CNN
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The Miami Dolphins snapped their three-game losing streak Monday night, defeating the Los Angeles Rams 23-15 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.

Miami opened the game and needed less than three minutes to drive 70 yards and score the game’s first points on an 18-yard touchdown run by rookie Malik Washington, the first of his NFL career.

Tyreek Hill caught his second touchdown of the season in the third quarter on a short throw from quarterback Tua Tagovailoa – ending a career-long streak of seven games without a touchdown for him – to extend Miami’s lead to 17-6, a advantage they never achieved. given up when the Dolphins broke the Rams’ three-game win streak. Miami’s kicker Jason Sanders also made all three of his field goals.

“I think it’s a testament to the character of this team,” Tagovailoa said after the game. “We have come a long way, despite the many losses in a row. The resilience of this team, with the external noise, everyone is counting on us.

“Hopefully this is an opportunity we shouldn’t waste. Hopefully with this win we can continue and find our rhythm towards the end of the season.”

After making the playoffs last year, Miami’s season was derailed when Tagovailoa suffered a concussion during the team’s Week 2 loss to the Buffalo Bills. He missed the next four games and the Dolphins went 1-3 in his absence.

Entering Monday night’s game, the Dolphins were 0-2 since Tagovailoa’s return, losing both games on last-second field goals.

Despite now having a 3-6 record after Monday’s win, Miami remains in the playoff hunt, sitting in second place in the AFC East and a game and a half out of the final wild card spot in the conference.

During Monday’s game, Miami’s defense kept the Matthew Stafford-led Rams out of the end zone all night, sacking the quarterback four times. He finished with 293 passing yards, completing 32 of 46 attempts and an interception.

“It was just negative plays at the wrong times,” Stafford said of the loss. “Whether it’s a turnover, a sack, an inefficient play on first down or whatever. We kind of shot ourselves in the foot in that kind of offensive zone, a 30-yard line-like area. That was probably the difference in the game and not coming up with any touchdowns.”

Los Angeles rookie kicker Joshua Karty made three of his five field goals in the fourth quarter to keep the Rams close. However, after hitting a 22-yarder in the final minute to make it a one-score game, the Dolphins recovered the ensuing onside kick to seal the victory.

“It only takes one spark to start a wildfire,” Miami defensive lineman Calais Campbell said of ending the losing streak. “We just have to keep believing, keep fighting and keep going for it.”

The Dolphins (3-6) next play the Las Vegas Raiders (2-7), while the Rams (4-5) travel to New England to play the Patriots (3-7) on Sunday, November 17.