Miami Dolphins vs Los Angeles Rams Match Player Stats (Nov 11, 2024)
The Week 10 Miami Dolphins vs Los Angeles Rams matchup delivered a fascinating statistical contradiction. This Monday Night Football contest from November 11, 2024, saw the Dolphins emerge with a 23-15 victory despite being outgained in nearly every major statistical category.
Game Overview and Key Storylines
When the final whistle blew at SoFi Stadium, the Dolphins had snapped their three-game losing streak, improving to 3-6 for the season.
The Rams, meanwhile, saw their momentum halted after winning three straight games, dropping to 4-5.
What made this NFL Week 10 contest so intriguing was the striking contrast between yardage production and actual points scored.
The official game data from CBS Sports shows the Rams racked up significantly more total net yards (327 to 238) and passing yards (257 net to 171 net) than the Dolphins but couldn’t find the end zone a single time.
Key Game Moments That Defined the Contest
The SoFi Stadium crowd fell silent just minutes into the first quarter when rookie wide receiver Malik Washington took a jet sweep 18 yards to the end zone on Miami’s opening possession. Washington hit the corner with impressive acceleration and raced untouched for his first NFL touchdown, setting the tone for Miami’s opportunistic approach.
Late in the third quarter, with Miami clinging to a narrow lead, Tua Tagovailoa executed a perfect play-action fake at the 1-yard line before finding Tyreek Hill alone in the flat for what proved to be the game-deciding touchdown. The Rams defenders bit hard on the run fake, leaving Hill completely uncovered – a costly defensive lapse that Miami capitalized on immediately.
Throughout the night, Rams fans grew increasingly frustrated as Matthew Stafford engineered impressive drives between the 20s, only to see the offense sputter in the red zone. The sight of rookie kicker Joshua Karty trotting onto the field became all too familiar, as he attempted six field goals during the evening.
Team Statistical Comparison
| Category | Miami Dolphins | Los Angeles Rams |
|---|---|---|
| Final Score | 23 | 15 |
| Total Net Yards | 238 | 327 |
| Net Passing Yards | 171 | 257 |
| Rushing Yards | 67 | 70 |
| First Downs | 15 | 20 |
| Turnovers | 2 (1 INT, 1 Fum) | 2 (1 INT, 1 Fum) |
| Penalties – Yards | 1 – 15 | 6 – 64 |
| 3rd Down Efficiency | 6/13 (46.2%) | 3/12 (25.0%) |
| Red Zone TD Efficiency | 1/1 (100%) | 0/3 (0%) |
| Time of Possession | 29:48 | 30:12 |
This stark contrast reveals why the Dolphins prevailed despite gaining fewer yards. Their third-down success rate, red zone scoring, and penalty discipline proved more valuable than raw yardage in this mid-season AFC vs NFC showdown.
Dolphins Offensive Performance
Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa focused on accuracy and timely throws rather than going for big plays throughout the night.
His stats for the prime time matchup:
- Completed 20 of 28 passes (71.4%)
- Gained 207 passing yards
- Threw 1 touchdown pass and 1 interception
- Posted an 89.4 passer rating
Miami’s ground game struggled to get going, with De’Von Achane picking up just 37 yards on 12 carries, Jaylen Wright managing only 3 yards on 5 attempts, and Tyreek Hill adding 11 yards on 2 carries.
The unexpected spark came from rookie Malik Washington, whose single carry resulted in that crucial 18-yard touchdown on the game’s opening drive.
Jaylen Waddle made the most of limited opportunities, grabbing 3 passes for 57 yards, including a game-changing 36-yard reception that flipped field position. His 19.0 yards per catch showcased the big-play ability that’s been evident all year in our Dolphins receivers analysis.
Tight end Jonnu Smith proved reliable in the middle of the field with 3 catches for 45 yards, while Tyreek Hill’s stat line was modest (3 catches, 16 yards) but included the go-ahead touchdown that ultimately decided the game.
Dolphins Defensive Standouts
Miami’s defense allowed yards but tightened up dramatically when it mattered most.
Linebacker Jaleel Brooks anchored the unit with 11 total tackles (6 solo) and a tackle for loss, consistently finding himself around the football.
Anthony Walker Jr. stood out as the game’s top defensive playmaker, recording 9 tackles, picking off Matthew Stafford, defending a pass, and forcing a fumble at a crucial moment.
