Monday 21 November 2016 03:09, UK
Two fourth quarter touchdown drives gave the Miami Dolphins a 14-10 victory over rookie QB Jared Goff and the L.A Rams. Goff had a forgettable day but looked as though he might claim a win until, with four minutes to play, Ryan Tannehill led two 75+ yard drives to steal the game.
In 140 Characters
Quiet debut for rookie Goff as Ryan Tannehill's late fourth quarter rally maintains Dolphins' winning streak.
MVP
DeVante Parker had 8 receptions for 79 yards, but a couple of crucial catches, particularly in the last drive to help set up Miami's win.
Game-changer
After their offence lost the ball with just two minutes left, Rams captain Aaron Donald gave away a needless 'roughing the passer' penalty for 15 yards. The Dolphins never looked back, taking the lead with 30 seconds on the clock.
Stat of the night
10 - The Dolphins set the season record for most punts in a game. Every drive bar one (an interception) ended in a punt away until their final two, which won them the game.
The game
Jared Goff registered his first career scoring drive early, passing to Kenny Britt for 19 yards, before handing off to Todd Gurley who burst through a defensive hole to score from 24 yards. It was Gurley's first 20+ yard touchdown of the season, and a result head coach Jeff Fisher was hoping for when he brought in Goff at quarterback.
It was a defensively dominant performance for the rest of the half, as neither side was able to move the ball. The Rams took advantage of Miami's depleted offensive line, pressuring quarterback Ryan Tannehill and reducing Jay Ajayi's running presence.
In return, Goff struggled to find receivers in the rain, only managing to complete one third down conversion.
The Rams extended their advantage in the third quarter as Greg Zuerlein converted a 42 yard field goal, but he missed another to start the fourth quarter, hitting the post from 48 yards.
It took until the fourth quarter for Tannehill and the Dolphins offence to start performing, but the five year veteran showed his ability, driving 77 yards in eight plays, to set up a short pass to Jarvis Landry, who was carried into the end zone by his offensive line.
Goff and the Rams couldn't hold on to the ball, and with just over two minutes left to play Tannehill repeated the drive, this time moving the chains 75 yards. Los Angeles committed two 15 yard penalties, and then Ajayi went for 17 more yards on his next two carries. This set up Tannehill for a nine yard touchdown pass to Davante Parker, with 30 seconds left on the clock.
The win pushes Miami to 6-4 and a five game winning streak keeps their play-off hopes alive. Despite an unconvincing night from Tannehill, who had just 172 yards and an interception, the Dolphins sit second in the AFC East. The Rams drop to 4-6, and lose ground on the Seattle Seahawks who beat the Philadelphia Eagles to move two games clear atop the NFC West.
It was a tough night for Jared Goff, who could only throw for 134 yards without touchdown. It was a forgettable debut for the 2016 first overall pick, who now faces a tough schedule as the Rams post-season chances slip away.
