When the Miami Dolphins vs Los Angeles Rams clash takes place, fans expect fireworks — and often they get them. Whether it’s through aerial duels, ground game bursts, or defensive stands, the stats tell the hidden story behind the scoreboard. In this article, we’ll examine in detail a recent meeting between these two teams, explore standout performances, compare strengths and weaknesses, and understand how individual contributions shaped the result.
Below, you’ll find sections on quarterbacks, rushing, receiving, defense, special teams, and game context, all grounded in hard numbers and game narrative.
Context of the Match
A recent meeting between Miami and Los Angeles took place on November 11, 2024, at SoFi Stadium. In that game, the Dolphins defeated the Rams 23–15.
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Let’s use that game as our reference point for detailed player stats.
In that encounter:
- The Rams outgained Miami in total yardage (327 yards to 238) but failed to convert in the red zone.
- Miami’s balanced attack, opportunistic defense, and clutch kicking made a decisive difference.
From here on, we break down how individual players performed and how those performances intertwined to produce the final result.
Quarterback Showdown
Tua Tagovailoa (Dolphins)
In the referenced match:
- Completions / Attempts: 20 / 28
- Passing yards: 207
- Touchdowns / Interceptions: 1 TD, 1 INT
- Sacks / Yardage lost: 3 sacks for 36 yards lost.
- Passing efficiency / Rating: ~ 89.4
Tua’s numbers reflect a game with moments of control but also pressure. His ability to avoid turnovers and make key throws was crucial given that Miami didn’t dominate in total yardage.
Matthew Stafford (Rams)
On the Rams side:
- Completions / Attempts: 32 / 46
- Passing yards: 293
- Touchdowns / Interceptions: 0 TDs, 1 INT
- Sacks / Yardage lost: 4 sacks for 36 yards Los Angeles Rams+3ESPN.com+3Los Angeles Rams+3
- Rating / efficiency: ~ 77.5
Stafford’s stat line is intense — a high volume of passing attempts with yards to show, but unable to convert into touchdowns. The Dolphins’ defense held strong in critical moments, and Stafford’s lack of scoring throws was a major factor.
Ground Game & Rushing Stats
Miami Rushing
The Dolphins leaned on a collective rushing effort:
- De’Von Achane: 12 carries, 37 yards, average 3.1 ypc, 0 touchdowns.
- Malik Washington: 1 carry for 18 yards, and that run resulted in a touchdown (18-yard run).
- Tyreek Hill (on rushing): 2 carries for 11 yards (5.5 average)
- Jaylen Wright: 5 carries, 3 yards (0.6 average)
- Tua Tagovailoa: 1 carry for –1 yard (sack or negative run)
- Jaylen Waddle: 1 carry for –1 yard
In sum, Miami had 22 rushing attempts for 67 yards, averaging 3.0 yards per carry. One of those carries turned into a touchdown (Washington’s 18-yard run).
Los Angeles Rushing
Rams’ rushing efforts:
- Kyren Williams: 15 carries, 62 yards, average 4.1 ypc, 0 touchdowns.
- Blake Corum: 2 carries, 8 yards, average 4.0 ypc ESPN.com+1
- Matthew Stafford (scramble / rush): 1 carry, 0 yards ESPN.com+2ESPN.com+2
Combined, the Rams recorded 18 rushing attempts for 70 yards, yielding average of 3.9 ypc.
In terms of pure rushing efficiency, Los Angeles had the edge: 3.9 vs 3.0 yards per carry. But those distances didn’t translate into red zone success or rushing touchdowns.
Receiving & Passing Targets
Miami Receiving
Here’s how Miami’s aerial game distributed:
Player | Receptions | Receiving Yards | Avg per Catch | Touchdowns | Targets |
Jaylen Waddle | 3 | 57 | 19.0 | 0 | 6 |
Jonnu Smith | 3 | 45 | 15.0 | 0 | 4 |
Raheem Mostert | 2 | 34 | 17.0 | 0 | 3 |
Malik Washington | 1 | 17 | 17.0 | 0 | 2 |
Odell Beckham Jr. | 2 | 17 | 8.5 | 0 | 2 |
Tyreek Hill | 3 | 16 | 5.3 | 1 | 4 |
De’Von Achane | 5 | 15 | 3.0 | 0 | 5 |
Durham Smythe | 1 | 6 | 6.0 | 0 | 1 |
Julian Hill | 0 | 0 | — | 0 | 1 |
Total for Miami: 28 targets, 20 catches, 207 passing yards (consistent with Tua’s passing stats)
Tyreek Hill’s contribution, although modest yardage, mattered because he hauled in the only passing touchdown in that game.
