ryan_tannehill_1.jpgMIAMI  GARDENS (AP) — Along the Miami Dolphins' sideline, players tracked the flight of the ball, leaning and twisting and hoping as they tried to influence its flight.

The kick sailed wide to end the game and the Dolphins' celebration began.

Field goal defense was one thing they did well Sunday, when they somehow held off the St. Louis Rams 17-14.

The Dolphins were outplayed for much of the game and outgained 462 yards to 192.

They managed only 19 yards rushing and their top-ranked run defense gave up 162 yards.

But Rams rookie Greg Zuerlein missed three field goal attempts, including a desperation 66-yarder on the final play.

“If you look at the stat sheet, you'd be surprised that we came out on top,” Miami coach Joe Philbin said.

The victory left the Dolphins at 3-3 and in a four-way tie for the AFC East lead heading into their bye week.

Miami's rookie quarterback Ryan Tannehill went 21 for 29 for 185 yards with no turnovers. He threw touchdown passes of 29 yards to Marlon Moore and 1 yard to Anthony Fasano.

The Rams still haven't won in Miami since Oct. 3, 1976.