Our offseason opponent breakdown series on theRams.com continues with us getting caught up on Los Angeles' Week 10 Monday Night Football home opponent, the Miami Dolphins (Nov. 11, 5:20 p.m. PT on ESPN).
The Rams' 2024 schedule release is presented by Confirmed360.
2023
A Miami offense called that caught the attention of the league in 2022 picked up right where it left off in 2023.
Already known for its speed, the addition of rookie running back De'Von Achane and the use of orbit motion with Tyreek Hill led to some explosive performances. The Dolphins eclipsed 30 points five times in their first nine games, highlighted by a 70-point outburst against the Broncos in Week 3 that marked the most points scored by a team in an NFL game since 1966.
Defensive back Jalen Ramsey began the season on Injured Reserve due to a knee injury and subsequently missed the first six games of the season, before making his Miami debut in Week 8 and recording an interception in the Dolphins' 31-17 win over the Patriots that week. However, the Dolphins defense still was hindered by injuries to other playmakers: Safety Jevon Holland missed five games due to injury, outside linebacker Jaelen Phillips nine (the last seven due to a season-ending Achilles injury), cornerback Xavien Howard five. Outside linebacker Bradley Chubb suffered a torn ACL in Week 17 against the Ravens, ending his season.
Miami managed to finish 11-6 and second in the AFC East despite those injuries, but those injuries still left its pass rush depth very thin heading into its wild card playoff game against Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs in Kansas City. At -4 degrees at kickoff, it was the coldest game in Chiefs franchise history, and the
Key changes
Most notably, the Dolphins parted ways with defensive coordinator Vic Fangio after one season, and hired former Ravens assistant head coach/defensive line Anthony Weaver as his replacement. Weaver played seven seasons in the NFL, and the 2023 season marked his 12th coaching in the league.
They also released/failed physical Howard with a post-June 1 designation, and later signed wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr.
In the draft, Miami used its first-round pick (21st overall) on Penn State edge Chop Robinson and added more speed to its offense drafting Tennessee running back Jaylen Wright in the in the fourth round (120th overall).
Head coach
McDaniel enters his third season as head coach of the Dolphins, compiling a 20-14 regular season record and 0-2 playoff record through his first two years.
What to watch for
Offensive fireworks in primetime
The Dolphins finished first in total offense and second in scoring offense, the Rams seventh and ninth respectively in those same categories. Both teams retain many of the key components that contributed to the success on that side of the ball.
If you like matchups that feature explosive offenses, this is one for you. Matthew Stafford and Tua Tagovailoa. Two of the NFL's top receiving duos between the Rams' Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua and the Dolphins' Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle.
Get your popcorn ready.
