Los Angeles outgained Miami by 89 yards on Monday night. They lost anyway. The Rams moved the ball effectively between the 20 yard lines but couldn’t score touchdowns, settling for five Joshua Karty field goals in a 23-15 defeat at SoFi Stadium on November 11, 2024. Miami went 2 for 3 in the red zone with two touchdowns. Los Angeles went 0 for 3, converting no scoring opportunities into six points.
Game Summary: Third Down Conversions Controlled Possession
The result snapped Miami’s three game losing streak while halting Los Angeles’ three game winning streak. The Dolphins improved to 3-6, keeping faint playoff hopes breathing. The Rams dropped to 4-5, suddenly on the outside of the NFC playoff picture.
Miami came in desperate after losses by a combined 10 points in their previous three games. Los Angeles entered riding momentum after scoring 76 points in their last three wins. The script flipped because the Dolphins executed on third downs (6 of 13, 46.2%) while the Rams failed (3 of 12, 25%).
Scoring Summary
| Quarter | Dolphins | Rams |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | 7 | 0 |
| 2nd | 3 | 6 |
| 3rd | 7 | 0 |
| 4th | 6 | 9 |
| Final | 23 | 15 |
Three Plays That Decided the Outcome
Washington’s Opening Drive Touchdown
Miami’s first possession established immediate pressure. Rookie Malik Washington took a jet sweep 18 yards for a touchdown, exploiting LA’s edge defender who crashed inside expecting a traditional run concept. The Rams’ defense wasn’t aligned properly for horizontal speed, and Washington hit the corner untouched. Miami led 7-0 in under three minutes.
Campbell’s Tipped Pass Interception
With Los Angeles attempting to build momentum late in the first quarter, veteran Calais Campbell timed his jump perfectly at the line of scrimmage. His deflection sent Stafford’s quick throw floating into the air, where Anthony Walker Jr. secured the interception, as documented in ESPN’s play by play data. Miami converted that turnover into a 50 yard field goal, extending the lead to 10-0. Campbell’s 17 years of experience showed in reading Stafford’s release timing.
Hill’s Third Quarter Touchdown
After the Rams missed a 57 yard field goal attempt (negated first by a false start penalty that would have made it 52 yards), Miami took over with momentum. The Dolphins marched downfield on a methodical drive. Tua found Hill wide open in the back of the end zone for a 1 yard touchdown. The play design created a natural pick against man coverage, leaving Hill uncovered. The 17-6 lead required LA to score three times, but their offense couldn’t score touchdowns.
Quarterback Performance: Contrasting Results
Neither quarterback got much help from the ground game. The difference came in third down efficiency and red zone execution.
Tua Tagovailoa: Third Down Specialist
Tua completed 20 of 28 passes for 207 yards with one touchdown and one interception. His 71.4% completion rate and 89.4 passer rating appear modest, but his performance on third down situations made the difference. On third down specifically, he went 9 for 12 for 137 yards, according to ESPN’s official game recap. Miami converted 6 of 13 third downs, maintaining drives and controlling tempo.
He absorbed three sacks for 36 yards lost but stayed composed in crucial moments. His ninth consecutive game with at least one passing touchdown extended a streak that ranked fourth longest active in the NFL entering Week 10.
Matthew Stafford: Volume Without Results
Stafford completed 32 of 46 passes for 293 yards, finishing with zero touchdowns and one interception. His 69.6% completion rate produced yardage but not points, dropping his passer rating to 77.5 as reported in Pro Football Reference’s complete box score.
He took four sacks for 36 yards. The inability to finish drives in scoring territory overshadowed his yardage total. This marked only the eighth time in Sean McVay’s eight seasons that the Rams failed to score a touchdown, and just the second time since 2020 when Stafford was in uniform that LA’s offense couldn’t reach the end zone.
QB Stats Comparison
| Stat | Tua Tagovailoa | Matthew Stafford |
|---|---|---|
| Completions/Attempts | 20/28 | 32/46 |
| Completion % | 71.4% | 69.6% |
| Passing Yards | 207 | 293 |
| Touchdowns | 1 | 0 |
| Interceptions | 1 | 1 |
| Sacks Taken | 3 | 4 |
| Yards Lost to Sacks | 36 | 36 |
| Passer Rating | 89.4 | 77.5 |
Running Backs: Balanced Production
Neither quarterback got much help from the ground game. The teams combined for 137 yards on 40 carries, with neither breaking a run longer than 15 yards.
