So, if you stayed up late watching the Monday Night Football November 11 2024 matchup, you probably walked away feeling a bit... confused. On paper, a 23-15 win for the Miami Dolphins over the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium looks like a standard, grit-it-out defensive battle. But football is rarely that simple.
It was messy.
The Dolphins came into the night desperate, sitting at 2-6 and watching their season evaporate. The Rams were on a three-game heater, looking like the hottest team in the NFC West. Then the game started, and honestly, both offenses looked like they were playing on ice. Tyreek Hill was battling a wrist injury that almost kept him out. Matthew Stafford was under siege. It wasn't the high-flying shootout the Vegas oddsmakers expected, but for Miami, it was a lifeline.
The Defensive Masterclass Nobody Saw Coming
Everyone talks about Mike McDaniel’s offense. We’re obsessed with the "track meet" speed of Jaylen Waddle and De’Von Achane. But on this specific Monday Night Football November 11 2024 broadcast, the story was Anthony Weaver’s defense.
Think about this: The Rams didn't score a single touchdown. Not one.
Kyren Williams, who has been a touchdown machine for fantasy owners all year, was held in check. The Dolphins dared Stafford to beat them over the top, but they also brought a chaotic pass rush that forced him into uncomfortable spots. Calais Campbell—who is basically a prehistoric marvel at this point in his career—was everywhere. It’s wild to see a guy that age still collapsing pockets.
Miami’s defense essentially played "bend but don't break" to a perfectionist level. They allowed yards—lots of them—but when the Rams crossed the 20-yard line, the field shrunk, and Los Angeles settled for Joshua Karty field goals. Five of them. You can't win in the modern NFL kicking five field goals and zero touchdowns. You just can't.
📖 Related: Vince Carter Meme I Got One More: The Story Behind the Internet's Favorite Comeback
Tyreek Hill and the Wrist Drama
There was a lot of talk leading up to kickoff about whether Tyreek Hill would even suit up. He’s been dealing with a torn ligament in his wrist. He looked pained at times, but he still found the end zone. That 1-yard touchdown catch in the third quarter was a massive sigh of relief for Miami fans.
Hill isn't putting up the 1,700-yard pace we’re used to, mostly because Tua Tagovailoa missed so much time with the concussion, but his presence alone changes the geometry of the field. Even at 75%, he draws a safety. That opens up lanes for Jonnu Smith, who has quietly become one of Tua's favorite security blankets.
The Offensive Struggle Was Real
Tua wasn't perfect. He threw an ugly interception to Christian Rozeboom early on. He fumbled. He took some hits that made everyone hold their breath. But he was efficient enough when it mattered.
The Dolphins' offensive line is still a patchwork quilt. They struggle to run the ball consistently when defenses stack the box. On the other side, the Rams' young defensive front, led by guys like Jared Verse and Braden Fiske, actually played well. Verse is a problem. He’s going to be a problem for a long time.
Why did the Rams lose?
Execution. Pure and simple.
👉 See also: Finding the Best Texas Longhorns iPhone Wallpaper Without the Low-Res Junk
They had opportunities. Puka Nacua made some "how did he do that" catches, finishing with 98 yards. Cooper Kupp was involved. But the rhythm was off. Stafford was sacked four times. The Dolphins' blitz packages seemed to confuse the Rams' protection schemes, which is surprising given how seasoned Sean McVay is at adjustments.
Critical Turning Points
There was a moment in the fourth quarter where it felt like L.A. might actually pull off one of those patented Stafford comebacks. They had the ball, down eight, with a chance to drive.
But then, the pressure.
The Dolphins’ secondary, specifically Jalen Ramsey returning to his old stomping grounds, played with a chip on its shoulder. Ramsey didn't have a monster stat line, but his communication and positioning took away Stafford's first reads. When the Rams needed a big play on third down, the Dolphins found a way to get a hand in the dirt or a fingertip on a ball.
What This Means for the Playoff Picture
This Monday Night Football November 11 2024 result threw a massive wrench into the NFC playoff standings.
- The Rams dropped to 4-5. In a division as tight as the NFC West, every home loss is a disaster.
- The Dolphins climbed to 3-6. It’s still a mountain to climb, but they have a favorable schedule coming up.
- The "fraud" talk surrounding Miami's defense has officially been silenced for at least a week.
People forget that the NFL is a week-to-week league. If Miami wins this game, they’re "back." If they lose, the season is over and we're talking about mock drafts. Now, they have a pulse.
✨ Don't miss: Why Isn't Mbappe Playing Today: The Real Madrid Crisis Explained
Real Insights for the Remainder of the Season
If you’re looking at the betting lines or your fantasy roster after this game, take note of the Dolphins' defensive consistency. They aren't just a gimmick team anymore. They’re physical.
The Rams have a major red zone problem. They move the ball between the 20s as well as anyone in the league, but they lack a "power" identity when the space gets tight. Kyren Williams is great, but he needs a lead blocker or a more creative scheme inside the 5-yard line.
Honestly, the biggest takeaway is Tua's health. He’s sliding more. He’s getting rid of the ball faster. He knows he can’t take the hits he took in September. If he stays upright, Miami is a dangerous out for anyone.
Tactical Breakdown: The Anthony Weaver Effect
We have to give credit to Dolphins Defensive Coordinator Anthony Weaver. He stayed patient. Many coordinators would have panicked seeing Stafford and Kupp finding rhythm early, but Weaver stuck to his sub-packages.
He used a lot of "dime" looks—six defensive backs—to neutralize the Rams' 11-personnel. It worked. By taking away the middle of the field, he forced Stafford to throw to the boundaries. While Nacua is great at the sideline, it’s a lower-percentage way to live.
The Dolphins also exploited the Rams' interior line. Without consistent push up the middle, the Rams' run game stalled, making them one-dimensional. When a team knows you have to pass, and they have Jalen Ramsey and Kendall Fuller in the secondary, you're in for a long night.
Actionable Takeaways for Football Fans
If you're following the trajectory of these two teams after the Monday Night Football November 11 2024 game, keep these specific factors in mind for your upcoming picks or discussions:
- Watch the Dolphins' Injury Report: Tyreek Hill’s wrist isn't going to get better overnight. Expect more targets to go to Jonnu Smith and the running backs in the short passing game.
- Rams Red Zone Targets: Look for Sean McVay to incorporate more tight end sets or even offensive linemen as eligible receivers in the coming weeks. They have to fix the touchdown drought.
- The "Tua Slide": Monitor how much Tua is willing to scramble. His mobility is a weapon, but his self-preservation is now the team's priority.
- Defensive Value: The Dolphins defense is currently undervalued in most sports conversations. Their ability to stifle a high-powered Rams offense on the road is a signal, not a fluke.
The road to the postseason just got a lot more interesting. Miami proved they aren't ready to tank, and the Rams proved they still have some fundamental flaws to iron out if they want to be taken seriously in the NFC.