Former Ram Jalen Ramsey returned to face his old team and contributed 6 tackles (4 solo), while cornerback Kendall Fuller added 5 tackles, a pass defended, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery.
The pass rush came from all levels of the defense, with Christian Campbell, Jevon Holland, Quentin Bell, and Cameron Robinson each recording a sack. Campbell also added two passes defended from the defensive line, an unusual and valuable contribution.
Special Teams Impact
Jason Sanders’ flawless kicking performance was critical to Miami’s success. He connected on all three field goal attempts (from 50, 37, and 50 yards) and both extra points, accounting for 11 of the team’s 23 points.
His two 50-yard conversions showed impressive leg strength and accuracy in the clutch.
The reliable kicking game gave Miami crucial field position advantages throughout the contest, as noted in the NFL’s official game recap.
Punter Jake Bailey also delivered when called upon, averaging 44.7 yards on his three punts with one pinned inside the 20-yard line.
Rams Offensive Production
The Rams’ offensive stats paint a frustrating picture of drives that moved the chains but couldn’t cross the goal line.
Matthew Stafford put up strong numbers in a losing effort:
- Connected on 32 of 46 passes (69.6%)
- Accumulated 293 passing yards
- Threw no touchdowns and 1 interception
- Posted a 77.5 passer rating
- Took 4 sacks for 36 lost yards
The ground game showed flashes with Kyren Williams gaining 62 yards on 15 carries (4.1 avg) and rookie Blake Corum adding 8 yards on 2 attempts, but Williams’ lost fumble proved costly.
Stafford targeted eight different receivers but relied heavily on his top two options. Puka Nacua caught 9 passes for 98 yards on 14 targets, while Cooper Kupp was perfect, hauling in all 7 passes thrown his way for 80 yards.
Tight end Davis Allen (5 catches, 34 yards) and running back Kyren Williams (5 catches, 20 yards) rounded out the main contributors in the passing game.
Rams Defensive Highlights
Despite the loss, several Rams defenders turned in strong individual performances.
Linebacker Olakunle Speights led with 8 tackles (6 solo) and a tackle for loss, while defensive lineman Kobie Turner disrupted Miami’s offense with 6 tackles, a sack, a tackle for loss, a pass defended, and a forced fumble.
Rookie edge rusher Jared Verse continued his impressive first season with a sack, two tackles for loss, a forced fumble on Tagovailoa, and a fumble recovery. His development has been a bright spot for the Rams defense this season.
In pass coverage, linebacker Christian Rozeboom made his presence felt with an interception returned 16 yards and a team-leading 3 passes defended.
The Kicking Game Contrast
The game featured a fascinating tale of two kickers with very different responsibilities.
Rams rookie Joshua Karty had a remarkable night, accounting for all 15 of his team’s points by hitting 5 of 6 field goal attempts. His successful kicks came from 34, 55, 53, 22, and 31 yards, including two impressive conversions from beyond 50 yards.
The fact that Karty attempted field goals from 22 and 31 yards highlights the Rams’ inability to punch it in from close range, despite moving the ball effectively between the 20s.
Sanders’ 3 field goals for Miami complemented two touchdown drives, creating a more balanced scoring approach that proved more effective.
Media and Fan Reactions
The Monday Night Football broadcast team repeatedly emphasized the unusual gap between statistical dominance and scoreboard results. ESPN analyst Troy Aikman noted during the fourth quarter that the Rams were winning almost every statistical category except the most important one – points.
Rams fans took to social media with a mix of frustration and resignation. One viral tweet joked: “The Rams offense is like a fancy sports car that breaks down every time it pulls into the garage.” The hashtag #RedZoneBlues gained traction briefly in Los Angeles markets.
Miami supporters celebrated the win regardless of how it looked. The popular Dolphins fan forum FinHeaven praised the team’s clutch performance in key situations and opportunistic defense. As one prominent poster wrote: “Yards don’t win games, points do. And last I checked, we got more of those.”
Local Miami media praised the team’s resilience after three straight losses. The Miami Herald’s headline the next morning focused on the defense’s ability to make stands when it mattered most, capturing the essence of the victory.
Why the Stats Didn’t Match the Scoreboard
The central question of this NFL Week 10 clash: How did the Dolphins win despite being outgained by 89 total yards?