Miami accumulated 67 yards on 22 carries (3.0 yards per carry, or YPC) with one touchdown. Los Angeles produced 70 yards on 18 attempts (3.9 YPC) with zero scores.
Miami’s Backfield
De’Von Achane handled 12 carries for 37 yards (3.1 YPC) and caught five passes for 15 yards. His 42 receptions through nine games ranked second among all NFL running backs, trailing only New Orleans’ Alvin Kamara according to Miami’s official game analysis.
Rookie wide receiver Malik Washington took a jet sweep 18 yards for a touchdown on the opening drive. That score on his only carry established momentum Miami never surrendered.
Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle combined for three carries totaling 10 yards on designed sweeps, demonstrating the versatility of Mike McDaniel’s offensive scheme.
Los Angeles Ground Game
Kyren Williams carried 15 times for 62 yards (4.1 YPC), providing the most consistent rushing production. He added five catches for 20 yards, functioning as a dual threat. His second quarter fumble killed a promising drive that could have shifted momentum.
Blake Corum handled just two carries for eight yards in limited action.
Leading Rushers
| Player | Team | Carries | Yards | Average | Long | TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kyren Williams | LAR | 15 | 62 | 4.1 | 9 | 0 |
| De’Von Achane | MIA | 12 | 37 | 3.1 | 15 | 0 |
| Malik Washington | MIA | 1 | 18 | 18.0 | 18 | 1 |
| Tyreek Hill | MIA | 2 | 11 | 5.5 | 6 | 0 |
| Blake Corum | LAR | 2 | 8 | 4.0 | 5 | 0 |
Receiving Production: Stars Contained
Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp: Volume Without Scores
Los Angeles’ top two receivers combined for 16 catches and 178 yards but zero touchdowns. Nacua led all pass catchers with nine receptions for 98 yards on 14 targets. Kupp caught all seven targets for 80 yards, demonstrating efficiency in high volume.
Miami’s defensive strategy allowed Nacua and Kupp to make catches underneath but swarmed immediately to prevent yards after catch. Stafford’s longest completion traveled just 23 yards to Demarcus Robinson. The Dolphins eliminated explosive plays through immediate tackling and aggressive pursuit angles, forcing the Rams into long, methodical drives that stalled in the red zone.
Miami Spread Targets
Jaylen Waddle led the Dolphins with three catches for 57 yards on six targets. His 36 yard reception was the longest by either team. Tight end Jonnu Smith secured three passes for 45 yards, including a 33 yard gain that set up scoring position.
Tyreek Hill caught three passes for 16 yards on four targets. One reception was his 1 yard touchdown that extended Miami’s lead to 17-6 in the third quarter. Hill’s seventh career touchdown at SoFi Stadium as a visitor gave him the venue record, per Miami’s official game statistics.
Top Pass Catchers
| Player | Team | Targets | Receptions | Yards | Average | Long | TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Puka Nacua | LAR | 14 | 9 | 98 | 10.9 | 21 | 0 |
| Cooper Kupp | LAR | 7 | 7 | 80 | 11.4 | 19 | 0 |
| Jaylen Waddle | MIA | 6 | 3 | 57 | 19.0 | 36 | 0 |
| Jonnu Smith | MIA | 4 | 3 | 45 | 15.0 | 33 | 0 |
| Davis Allen | LAR | 6 | 5 | 34 | 6.8 | 13 | 0 |
| Raheem Mostert | MIA | 3 | 2 | 34 | 17.0 | 25 | 0 |
| Tyreek Hill | MIA | 4 | 3 | 16 | 5.3 | 12 | 1 |
Defense: Where Games Get Won
Miami’s Red Zone Resistance
The Dolphins defense allowed 327 total yards but prevented Los Angeles from scoring touchdowns. Miami’s red zone defense defined the game. The secondary took a hit when cornerback Kendall Fuller entered concussion protocol in the fourth quarter, his second concussion of the 2024 season, per Miami’s official game statistics.
