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Dolphins Revive Playoff Hopes with Key Win Over Rams.

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The Miami Dolphins kept their playoff hopes alive with a crucial 23-15 win over the Los Angeles Rams in a high-stakes Monday Night Football showdown at SoFi Stadium. The Dolphins game broke their three-game losing streak and provided a much-needed boost as they navigate a challenging season.

Dolphins Hold Steady in Must-Win Game

The Dolphins entered Week 10 with slim playoff hopes, holding an 8.1% chance of making it to the postseason according to ESPN’s FPI. Their win over the Rams lifts them to a 3-6 record, positioning them 1½ games behind the Denver Broncos for the final AFC wild-card spot. The victory also sets the Dolphins up for a potentially favourable run, with upcoming home games against the Las Vegas Raiders and New England Patriots. If successful, Miami could reach a 5-6 record before their Thanksgiving clash with the Green Bay Packers.

Tua Tagovailoa’s Performance Under Scrutiny

Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa faced some challenges during the match. In the second quarter, he threw an interception and lost a fumble on consecutive drives. Despite this, Tagovailoa completed the game with 207 passing yards and a touchdown, showing resilience by converting five third-down plays. Miami Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel acknowledged that Tagovailoa took some unnecessary sacks, attributing it to him trying to do too much — a recurring issue in his fifth season.

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Defensive Pressure Pays Off for Dolphins

Miami’s defence proved formidable throughout the Dolphins vs Rams match. The unit pressured Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford 13 times and sacked him four times, a season high for the Dolphins. Defensive standout Chop Robinson stepped up again, continuing his impressive form since Week 5 with five pressures and a sack.

Promising Trends for Miami

Robinson’s consistent pressure has been a silver lining for the Dolphins. With Jaelan Phillips sidelined due to injury, Robinson has taken on a bigger role and excelled. His defensive contributions have become a vital part of the Dolphins’ strategy in recent Miami Dolphins games.

Rams’ Offense Struggles to Deliver

The LA Rams, who had an 18.4% chance of making the playoffs before this game, now face a tougher road. The Rams game against Miami exposed their vulnerabilities despite the return of key players like Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua. The Rams’ offence, which ranked 23rd in third-down conversions at 36%, managed only 25% on Monday, completing just 3-of-12 attempts.

Stafford’s Frustrating Night

Matthew Stafford, in his 50th start for the Rams, had a night to forget. He completed 32 of 46 passes for 293 yards but failed to throw a touchdown and recorded an interception for the sixth consecutive game. Stafford’s interception streak now ties the longest of his career. The Dolphins’ defence capitalised on a weakened Rams offensive line that allowed four sacks, despite the return of Steve Avila and Jonah Jackson. Missing right tackle Rob Havenstein due to an ankle injury added to the Rams’ woes.

Jared Verse Shines Amid Offensive Challenges

While the Rams’ offence struggled, rookie Jared Verse continued to impress on defence. Verse recorded a sack for the third consecutive game and two tackles for a loss. His 11 tackles for a loss through his first nine career games tie him with Von Miller and Micah Parsons since 1999. Rams coach Sean McVay noted Verse’s impact but acknowledged the team’s need for offensive adjustments.

What’s Next?

The Dolphins schedule sets them up for a potential winning streak with back-to-back home games. Meanwhile, the Rams, now 4-5, need to regroup before facing the New England Patriots in their next match. Both teams will be looking to solidify their standing as they inch toward the critical final weeks of the season.

Key Takeaways

The Dolphins’ win keeps their playoff dream alive and injects new energy into their season. Tua Tagovailoa’s performance, while inconsistent, showed enough promise to support a playoff push. On the other side, the Rams must address their offensive inefficiencies to stay competitive in the NFC West. As Monday Night Football continues, fans can expect more dramatic clashes as teams fight for postseason spots.

For those wondering what channel is Monday Night Football on, catch upcoming matches on ESPN, or watch Monday Night Football through streaming services.

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