Jared Goff #16 of the Los Angeles Rams fumbles the ball on a hit by Emmanuel Ogbah #91 of the Miami Dolphins during their NFL game at Hard Rock Stadium on November 01, 2020 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
As expected, a quarterback was overwhelmed and forced into errors by a smart and aggressive defense Sunday at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.
Not as expected, that quarterback wasn’t the Dolphins rookie making his much-anticipated first NFL start against the Rams.
While Tua Tagovailoa showed his inexperience in his first NFL start, it was the Rams’ Jared Goff who was pressured into four first-half turnovers.
The two interceptions and two fumbles led to a 21-point second-quarter blitz by Miami that cost the Rams a 28-17 loss in front of a crowd limited by COVID-19 rules.
Tua Tagovailoa #1 of the Miami Dolphins celebrates his first NFL touchdown on a three-yard pass to DeVante Parker #11 against the Los Angeles Rams during their game at Hard Rock Stadium on November 01, 2020 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
Los Angeles Rams defensive end Michael Brockers (90) hits Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) that causes Tagavailoa to fumble the ball, during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
Miami Dolphins outside linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel (43) smiles after scoring a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, in Miami Gardens, Fla. Van Ginkel picked up the ball after Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jared Goff (16) was sacked and fumbled the ball. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)
Teammates congratulate Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jakeem Grant (19) after Grant scored a touchdown, during the first half of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)
Los Angeles Rams defensive end Michael Brockers (90) hits Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) that causes Tagavailoa to fumble the ball, during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
Miami Dolphins defensive end Shaq Lawson (90) sacks Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jared Goff (16), during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)
Andrew Van Ginkel #43 of the Miami Dolphins returns a fumble for a 78-yard touchdown against the Los Angeles Rams during their NFL game at Hard Rock Stadium on November 01, 2020 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
Eric Rowe #21 of the Miami Dolphins breaks up a pass intended for Tyler Higbee #89 of the Los Angeles Rams during their NFL game at Hard Rock Stadium on November 01, 2020 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Robert Woods (17) runs for a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
Jared Goff #16 of the Los Angeles Rams fumbles the ball on a hit by Emmanuel Ogbah #91 of the Miami Dolphins during their NFL game at Hard Rock Stadium on November 01, 2020 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) reacts as he celebrates throwing his first NFL touchdown pass to Miami Dolphins wide receiver DeVante Parker (not shown) against the Los Angeles Rams during an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Doug Murray)
Jared Goff #16 of the Los Angeles Rams fumbles the ball on a hit by Emmanuel Ogbah #91 of the Miami Dolphins during their NFL game at Hard Rock Stadium on November 01, 2020 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jakeem Grant (19) runs for touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)
Los Angeles Rams defensive end Michael Brockers (90) hits Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) that causes Tagavailoa to fumble the ball, during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
Miami Dolphins free safety Eric Rowe (21) intercepts a pass intended for Los Angeles Rams tight end Gerald Everett (81), during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) throws his first complete pass to Miami Dolphins wide receiver Preston Williams (18), during the first half of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)
Miami Dolphins free safety Eric Rowe (21) tackles Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Robert Woods (17), during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
Miami Dolphins running back Myles Gaskin (37) runs for a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)
Miami Dolphins head coach Brian Flores greets free safety Brandon Jones (29) after a play, during the second half of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) hugs Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) on the sidelines as they celebrate Tagovalia throwing his first NFL touchdown pass to Miami Dolphins wide receiver DeVante Parker (not shown) against the Los Angeles Rams during an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Doug Murray)
Darious Williams #31 of the Los Angeles Rams breaks up a pass intended for Mike Gesicki #88 of the Miami Dolphins during their NFL game at Hard Rock Stadium on November 01, 2020 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
Jared Goff #16 of the Los Angeles Rams is tripped by Zach Sieler #92 of the Miami Dolphins during their NFL game at Hard Rock Stadium on November 01, 2020 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
Tua Tagovailoa #1 of the Miami Dolphins is stripped of the ball by Aaron Donald #99 of the Los Angeles Rams during their NFL game at Hard Rock Stadium on November 01, 2020 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jared Goff (16) looks to pass during the second half of an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)