Linebacker Jordyn Brooks led Miami with 11 total tackles (six solo) and added a tackle for loss (TFL). Brooks disrupted both run and pass plays throughout the game.
Anthony Walker Jr. intercepted a tipped Stafford pass in the first quarter, as reported in the Rams’ official recap. That turnover set up a Miami field goal and established early momentum. He finished with nine tackles.
Veteran defensive end Calais Campbell recorded three tackles, one sack, one TFL, and two passes defensed. His deflection at the line of scrimmage led directly to Walker’s interception. After the game, Campbell stated: “When we’re playing our best ball, we can still beat anybody. We’ve just got to continue to believe, continue to fight.”
Safety Jevon Holland recorded a sack from the safety position, bringing pressure from an unexpected source. Rookie linebacker Chop Robinson notched his second sack in consecutive weeks, developing quickly in his first NFL season.
Miami Defensive Leaders
| Player | Position | Tackles | Solo | Sacks | TFL | INT | PD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jordyn Brooks | LB | 11 | 6 | 0.0 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Anthony Walker Jr. | LB | 9 | 3 | 0.0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Jordan Poyer | S | 7 | 2 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Jalen Ramsey | CB | 6 | 4 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Kendall Fuller | CB | 5 | 4 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Zach Sieler | DE | 5 | 2 | 0.0 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Calais Campbell | DE | 3 | 2 | 1.0 | 1 | 0 | 2 |
| Jevon Holland | S | 3 | 2 | 1.0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Chop Robinson | LB | 2 | 2 | 1.0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Los Angeles Defense Couldn’t Get Stops
The Rams defense held Miami to 238 yards and created two turnovers. They generated three sacks and kept the game within reach, but received no offensive support in the red zone.
Linebacker Olasunkanmi Speights led all tacklers with eight total stops (six solo). Safety Quentin Lake added seven tackles.
Rookie linebacker Jared Verse recorded a strip sack of Tua and recovered the fumble himself. He finished with two TFL, showing his first round draft status. Linebacker Christian Rozeboom intercepted Tua and defended three passes, playing well in coverage.
Defensive linemen Kobie Turner and Byron Young each contributed a sack. Turner and Young pressured Tua throughout the game.
Los Angeles Defensive Leaders
| Player | Position | Tackles | Solo | Sacks | TFL | INT | PD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Olasunkanmi Speights | LB | 8 | 6 | 0.0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Quentin Lake | S | 7 | 5 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Kobie Turner | DT | 6 | 5 | 1.0 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Darious Williams | CB | 4 | 4 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Jared Verse | LB | 4 | 3 | 1.0 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Byron Young | LB | 4 | 2 | 1.0 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Christian Rozeboom | LB | 3 | 2 | 0.0 | 0 | 1 | 3 |
Special Teams: Field Goal Duel
With both offenses failing in the red zone, the game became a kicking contest. Field goals accounted for 24 of the 38 total points (63.2%). Both kickers delivered under pressure, but only Miami’s kicker supported touchdown drives.
Joshua Karty went 5 for 6 on field goals for Los Angeles, connecting from 34, 55, 53, 22, and 31 yards. His 55 yarder before halftime was a career long. His only miss came from 57 yards, an attempt that only happened because a false start penalty wiped out a successful 52 yarder. Karty scored every Rams point.
Jason Sanders went 3 for 3 on field goals for Miami, converting from 50, 37, and 50 yards. Both long range kicks came at crucial moments when Los Angeles threatened to close the gap. He also made both extra point attempts. His consistency proved vital in a game where field position mattered.
Kicking Stats
| Kicker | Team | FG Made/Att | Long | XP Made/Att | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Joshua Karty | LAR | 5/6 | 55 | 0/0 | 15 |
| Jason Sanders | MIA | 3/3 | 50 | 2/2 | 11 |
Game Deciding Stats
Three statistical categories separated the teams:
Third Down Conversions
Miami converted 6 of 13 third down attempts (46.2%). Los Angeles managed just 3 of 12 (25%). This 21 percentage point gap kept Miami drives alive while forcing Los Angeles to punt more frequently. Tua’s 9 for 12 performance on third down passes gave the Dolphins more possessions and better field position throughout.
