Dolphins vs. Rams 2016 final score: Miami rallies late to spoil Jared Goff’s NFL debut

The Miami Dolphins rallied from behind to defeat the Los Angeles Rams, 14-10, at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Here are five things you should know about this game.

Todd Gurley is back

Rams running back Todd Gurley has struggled to break off huge runs so far this season. Indeed, his offensive line is not carving out space for him to pick up yards. However, Gurley looked like his old self against Miami’s tough defensive front. He finished runs with power, churning his legs to pick up tough yards, and was patient behind his offensive line.

Early in the first quarter, Gurley capped off a four-play, 68-yard drive with a 24-yard touchdown run. Lined up in the I formation, he took the handoff and ran untouched to the end zone. Also, that was also Gurley’s first 20-yard rush of the season.

Gurley ran hard the whole game and finished with 76 yards on 20 carries.

Jay Ajayi is an explosive runner

Coming into this matchup, Dolphins running back Jay Ajayi averaged 5.6 yards per carry and was sixth in the NFL in rushing with 725 yards. He is a powerful runner who can plow over defenders to pick up tough yards, and he also has the speed to break off huge runs. In the first half, Ajayi ran for 73 yards on 11 carries. He finished the game with 77 yards.

Tannehill’s comeback win

Throughout most of the game, Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill had a tough time moving the ball down the field against Los Angeles’ stingy defense. However, he kept throwing short passes and avoided taking shots down the field.

When Miami’s defense recovered Lance Kendricks’ fumble early in the third quarter, its offense was in great field position. However, on the first play after the fumble recovery, Tannehill overthrew a deep pass intended for receiver DeVante Parker, and Rams safety Maurice Alexander caught the interception in the end zone.

Late in the fourth quarter, down 10-0, Tannehill orchestrated an eight-play, 77-yard drive that was capped off with a 10-yard touchdown pass to receiver Jarvis Landry.

Landry caught the short pass, but Miami’s offensive line helped him out by pushing him into the end zone. The lead was cut to 10-7.

After Miami’s defense got that ball back late in the fourth quarter, Tannehill led his team down the field and threw a game-winning 9-yard touchdown pass to Parker. Tannehill finished the game with 172 passing yards to go along with two touchdowns and an interception.

Goff looked like a rookie

No, he did not have a stellar game. But Rams rookie quarterback Jared Goff did not commit any turnovers. There were times where he looked uncomfortable, but his poise was on full display in this game. Whenever he missed a throw, he kept his composure.

Yes, he missed some throws, but he also ket drives going by completing short throws. Goff finished the game with 134 passing yards.

Los Angeles’ up-and-down defensive performance

While the Rams’ defense struggled to stop Miami’s rushing attack in the first half, it did not allow Tannehill to sit comfortably in the pocket. Miami’s offensive line had a hard time keeping defenders out of Tannehill’s face.

Led by star defensive tackle Aaron Donald, the Rams’ front seven is one of the best in the NFL. This defensive unit can get pressure on quarterbacks and make ferocious hits. The Rams play with passion and physicality on defense, and they did a great job of keeping the Dolphins out of the end zone.

However, late in the fourth quarter, Los Angeles’ defense gave up two huge touchdowns and committed back-breaking penalties. Miami finished the game with 240 total yards.

What’s next for both teams

Los Angeles will travel to the Big Easy to face the New Orleans Saints in a Week 12 matchup. The Rams are still in the playoff hunt, but they will struggle to clinch a spot if the defense continues to collapse in the fourth quarter.

Miami will head back home to face the San Francisco 49ers in Week 12. Tannehill has to play with consistency. The Dolphins’ rushing attack and defense will keep them in games, but Tannehill cannot wait until the fourth quarter to start playing well.