KEYS TO THE GAME

Fivethings theMiamiDolphins need to do to secureavictory at homeagainst the Los AngelesRams:

Don’t letDonald wreck the game

AaronDonald, a two-time Defensive Player of theYear, is the most double-teamed defender in theNFL. He consistently occupies two blockers, which oftentimes fees up otherdefenders to make plays. Because he typically lines up in front of the right guard, Dolphins rookie Solomon Kindley will face the biggest challenge of the gameas he will be responsible for preventing the rocked up 6-foot-1, 280-pounder from penetrating the backfield. But centerTedKarras will likely pull double-duty to assist in the blocking of Donald, a six-time Pro Bowler who has tallied22tackles, eight sacks and forced two fumbles this season.

LimitRams’yards afterthe catch

Los Angeles’passing attack feasts offmotions, and quick hitches and screens designed to get the ball in the hands of its playmakers with the goal ofthem delivering run-after-catch yards. CooperKupp and Robert Woodsareeffective with the ball in their hands because of their ability to break and run through tackles. The Dolphins defense needs to swarm to the ball and gang tackle to prevent the Rams fromfeasting on run-aftercatch yards. Safety Bobby McCain needs tobeonhisA game.

MakeGoff uncomfortable

The last time Jared Goff played the Dolphins hewas making his firstNFL start, and struggled in a 14-10 loss in 2016 as a rookie. He’s grown plenty since then, becoming a two-time Pro Bowler, throwing for 16,008 yardsand 99 touchdowns in five seasons. Goffdoesn’t throwmany interceptions (46 in his career, and four this season), but he can be rattled with pressure. Rams opponents have only produced eight sacks.

Rush formore than 100yards

The Dolphins, who are averaging 3.8 yards per carry, need a respectable run gamenowmore than ever because of the inexperience at quarterback. Myles Gaskin is coming offhis career-best performance, contributing 126 rushing and receiving yards against the Jets.

Limit the turnovers

Tagovailoa has only thrown two passes in anNFL game, so don’t be surprised if he struggles with the speed of the gameearly. Offensive coordinator Chan Gailey needs to keep things simple.