Red Zone Scoring
Miami went 2 for 3 inside the 20 yard line (the area from the opponent’s 20 yard line to the goal line), scoring two touchdowns. Los Angeles went 0 for 3, settling for three field goals. That 14 point difference in red zone touchdowns accounted for more than the final margin.
Penalties
Miami committed one penalty for 15 yards. Los Angeles was flagged six times for 64 yards, often at critical moments. The false start that negated a made 52 yard field goal. The illegal blindside block that wiped out a big interception return. The holding penalty in the fourth quarter that stalled a drive. These mistakes killed momentum repeatedly.
Key Stats Comparison
| Category | Miami Dolphins | Los Angeles Rams |
|---|---|---|
| Total Yards | 238 | 327 |
| First Downs | 15 | 20 |
| Third Down Conv. | 6/13 (46.2%) | 3/12 (25.0%) |
| Fourth Down Conv. | 0/0 | 0/0 |
| Red Zone Scoring | 2/3 (2 TD) | 0/3 (0 TD) |
| Penalties | 1 for 15 | 6 for 64 |
| Turnovers | 2 | 2 |
| Time of Possession | 29:48 | 30:12 |
| Yards Per Play | 4.5 | 4.8 |
Turnovers: Equal Count, Different Impact
Both teams committed two turnovers. Miami lost one fumble and threw one interception. Same for Los Angeles. But the context of when those turnovers occurred made the difference.
Miami’s turnovers produced just three Rams points. The chaotic second quarter exchange essentially canceled itself out. When Tua threw his interception, the Rams fumbled it back on the next play. When Tua got strip sacked by Jared Verse, Los Angeles managed only a 34 yard field goal.
The Rams’ turnovers led directly to Miami points. Stafford’s first quarter interception, as reported in the Rams’ official game recap, set up a 50 yard field goal that extended the lead to 10-0. In close games, turnovers matter by timing and result, not just quantity.
Why Miami’s Red Zone Defense Worked
The Dolphins employed a specific strategy inside the 20 yard line. They played soft zone coverage between the 20s, allowing Nacua and Kupp to catch underneath passes. Once the field compressed near the goal line, Miami switched to tighter man coverage and brought more pressure.
Stafford’s longest completion was 23 yards to Demarcus Robinson. The Dolphins eliminated explosive plays by tackling immediately after catches. Los Angeles accumulated yardage but never broke containment for big gains.
The Rams reached scoring position three times: the 4 yard line in the fourth quarter (settled for 22 yard FG), the 16 yard line after an interception (34 yard FG), and the 37 yard line before halftime (55 yard FG). Each time, Miami’s defense tightened and forced field goals.
Rams head coach Sean McVay acknowledged after the game: “Defensively, I was pleased with the way we played. Ultimately we weren’t able to capitalize on offense. There wasn’t any semblance of complementary football.”
How This Game Fits Into Both Teams’ Seasons
Miami improved to 3-6 and ended their three game losing streak. Their defense could win games even when the offense struggled to generate yardage.
The Rams fell to 4-5, snapping a three game winning streak. Their red zone failures became a pattern. They went 0 for 3 inside the 20 yard line, settling for field goals each time.
Los Angeles’ third down struggles (3 of 12, 25%) recurred in losses that season. In wins like their Buffalo shootout and Detroit overtime contest, third down efficiency improved, allowing them to control possession and finish drives.
Final Analysis
Los Angeles generated 89 more yards than Miami but lost by eight points. The difference came down to red zone execution. Miami scored two touchdowns on three trips inside the 20. Los Angeles scored zero touchdowns on three trips, settling for field goals.
Tua’s 9 for 12 performance on third downs, per Miami’s official game statistics, kept drives alive and controlled possession. The Dolphins converted 46.2% of their third downs. The Rams converted just 25%.
Joshua Karty kicked five field goals and performed well, but no kicker overcomes an offense that can’t reach the end zone. Jason Sanders kicked three field goals while supporting two touchdown drives. That’s the margin.
The complete game data, including advanced metrics and snap counts, remains available at Pro Football Reference’s box score. This Week 10 Monday night result came down to execution in three areas: third down conversions, red zone scoring, and penalty discipline. Miami executed in all three. Los Angeles failed in the two most important.
