As the NFL season enters its second half, a marquee Monday Night Football matchup in Week 10 pits the Miami Dolphins against the Los Angeles Rams. The Dolphins, led by third-year quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, are desperate to snap a losing streak that has seen their once-promising season begin to slip away. But to get back on track, they’ll have to overcome the defending Super Bowl champion Rams and veteran signal caller Matthew Stafford.
Miami entered the 2024 campaign with high hopes after loading up on both sides of the ball in free agency. The early returns were promising as the Dolphins sprinted to a 4-1 start. But the last month has seen the Fins drop three out of four, with the offense struggling to find consistency and the defense surrendering chunk plays.
Now at 5-4, the Dolphins are in danger of falling out of the playoff picture entirely if they can’t right the ship quickly. Much of that starts with steadier play from Tagovailoa, the former fifth overall pick who has tantalized with his talent but frustrated with his tendency to force throws into coverage. On the season, Tua has 14 touchdowns against 12 interceptions, far below the efficiency Miami needs from him.
Rams Remain Formidable Foe
If Tagovailoa and the Dolphins are to flip the script, doing so against the Rams presents a tall order. Los Angeles hasn’t quite recaptured last year’s Super Bowl magic, sitting at 6-3, but they remain one of the most complete rosters in football.
It starts with Stafford, the strong-armed quarterback who has already eclipsed 4,000 yards passing on the year. His connection with star receiver Cooper Kupp continues to flourish, while offseason acquisition Allen Robinson has provided a viable secondary target. The Rams are one of just four teams averaging over 300 yards per game through the air.
Defensively, perennial Pro Bowler Aaron Donald still anchors the trenches for a unit allowing the fourth-fewest points per game. Jalen Ramsey headlines a secondary with a knack for game-changing plays, as the Rams rank in the top 10 in interceptions. It’s a group capable of completely shutting down opposing attacks.
Proving Ground for Tua
Monday night’s clash could prove to be a defining moment for Tagovailoa. The Dolphins invested heavily to surround him with playmakers like Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, while bolstering the offensive line. But Tua has yet to consistently play up to his draft pedigree, leading some to question if he’s truly the long-term answer under center.
A strong showing against an elite Rams defense on the national stage would go a long way in assuaging those doubts. It won’t be easy—generating yards through the air figures to be a chore. But if Tagovailoa can protect the football, move the chains, and keep the Rams’ pass rush at bay, it could be precisely the confidence booster he and the Dolphins desperately need.
Tua knows he needs to be better. We all do. But I have full faith in him to step up and deliver. He has all the talent in the world. Now it’s about putting it together consistently, week in and week out.
– Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel
Miami’s Defensive Mission
Of course, even an efficient outing from Tagovailoa might not be enough if Miami’s defense can’t find a way to slow down Stafford and company. The Dolphins have been gashed in recent weeks, surrendering an average of 28 points per game during their 1-3 slide.
The pass rush, led by Emmanuel Ogbah and Jaelan Phillips, must find a way to harass Stafford and prevent him from getting comfortable. In the secondary, Xavien Howard and Jevon Holland have to hold up against an imposing Rams receiving corps. It’s a stiff challenge, but one the Dolphins are embracing.
We know how explosive their offense is. Stafford can make every throw and he’s got elite weapons. But we also know what we’re capable of when we play our game. It’s on us to impose our will and make them uncomfortable. If we do that, we’ll give ourselves a chance.
– Dolphins safety Jevon Holland
History Provides Hope
For the Dolphins, some solace can be taken in the fact that they’ve risen to the occasion against the Rams before. The two teams last met in 2020, with Miami pulling out a 28-17 victory in Tagovailoa’s rookie season. Granted, much has changed for both clubs since then. But that result is proof the Dolphins are capable of toppling the Rams when they put it all together.
| Stat | Dolphins | Rams |
|---|---|---|
| Record | 5-4 | 6-3 |
| Points/Game | 22.1 | 26.4 |
| Yards/Game | 331.6 | 376.2 |
| Passing Yards/Game | 230.3 | 301.7 |
| Rushing Yards/Game | 101.3 | 74.5 |
In many statistical measures, the Rams hold an edge coming into Monday’s tilt. They’re scoring over four more points per game while significantly outgaining the Dolphins through the air. But Miami does boast a superior ground attack, which could prove pivotal in controlling the clock and keeping Stafford off the field.
Stakes are High
Monday night’s outcome will reverberate through the rest of the season for both squads. A Dolphins victory would improve them to 6-4 and firmly back in the AFC playoff mix. A loss would see them fall to 5-5 and on the outside looking in.
For the Rams, dispatching Miami would further solidify their standing as a top NFC contender and keep them neck-and-neck with the 49ers in a hotly contested NFC West. A slip-up would raise questions about their ability to make another deep postseason run.
Under the bright lights with a national audience watching, the pressure will be immense. Which team will rise to the moment and stake their claim? The Dolphins and Rams are about to provide the answer in what promises to be a memorable Monday night clash.