The Los Angeles Rams wait to take the field against the Miami Dolphins during their NFL game at Hard Rock Stadium on November 01, 2020 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jakeem Grant (19) runs for a punt return touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
Tua Tagovailoa #1 of the Miami Dolphins is stripped of the ball by Aaron Donald #99 of the Los Angeles Rams during their NFL game at Hard Rock Stadium on November 01, 2020 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
Sebastian Joseph-Day #69 of the Los Angeles Rams celebrates with teammates after a fumble recovery by the Rams against the Miami Dolphins during their NFL game at Hard Rock Stadium on November 01, 2020 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
Robert Woods #17 of the Los Angeles Rams catches a pass for a touchdown against the Miami Dolphins during their NFL game at Hard Rock Stadium on November 01, 2020 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay watches his team during the second half of an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)
Tua Tagovailoa #1 of the Miami Dolphins celebrates his first NFL touchdown on a three-yard pass to DeVante Parker #11 against the Los Angeles Rams during their game at Hard Rock Stadium on November 01, 2020 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
Los Angeles Rams defensive end Aaron Donald (99) goes after Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, in Miami Gardens, Fla. Tagovailoa fumbled the ball. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)
Tua Tagovailoa #1 of the Miami Dolphins attempts a pass against the Los Angeles Rams during their NFL game at Hard Rock Stadium on November 01, 2020 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
Jared Goff #16 of the Los Angeles Rams attempts a pass against the Miami Dolphins during their NFL game at Hard Rock Stadium on November 01, 2020 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
Miami Dolphins cornerback Noah Igbinoghene (23) tackles Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Robert Woods (17), during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, in Miami Gardens, Fla. The Dolphins defeated the Rams 28-17. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)
Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay looks up at the scoreboard during the first half of an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
Eric Rowe #21 of the Miami Dolphins reacts after a play against the Los Angeles Rams during their NFL game at Hard Rock Stadium on November 01, 2020 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
Head coach Sean McVay of the Los Angeles Rams looks at his play sheet during their NFL game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on November 01, 2020 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
Tua Tagovailoa #1 of the Miami Dolphins looks to pass against the Los Angeles Rams during their NFL game at Hard Rock Stadium on November 01, 2020 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
Miami Dolphins free safety Eric Rowe (21) intercepts a pass intended for Los Angeles Rams tight end Gerald Everett (81), during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
Tua Tagovailoa #1 of the Miami Dolphins is hit by Michael Brockers #90 of the Los Angeles Rams during their NFL game at Hard Rock Stadium on November 01, 2020 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
Miami Dolphins head coach Brian Flores congratulates quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) after a touchdown, during the first half of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
Los Angeles Miami Dolphins running back Myles Gaskin (37) is tackled by Los Angeles Rams safety Taylor Rapp (24) and middle linebacker Micah Kiser (59) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jakeem Grant (19) runs for touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) looks to pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Christian Wilkins (94) intercepts a pass intended for Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10),during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
Tua Tagovailoa #1 of the Miami Dolphins waits for the snap against the Los Angeles Rams during their NFL game at Hard Rock Stadium on November 01, 2020 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jared Goff (16) looks to pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)
The Miami Dolphins team enters the field during the first half of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)
Fans show support for Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) during the first half of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)
Tua Tagovailoa #1 and Ryan Fitzpatrick #14 of the Miami Dolphins warm up prior to their game against the Los Angeles Rams at Hard Rock Stadium on November 01, 2020 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
A general view prior to the game between the Miami Dolphins and the Los Angeles Rams at Hard Rock Stadium on November 01, 2020 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
The Rams did give themselves a chance when the passing game started clicking late and Goff hit wide receiver Robert Woods for an 11-yard touchdown with 9:58 to play.
But in one last sign that this wasn’t their day, their attempt to pull within eight with a 48-yard field goal blew up when new kicker Kai Forbath missed badly, short and to the left.
As he almost often does after losses, coach Sean McVay pointed to poor execution but heaped most of the blame on himself.
“This is a sick taste in your mouth,” McVay said. “Mainly, I’ve got to work to get it fixed. We’ve got a lot of football left.”
