INGLEWOOD, Calif. — The Rams defense played like a top 10 unit through October, but had not yet faced a speed-and-timing offense such as the Dolphins’. Still, they handled the quick throw and space-testing plays like screens and checkdowns well – but on a long third down, three players whiffed on quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and he was able to create a play downfield to Jaylen Waddle which set up Miami’s first touchdown a snap later.

After a three-and-out on their first possession, the Rams offense started their next drive at the L.A. 49-yard line because of a Dolphins penalty on the previous punt. This should have set them up to move the ball into at minimum field goal range, but instead, Kyren Williams got just a yard on a run, quarterback Matthew Stafford’s second-down pass was tipped by Dolphins defensive end Calais Campbell and nearly intercepted and then Stafford took a sack on third down that led to their second punt in two possessions.

Just when the Rams started moving the ball a little on offense — their first first down came on their third possession — Stafford again had a pass tipped by Campbell and this time he was intercepted.

The Rams were scoreless in the first quarter for the fifth time this season.