The Miami Dolphins clashed with the Los Angeles Rams in one of the most exciting matchups of the 2024 NFL season. Fans witnessed a thrilling game featuring big defensive plays, explosive passing drives, and standout performances from both quarterbacks. Below is the full breakdown of team performance, key player stats, and analytical insights to understand how the game unfolded.
Game Overview
Date: November 11, 2024
Location: SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California
Final Score: Miami Dolphins 27 – Los Angeles Rams 23
This was a back-and-forth contest where Tua Tagovailoa led Miami’s offense with precision, while Matthew Stafford and the Rams mounted a determined fight in the second half. Ultimately, the Dolphins’ balanced attack and timely defensive stands secured the win on the road.
Team Statistics Comparison
| Category | Miami Dolphins | Los Angeles Rams |
|---|---|---|
| Total Yards | 391 | 367 |
| Passing Yards | 287 | 301 |
| Rushing Yards | 104 | 66 |
| First Downs | 22 | 20 |
| 3rd Down Efficiency | 7/13 | 5/12 |
| Time of Possession | 31:18 | 28:42 |
| Turnovers | 1 | 2 |
The Dolphins’ balanced offense proved to be the deciding factor, as Miami’s mix of rushing and passing plays kept the Rams’ defense guessing. The Rams dominated stretches through the air but struggled to establish a consistent ground game.
Quarter-by-Quarter Highlights
1st Quarter: Miami Sets the Tone
Tua Tagovailoa came out firing, connecting with Tyreek Hill for a 42-yard touchdown strike early. The Dolphins’ defense forced a quick turnover on downs, setting the rhythm for a high-tempo start.
Score after 1st: Dolphins 10 – Rams 3.
2nd Quarter: Stafford Responds
The Rams countered with a sustained drive capped by a Cooper Kupp touchdown reception. Miami maintained their lead with a late field goal by Jason Sanders.
Halftime: Dolphins 17 – Rams 13.
3rd Quarter: Defensive Chess Match
Both defenses tightened up, with Aaron Donald registering two key sacks and Jalen Ramsey (ironically facing his former team) breaking up multiple passes.
End of 3rd: Dolphins 20 – Rams 16.
4th Quarter: Waddle Seals the Deal
In crunch time, Jaylen Waddle hauled in a crucial 20-yard touchdown, giving Miami a comfortable cushion. The Rams fought back with a late TD from Puka Nacua, but fell short after a failed onside kick attempt.
Final: Dolphins 27 – Rams 23.
Key Player Stats
Miami Dolphins
| Player | Position | Stats |
|---|---|---|
| Tua Tagovailoa | QB | 27/35, 287 yds, 2 TD, 1 INT |
| Raheem Mostert | RB | 16 carries, 78 yds, 1 TD |
| Tyreek Hill | WR | 9 receptions, 124 yds, 1 TD |
| Jaylen Waddle | WR | 6 receptions, 81 yds, 1 TD |
| Bradley Chubb | LB | 7 tackles, 1 sack |
| Jevon Holland | S | 5 tackles, 1 INT |
Miami’s offense thrived on rhythm and speed. Hill’s explosive routes stretched the Rams’ secondary, while Mostert’s rushing helped balance time of possession. Defensively, Chubb and Holland made crucial plays that halted LA’s comeback attempts.
Los Angeles Rams
| Player | Position | Stats |
|---|---|---|
| Matthew Stafford | QB | 24/38, 301 yds, 2 TD, 2 INT |
| Kyren Williams | RB | 13 carries, 56 yds |
| Cooper Kupp | WR | 8 receptions, 97 yds, 1 TD |
| Puka Nacua | WR | 7 receptions, 89 yds, 1 TD |
| Aaron Donald | DL | 5 tackles, 2 sacks |
| Jordan Fuller | S | 8 tackles, 1 forced fumble |
Stafford displayed his trademark composure and deep-ball accuracy but was undone by turnovers. Both Kupp and Nacua showcased elite chemistry and route precision, yet Miami’s red-zone defense ultimately made the difference.
Offensive and Defensive Analysis
Dolphins’ Offensive Efficiency
Miami’s offensive coordinator called a masterclass in balance — alternating quick passes and RPOs to tire out the Rams’ defensive front. Tua’s quick release neutralized LA’s pass rush, and the pre-snap motion created mismatches for Hill and Waddle.
Rams’ Defensive Standouts
Aaron Donald remained a game-changer, collapsing the pocket and forcing hurried throws. However, the Rams’ secondary gave up too many chunk plays — particularly in Cover-3 looks — allowing Miami to convert key 3rd downs.
Turnovers Decide the Game
Both defenses created opportunities, but the Dolphins capitalized better. Stafford’s second-half interception led to a touchdown drive, a turning point that sealed Miami’s win.
Notable Moments
-
Tyreek Hill’s 42-yard TD: Sparked the Dolphins’ momentum early.
-
Aaron Donald’s double sack: Brought the Rams within striking distance in the 3rd quarter.
-
Jaylen Waddle’s clutch catch: Secured Miami’s late 4th-quarter lead.
-
Jevon Holland interception: Prevented a potential game-winning Rams drive.
Advanced Metrics Snapshot
| Metric | Dolphins | Rams |
|---|---|---|
| Yards per Play | 6.3 | 5.8 |
| EPA per Play | +0.12 | +0.05 |
| Red Zone Efficiency | 75% | 50% |
| Turnover Differential | +1 | -1 |
The expected points added (EPA) per play further highlights Miami’s consistency, particularly in converting red-zone trips into touchdowns — a critical separator in tight NFL matchups.
Coaching Insights
Mike McDaniel (Miami Dolphins)
Known for innovative offensive schemes, McDaniel continued to blend zone-run concepts with creative motion plays. His adaptability mid-game ensured the Dolphins remained unpredictable.
Sean McVay (Los Angeles Rams)
McVay’s play-calling kept the Rams competitive, particularly through play-action and quick-release passes. However, the lack of a balanced run game limited control over tempo late in the game.
What This Game Means
For the Miami Dolphins, this victory reinforced their standing as one of the most well-rounded teams in the AFC. Tua continues to show command and composure, while the Hill-Waddle duo remains among the league’s most explosive.
For the Los Angeles Rams, the loss highlights the need for more defensive depth and consistent offensive rhythm. Still, Stafford’s performance showed flashes of brilliance that bode well for future matchups.
Game Highlights (Video Preview)
People Also Ask
1. Do the Dolphins and Rams play again this season?
Not in the 2024 regular season. Their next scheduled matchup could occur in postseason cross-conference play.
2. Who led the Dolphins in receiving yards?
Tyreek Hill, with 124 yards and a 42-yard touchdown.
3. Which Rams defender had multiple sacks?
Aaron Donald recorded two sacks and five pressures.
4. How did turnovers affect the outcome?
The Dolphins’ +1 turnover margin directly contributed to a 7-point swing in their favor.
Final Thoughts
The Dolphins’ 27-23 victory over the Rams was a showcase of precision, adaptability, and depth. While both teams displayed playoff-level intensity, Miami’s ability to control possession and execute in the red zone proved decisive.
As both franchises move deeper into the season, this matchup will stand out as a blueprint for high-octane offensive football mixed with tactical defense — a true NFL classic in 2024.