’ win against the Rams allows an otherwise struggling season to hold on to a glimmer of hope. The Dolphins have a relatively easy strength of schedule, and a weak AFC playoff picture has them far from out of it. Only two games out from a Wild Card position, this represents an open door for the Dolphins to gain ground, if they can improve on past performances by finding consistency across their efforts.
The key to that will be further leaning on a defense that has shown its capabilities to keep games close, supported by an offense that must provide more consistent production. If the Dolphins can find a better way to incorporate explosive playmakers like Hill and Waddle while limiting turnovers, then they have a legitimate chance to string some wins together down the stretch. Matchups with weaker foes loom ahead, and there is an opening that is simply golden for Miami.
The Dolphins will be able to right the ship once and for all because they will have the ability to marry high-quality defensive performances with a more efficient, opportunistic offense. Everything remains to play for, but a way to turn promise into momentum and momentum into meaningful wins has to be found in Miami.
