The good, the bad and the ugly from the Miami Dolphins' Week 10 win over the Los Angeles Rams

Can you say “narrative buster”?

The Miami Dolphins had to travel to Los Angeles, California to face the Rams on Monday Night Football in Week 10. Before the match, there were a lot of questions asked about the South Florida squad.

Could the team finally defeat a quality opponent outside the friendly confines of Hard Rock Stadium? Could the team stop a potent offense led by one of the greatest quarterbacks of this generation, Matthew Stafford? Could they bring together a bevy of highly talented receivers like Cooper Kupp, Puka Nacua, Tutu Atwell and Demarcus Robinson?

Yes, yes and yes!

The Miami Dolphins answered their naysayers decisively on Monday night by defeating the Los Angeles Rams by a score of 23-15, putting them squarely in the race for the final Wild Card nomination in the struggling American Football Conference.

Rejoice, Dolphins fans. Their favorite team is finally back on the winning list, and with the Las Vegas Raiders and New England Patriots scheduled for the team's next two contests – with fingers crossed – they could be looking for an opportunity to tie the score at 6-6 in a decisive one Game against the Green Bay Packers is coming up on Thanksgiving evening if they take care of business before then.

But… let's not get ahead of ourselves and instead look back at the good, the bad and the ugly of Miami's win on Monday night.

GOOD

Miami's defense held the high-powered Rams offense to just five field goals in the win

When Tua Tagovailoa went down with another concussion in Week 2, Miami's defense stepped up as best it could in his absence. They kept the games close and even managed a narrow road win against the Patriots in week five.

However, when Tagovailoa returned against the Arizona Cardinals, the Dolphins' defense suddenly looked lost, allowing 28 points in a one-point loss. It was a similar story against the Buffalo Bills the following week, as the team's defense allowed 30 points in a three-point loss to Josh Allen and Co.

Against the Rams on Monday night, against a highly talented offense coached by another Mike Shanahan alum in Sean Mc'Vay, Miami's defense came into its own – allowing no touchdowns and scoring just 15 points on five made field goals.

The return of defensive tackle Zach Sieler, cornerback Kader Kohou and safety Jevon Holland strengthened defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver's unit. Miami will need more performances like their Week 10 performance if they want to continue their unlikely playoff push.

BAD

The Dolphins offensive line takes a back seat against the strong Rams defense

Miami's offensive line has been surprisingly positive in a frustrating year for the franchise. The team found a new identity running the football while their quarterback dealt with his recent concussion.

On Monday against the Rams, that offensive line took a step back from a dominant defensive line. Without starting right tackle Austin Jackson and with linemen coming in and out of the game due to injuries, Miami's line couldn't get any traction in the running game – gaining just 67 yards (3.0) on 22 attempts yards per carry).

They also had difficulty protecting their franchise quarterback from an onslaught of defenders – Tagovailoa was under pressure all night and was sacked a total of three times against Los Angeles.

The offensive line needs to regroup with Maxx Crosby and the Las Vegas Raiders coming to town in Week 11.

UGLY

Two turnovers by Tua Tagovailoa in the first half slowed the Dolphins' offense

Tua Tagovailoa had been playing great football since returning from injury against the Arizona Cardinals. He was efficient, surgical and shrewd in his decision making. And then Monday Night Football happened…

Against the Rams, Miami's young signal-caller made a few crazy plays in the first half that resulted in two turnovers that fortunately didn't kill the team's chances of winning thanks to the excellent play of the Dolphins defense.

First, Tagovailoa tried to rip a ball to a Dolphins pass catcher when he was jumped by Rams linebacker Christian Rozeboom early in the second quarter. Even worse was Tagovailoa's tackle on that play – a tackle in which a player with a long concussion history lowered his head to complete the takedown, only to be violently kicked in the side of the helmet.

On the very next offensive series, Tagovailoa inexplicably held the ball for an extended period while facing a powerful pass rush, only to be robbed of the ball by a Rams defender. Los Angeles would recover – but Miami's defense would once again come to the rescue, forcing the Rams to settle for a short field goal.

___

The Dolphins secured a much-needed win on Monday night, increasing the team's season record to 3-6. It wasn't the prettiest game, but a win is a win. Where do you currently rate the team's playoff chances? Can they continue to pile up wins and reach a .500 record? Let me know in the comments below or on Twitter at @MBrave13. Fins up!