Los Angeles Receiving
The Rams had higher passing volume, and here’s the breakdown:
Player | Receptions | Receiving Yards | Avg per Catch | Touchdowns | Targets |
Puka Nacua | 9 | 98 | 10.9 | 0 | 14 |
Cooper Kupp | 7 | 80 | 11.4 | 0 | 7 |
Davis Allen | 5 | 34 | 6.8 | 0 | 6 |
Tyler Johnson | 3 | 25 | 8.3 | 0 | 4 |
Demarcus Robinson | 1 | 23 | 23.0 | 0 | 5 |
Kyren Williams (as receiver) | 5 | 20 | 4.0 | 0 | 6 |
Blake Corum (as receiver) | 1 | 7 | 7.0 | 0 | 1 |
Tutu Atwell | 1 | 6 | 6.0 | 0 | 1 |
Total for Rams: 44 targets, 32 catches, 293 passing yards (consistent with Stafford’s passing line)
Though they passed more, the Rams couldn’t convert that into touchdowns in this game. Instead, their points came via field goals.
Defensive & Turnover Impact
Interceptions & Turnovers
- Miami’s defense intercepted Stafford once (Anthony Walker Jr.) NFL.com+3Los Angeles Rams+3ESPN.com+3
- The Rams also intercepted Tua once ESPN.com+2ESPN.com+2
- Fumbles lost: Miami lost one, Rams lost one USA TODAY+2ESPN.com+2
In essence, the turnover margin was neutral in that game, but timing and location of those turnovers mattered greatly. The interception of Stafford came early and stymied Rams momentum.
Sacks & Pressure
Miami recorded 4 sacks while Los Angeles recorded 3 sacks.
That slight edge in pass rush helped Miami disrupt Rams passing rhythm at critical junctures. Combine that with strong red-zone defense (Rams went 0-for-3 in red zone attempts) and Miami’s defensive resistance proved decisive.
Other Defensive Notes
- Penalties played a role: LA was flagged 6 times for 64 yards, Miami only 1 for 15 yards.
- Time of possession was roughly even — Miami 29:48, Rams 30:12 ESPN.com+1
The Rams’ higher yardage totals could not overcome the Dolphins’ discipline and key stops.
Special Teams & Kicking
Special teams had a big say:
- Joshua Karty (Rams) converted 5 field goals (34, 55, 53, 22, 31 yards) to account for all of Los Angeles’s 15 points. No Rams touchdown was scored.
- Jason Sanders (Dolphins) contributed field goals (50 and 37 yards in the 4th quarter) to help seal Miami’s scoring margin.
Thus, while the Dolphins got their sole passing touchdown and a rushing touchdown, their kicker added twice. Meanwhile, the Rams were entirely reliant on their kicker to keep them in the game.
Comparative Strengths & Weaknesses
From the detailed stats above, some patterns emerge:
Rams Strengths:
- Passing yardage — they outgained Miami through the air (293 vs 207)
- Rushing efficiency — slightly better average yards per carry
- Volume offense — more targets, more attempts
Rams Weaknesses:
- Scoring conversion — inability to reach the end zone, settling for field goals
- Penalties — costly in yardage and momentum
- Red zone inefficiency — 0-for-3 on red zone trips
- Turnovers and pressure — Miami’s defense got a key pick and applied pressure when needed
Dolphins Strengths:
- Clutch execution — making key plays at primary moments
- Balanced offense — mixing run and pass enough to keep defense honest
- Red zone success — converting trips into touchdowns
- Discipline & minimized penalties — fewer mistakes
- Pass rush & defense in critical moments
Dolphins Weaknesses:
- Total yardage — significantly outgained in this match
- Rushing depth — lower average rushing production
- Relied on execution under pressure — needed near-flawless performance
Turning Points & Player Highlights
Malik Washington’s Early Score
Washington’s 18-yard opening run gave Miami an early lead and momentum that set the tone. That play forced the Rams to chase rather than dictate initial tempo.
