While rookie quarterback Tua Tagovailoa garnered all the headlines, it was the Miami defense that shined against the Rams. Here’s what we learned from the Rams’ 28-17 loss at Hard Rock Stadium:

Rams Lose Turnover Battle

Coming off a dominating win against Chicago last Monday, the Rams fell flat in Miami. After the offense punted on their first drive, the Rams defense forced a Dolphins fumble on Miami’s second play from scrimmage. L.A. scored a touchdown three plays later to take the early lead. It was downhill from there, as the Rams offense committed four turnovers, which the Dolphins scored 21 points off of. Miami’s Jakeem Grant also returned a punt 88 yards for a touchdown, the longest in franchise history. One of the biggest clichés in football is the importance of winning the turnover battle. The Rams learned that lesson the hard way.

How Well Did Tua Play?

In a game where the Dolphins’ defense dominated, Tua Tagovailoa didn’t have to do much. He didn’t light up the stat sheet like Cincinnati’s Joe Burrow or the Chargers’ Justin Herbert, but he did score his first NFL touchdown on a quick strike to Devante Parker. Tagovailoa finished the day completing 12 of his 22 passes for 93 yards and the aforementioned TD. While we didn’t see much of him on the field (the Rams ran twice as many offensive plays as the Dolphins), the future looks bright in Miami. Just like Hall of Fame quarterback Dan Marino (who spent his entire career with the Dolphins), Tagovailoa earned his first home/career win against the Rams, according to the FOX broadcast team.

Offense, Wherefore Art Thou?

If you were to look solely at the stat sheet, you would’ve thought it was the Rams who blew out the Dolphins. Coming into the second half, L.A. had 224 total yards of offense compared to Miami’s 54 yards. Miami’s time of possession: 9:12; the Rams’ time of possession: 20:48. The Rams finished with 471 total yards of offense, while the Dolphins had 145. You can contribute that to the Miami defense constantly getting in Rams quarterback Jared Goff’s face. They were in his grill so much, you’d think he invited them to a barbecue. Goff threw a whopping 61 passes, completed 35, and threw two interceptions to go along with a touchdown. 

Rams Defense Can’t Overcome Offense’s Ineptitude

The ineptitude of the L.A. offense underscored a terrific showcase by their defense. They forced two fumbles, setting up the offense with prime field position on both occasions. It was after that second fumble when the offense hit a wall. Setting up shop at the Miami seven yard line, Goff was strip sacked by Miami defender Emmanuel Ogbah. Andrew Van Ginkel scooped up the loose ball and ran it back for a 78 yard touchdown, putting Miami up for good. The Rams’ defense shutout Tua Tagovailoa and the Miami offense in the second half, but the offense couldn’t capitalize. 

The loss to the Dolphins drops the Rams to 5-3. Their upcoming bye week will give them time to reset, as the Seattle Seahawks will welcome them home the following week. That game will take place November 15 at SoFi Stadium. Kickoff will start at 1:25 pm PST. See you then.