The Miami Dolphins snapped a three-game losing streak with a 23-15 victory over the Los Angeles Rams, bolstered by Tyreek Hill’s third-quarter touchdown catch from Tua Tagovailoa. This much-needed win lifted the Dolphins to a 3-6 record after a season that began with high hopes but quickly turned sour, with Miami having lost six of their last seven games prior to this matchup.
Rookie Malik Washington contributed with his first NFL touchdown early in the game, establishing momentum on the Dolphins’ opening drive. The Dolphins’ defense played a key role in the win, forcing two turnovers and preventing the Rams from reaching the end zone despite allowing over 300 yards.
Matthew Stafford led the Rams with 293 passing yards, and rookie Joshua Karty added five field goals, but Los Angeles struggled offensively, failing to score a touchdown for the first time in eight seasons under head coach Sean McVay. This marked a significant regression for the Rams, who had won three consecutive games and scored 76 points in that span.
Tagovailoa had a modest outing with 207 passing yards but came through in clutch situations, completing 9 of 12 passes on third downs, which was instrumental in maintaining the Dolphins’ offensive drives. Hill contributed three receptions despite a wrist injury, and Jason Sanders added three field goals to secure the win.
The Rams’ offensive troubles were highlighted by an interception from Stafford—his sixth game in a row with a pick—and a critical fumble by Kyren Williams following a Miami interception. The Rams had opportunities but failed to capitalize, particularly in the third quarter when a penalty nullified Karty’s 52-yard field goal attempt, and they missed the subsequent 57-yarder.
The Dolphins took advantage, with Hill’s touchdown catch widening the lead to 17-6. Although the Rams drew closer with a late field goal, the Dolphins responded with Sanders’ 50-yard field goal to make it a two-score game with just over two minutes remaining.
This victory also carried historical significance for Florida football, as Miami’s win prevented an unprecedented 0-12 record for the state’s NFL and college football teams over the weekend. Florida’s college teams went winless, as did its FCS schools, but Miami’s win kept Florida’s NFL teams from going 0-3 for the third straight week, something that hasn’t happened since Florida had three NFL teams in 1995. This context highlighted how important Miami’s victory was for Florida’s football morale.
Injuries impacted both teams, with Dolphins cornerback Kendall Fuller entering concussion protocol early in the second half, and offensive tackle Austin Jackson being placed on injured reserve before the game. For the Rams, starting tackle Rob Havenstein was out with an ankle injury, which led to Joe Noteboom stepping in but struggling against the Dolphins’ defense, particularly Miami rookie Chop Robinson. These injuries further complicated the Rams’ efforts, contributing to Miami’s success in maintaining defensive pressure and controlling the game.