Hill’s Passing Touchdown
Even though Tyreek Hill’s yardage was modest (16 yards on 3 receptions) his ticket score in the third quarter came at a critical juncture, breaking the game open.
Rams’ Missed Touchdowns
Despite moving the ball, Los Angeles never got into the end zone. Their five field goals reflect both their ability to advance and their failure to finish. That, above all, was the difference.
Miami’s Defensive Resistance
Interception of Stafford, sustained pressure (4 sacks), and strong red zone stands prevented the Rams from converting yardage into points. Those stops carried outsized weight.
Broader Rivalry & Trends
Historically, the Miami Dolphins vs Los Angeles Rams matchup heavily favors Miami. The Dolphins have won 13 of 15 meetings against the Rams.
That lopsided head-to-head record underlines that individual game stats often echo deep structural advantages — organizational consistency, coaching, and matchups over time.
In more recent years, Miami’s roster has emphasized speed, versatile offense, and defensive pressure, while the Rams have centered around passing weapons and traditional aerial offense. When Miami can disrupt timing and force errors, they tend to win these contests.
What the Stats Say for Future Matchups
If these teams meet again:
- The Rams must improve red zone efficiency — even dominant yardage won’t carry them if they don’t finish drives.
- Miami should continue emphasizing balanced offense to keep pressure off their QB and not overextend.
- Turnovers will likely decide close games — the team that gets the pick or forces a fumble at critical moment will often prevail.
- Pass rush and pressure will remain a battleground; whoever controls that will tilt the advantage.
- Kicking reliability may again play a big role if touchdowns are scarce.
Summary of Key Player Stats
- Tua Tagovailoa (MIA): 20/28, 207 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, 3 sacks lost (36 yds)
- Matthew Stafford (LAR): 32/46, 293 yards, 0 TD, 1 INT, 4 sacks lost (36 yds)
- De’Von Achane (MIA rushing): 12 carries, 37 yards
- Malik Washington (MIA rushing): 1 carry, 18 yards, 1 TD
- Kyren Williams (LAR rushing): 15 carries, 62 yards
- Jaylen Waddle (MIA receiving): 3 catches, 57 yards
- Cooper Kupp (LAR receiving): 7 catches, 80 yards
- Puka Nacua (LAR receiving): 9 catches, 98 yards
- Interceptions: 1 each side
- Sacks: MIA 4, LAR 3
- Penalties: MIA 1 (15 yds), LAR 6 (64 yds)
- Kicking: Rams: 5 FGs (Joshua Karty) — all points; Dolphins: mix of TDs + field goals (Jason Sanders)
Frequently Asked Questions
In that Dolphins vs Los Angeles Rams game, who had more passing yards?
The Rams had more passing yards; Matthew Stafford threw for 293 yards, while Tua Tagovailoa had 207 yards.
Did the Rams score any touchdowns?
No. All 15 of the Rams’ points came from five field goals; they failed to reach the end zone.
Who scored the rushing touchdown for Miami?
Malik Washington ran for an 18-yard touchdown in the first quarter, giving Miami an early lead.
Which wide receiver had the most catches for Los Angeles?
Puka Nacua, with 9 receptions, had the highest catch total in that game for the Rams.
How many sacks did Miami’s defense record?
Miami recorded 4 sacks in that game.
What was the penalty discrepancy?
Los Angeles committed 6 penalties for 64 yards, while Miami had only 1 penalty for 15 yards.
Conclusion
The Miami Dolphins vs Los Angeles Rams matchup offers a rich tapestry of narrative beyond just the final score. In the November 2024 game, Miami’s balanced attack, red zone efficiency, defensive pressure, and disciplined execution overcame a Rams team that produced more yardage but couldn’t turn it into touchdowns.
The player stats reveal that while Los Angeles had star receivers and passing volume, Miami’s moments of brilliance — Washington’s early run, Hill’s scoring catch, and key defensive stops — decided the game.
In future matchups, the tiebreakers will likely again be turnovers, red zone performance, and who can thrive under pressure. Stats give us a window into performance, but the real story lies in how teams convert opportunities into decisive football outcomes.
If you’d like a similar breakdown for a different game (2025 season, for instance) or a comparison of specific players in Dolphins vs Rams history, I’d be happy to prepare it for you.