The Rams have a huge chance to make their spot in the NFC playoffs known on Monday if they win at home against the Miami Dolphins. Thanks to the Buccaneers' loss to San Francisco, coupled with the Rams' Week 3 win over the 49ers, a Rams win would put them in the seventh spot in the wild card hunt.
After winning the last three games, a win would put Los Angeles above .500 for the first time in the 2024 season. However, Miami poses a serious challenge. Despite their abysmal record, the Dolphins have returned to their offensive form since the return of Tua Tagovailoa. After scoring 27 points in their last two games, they will be a challenge for the Rams' secondary.
Here are five keys to ensuring a potential shootout benefits the Rams.
The Dolphins' defensive line has deviated from its 2023 standards, largely due to the offseason departure of Christian Wilkins. While they contain quick attacks, they have a weakness in the middle, especially when plucky DE Zach Sieler can be taken out of the game.
Miami would have to provide more resources to handle the run and thus enable the passing attack from the outside.
The physically strong Jordan Poyer who made a name for himself in Buffalo is not the same Jordan Poyer who is currently playing in Miami. Poyer has been miserable this year, capping an already tough year with an unnecessary roughness penalty handed down to him last week. Against his former team, Poyer's vicious and illegal hit gave the Bills the first down and the game. Afterwards, Poyer was seen joking with his former teammates, potentially causing problems in the locker room.
Poyer has a 50.8 overall performance rating from Pro Football Focus, he's a liability in coverage, and he gives up the occasional pass interference. He is Miami's weakest defender and the Rams should target him.
Whenever Tagovailoa goes under center, there's a high chance they'll run the ball. However, if this isn't the case, Tua's three-step drop-back and play action is significantly slow. His passes become very inaccurate when he rushes, and that prevents Miami's speedsters from falling behind.
A blitz attack when Tua goes to the middle poses dangers. If Chris Shula is going to blitz, he needs to have protection from the WR screen pass, the Dolphins' natural check on the blitz.
An empty formation occurs when there is no one in the backfield other than the quarterback during an attack. The formation is often referred to as “five wide”, for example for “five pass catchers”. This means the QB will likely be throwing the ball and will only have a five-man defense.
With limited protection, Miami wants Tua to get the ball out in under three seconds. They typically use a cross route when the defense is in man coverage and then use the other four pass catchers to look for holes if the defense is in the zone. The Dolphins will move a player to figure out coverage. Dress the man up as a zone and maybe come up with a pick when Tua throws to the crosser.
Josh Allen continually showcased Miami's linebacking corps through his running backs. Both James Cook and Ray Davis found plenty of space to exploit, often finding themselves uncovered and with room to run. Davis was Buffalo's leading receiver with 70 yards and Cook had five catches for 25 yards.
Miami already has trouble tackling in space, and with a running back with hands like Kyren Williams, it could be the checkdown that leads to a touchdown.
