Rams takeaways: Offense needs more from Kyren Williams, defensive line shows sparks

Rams coach Sean McVay shakes hands with Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa after the game at SoFi Stadium on Monday. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

The Miami Dolphins defeated the Rams 23-15 on Monday night at SoFi Stadium.

Here is what we learned from a loss that dropped the Rams’ record to 4-5:

The offense could not reach the end zone

The Rams failed to score a touchdown for the first time since last season, when they lost 20-3 at Green Bay.

But that happened with former backup Brett Rypien playing in place of injured Matthew Stafford.

Monday marked the first time the Rams failed to reach the end zone with Stafford under center since a 24-9 loss to the San Francisco 49ers on Oct. 3, 2022.

Read more: Plaschke: Rams are Monday night no-shows in no-touchdown performance against Dolphins

It’s not like the Rams did not have opportunities.

Every time they appeared on their way, however, they committed a turnover, gave up a sack or they were called for a penalty.

“We’ve got to be able to look at it and we’ve got to consistently figure out what’s the best way to put our guys in the right kinds of spots,” coach Sean McVay said. “And trying to be able to figure out some sort of semblance of an identity.”

An upgraded offensive line did not play like it

Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford throws an incomplete pass as Dolphins defensive tackle Neil Farrell puts pressure on. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

Offensive linemen Jonah Jackson, Steve Avila and Joe Noteboom played for the first time since suffering injuries in the season opener against the Detroit Lions.

Jackson started at center, Avila at left guard, and Noteboom at right tackle.

It was far from a seamless reentry to the lineup.

The Dolphins sacked Stafford four times and tipped and batted away several passes, including one that was intercepted.

The rushing attack never got going.

If injured right tackle Rob Havenstein returns from an ankle injury to play on Sunday against the New England Patriots, it could mark…


Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/rams-takeaways-offense-needs-more-145408754.html

Author : LA Times

Publish date : 2024-11-12 14:54:08

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