The answer lies in several key performance factors:
- Third down conversion – Miami succeeded on 46.2% compared to the Rams’ 25.0%, sustaining drives at nearly twice the rate.
- Red zone scoring – The Dolphins scored a touchdown on their only red zone trip, while the Rams went 0-for-3.
- Penalty discipline – Miami committed just 1 penalty for 15 yards, while Los Angeles was flagged 6 times for 64 yards, repeatedly stalling drives.
- Opportunistic takeaways – While both teams had 2 turnovers, Miami’s came at more crucial moments, including Anthony Walker Jr.’s interception of Stafford.
- Timely sacks – Both teams recorded multiple sacks, but Miami’s 4 sacks on Stafford (for 36 yards lost) consistently killed promising drives.
Season Impact and Forward Outlook
This victory kept the Dolphins’ slim playoff hopes alive at 3-6, providing a much-needed boost after dropping three straight games.
For the Rams (4-5), the loss was a missed opportunity to climb above .500 and gain ground in the competitive NFC West playoff race.
The game also pointed to clear areas for improvement for both teams in the back half of the 2024 NFL season:
- Miami needs more consistent offensive production, particularly in the run game
- Los Angeles must solve their red zone issues to convert yards into points
For more on how both teams performed in subsequent weeks, check out the Los Angeles Rams’ matchup against the Chicago Bears and the Miami Dolphins’ contest versus the Green Bay Packers.
FAQs About Miami Dolphins vs Los Angeles Rams Match Player Stats
Who had the most receiving yards in the Dolphins-Rams game?
Puka Nacua topped everyone with 98 yards on 9 catches for the Rams. On Miami’s side, Jaylen Waddle led with 57 yards on just 3 receptions. Nacua’s production continues to impress in his sophomore campaign!
How did Tua perform with touchdown passes in this game?
Tua threw just one touchdown pass – that quick 1-yarder to Tyreek Hill in the third quarter. Not his flashiest performance, but got the job done when it mattered most.
Why couldn’t Stafford find the end zone despite throwing for nearly 300 yards?
That’s the million-dollar question! Stafford had the yards (293) but went 0-for-3 in the red zone. Between Miami’s tightened defense, untimely penalties, and a few missed connections with receivers, the end zone proved elusive all night long.
Was that rushing TD from Malik Washington his first NFL score?
Absolutely! Washington’s 18-yard end-around on Miami’s first possession was his first NFL touchdown. Talk about making an impact as a rookie – scoring on Monday Night Football has to feel pretty special.
How good were the kickers in this matchup?
Both were outstanding! Jason Sanders went perfect for Miami (3/3 on field goals, 2/2 on extra points), while rookie Joshua Karty nearly matched him for the Rams, hitting 5 of 6 field goals including two bombs from beyond 50 yards.
Which defensive player had the biggest impact for the Dolphins?
Anthony Walker Jr. was everywhere! He racked up 9 tackles, picked off Stafford, forced a fumble, and defended a pass. That’s what you call a complete linebacker performance, especially in crucial moments.
What went wrong with the Rams’ red zone offense?
A perfect storm of problems – penalties at the worst times (6 for 64 yards), Miami’s defense stiffening near the goal line, four sacks that killed momentum, and some execution issues. That 0-for-3 red zone efficiency tells the story of the game.
Did Tyreek Hill have a typical big-play game?
Not at all! Hill was unusually quiet with just 3 catches for 16 yards, but made them count with that pivotal touchdown. Sometimes it’s quality over quantity – even for the Cheetah.
Who applied the most pressure to the quarterbacks?
Seven different players recorded sacks! Miami spread it around with Campbell, Holland, Bell, and Robinson each getting to Stafford once. For the Rams, Turner, Verse, and Young each brought down Tua. Constant pressure on both sides.
Was the time of possession as lopsided as the yardage?
Surprisingly even! The Rams held the ball for 30:12 compared to the Dolphins’ 29:48, showing that Miami simply made more of their possessions count. Efficiency trumped volume in this Week 10 matchup.
This in-depth breakdown of the Miami Dolphins vs Los Angeles Rams match player stats shows why the scoreboard often tells a different story than the stat sheet. While the Rams moved the ball well between the 20s, the Dolphins made plays when it mattered most, securing a crucial 23-15 victory to keep their season alive.