Thus the Rams (5-3) complete the first half of the season and head into their week off feeling a lot different than they did coming off last Monday night’s rout of the Chicago Bears.
They had to like what was in front of them Sunday, with Aaron Donald ready to welcome this year’s fifth overall draft pick to the NFL.
And it began so well so easily for the Rams. Maybe too easily.
The dream of Donald terrorizing Tagovailoa quickly became real when the defensive tackle’s strip sack and linebacker Leonard Floyd’s fumble recovery gave the Rams the ball at the Miami 15, and Woods took a Goff handoff and scored standing up around left end from the 4.
The Rams could have taken control early, but Miami’s pass-rush pressure forced Goff into a 1 for 7 start. Then, if anything, Goff’s day got worse.
The Dolphins kept gambling by blitzing. McVay, calling plays from the sideline, and Goff, with defenders in his face, couldn’t respond.
“They (the Dolphins) did a good job of applying some pressure. That’s kind of how they’re built,” Goff said. “We didn’t respond quickly enough or well enough, including me.”
“They (the Dolphins) set the tone,” Woods said.
Goff had several early passes deflected at the line. He was sacked twice, both turning into game-changing plays, and was hit eight times.
He was hit by defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah as he threw a pass toward wide receiver Cooper Kupp, and it was intercepted by defensive tackle Christian Wilkins at the Rams’ 33. Tagovailoa’s third complete pass of the short drive went for a 3-yard touchdown to wide receiver DeVante Parker and a 7-7 tie at the end of the first quarter.
Parker made the catch against cornerback David Long, who was playing because Jalen Ramsey was sidelined after waking up ill, the Rams said.
Then came the worst quarter of the Rams’ season so far.
On the Miami 9 after Taylor Rapp forced a Myles Gaskin fumble, Goff dropped the ball when he was hit by Ogbah as he cocked his arm to throw. Linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel scooped it up and ran 78 yards for a touchdown to put the Dolphins up 14-7.
So began an eight-minute stretch that might haunt the Rams during the bye week before they play their next game Nov. 15 against Seattle at SoFi Stadium.
The Rams went three-and-out and Johnny Hekker punted. Jakeem Grant ran the punt back 88 yards for a touchdown and a 21-7 Dolphins lead.
Down to the Miami 27, Goff was hit by blitzing linebacker Jerome Baker as he threw for Gerald Everett, and the wobbler was intercepted by safety Eric Rowe.
The defense got the ball back. Only to see Goff fumble again as he was sacked by Shaq Lawson. Linebacker Kyle Van Noy’s runback went to the Rams’ 1, and Gaskin carried for the touchdown that made it 28-7 with 2:47 to go before the much-needed break.
The Rams did hold onto the ball and put a drive together before halftime, but settled for Forbath’s first L.A. field goal, a 23-yarder.
In stats you don’t see too often in a loss, the Rams ran nearly twice as many plays, 92-48, and outgained the Dolphins, 471 yards to 145.
The defense shut down another opponent in the second half, and the offense didn’t commit any more turnovers, but they managed only Woods’ second touchdown of the day.
Woods was asked about McVay blaming his own play calling, and said that shouldn’t have killed the Rams.
“In battles,” Woods said, “you still have to beat the guy in front of you. I think if you have that want-to and desire, you can still execute great plays.”
Goff finished 35 for 61 for 355 yards, the touchdown and two interceptions, translating into a 65.9 passer rating, his worst for any game in nearly a year.
Tagovailoa went 12 for 22 for 93 yards and a touchdown, an 80.3 rating. He was sacked only once, on the fumble.
“He just controlled the game. He did what he had to do,” Rams defensive end Michael Brockers said of Tagovailoa.
The most timely thing about all this is that the Rams now have a week off to figure themselves out after going from a sloppy loss to the San Francisco 49ers to the comprehensive win over the Bears … to this.
“You definitely have to find yourself,” Brockers said. “This is why it’s good to have a bye week. The coaches can assess. The team can assess. Who are we going to be moving forward?
“We’ve got to get better, we know that. There’s a lot of things we can get better at.”
