The Miami Dolphins opened the preseason with an early lead but were unable to capitalize, falling 20-7 to the Washington Commanders on Friday night.
The Dolphins' opening series showed promise despite starting at their own 7-yard line. Quarterback Malik Willis settled into his first start as a Dolphin, connecting with wide receiver Malik Washington on back-to-back completions to move the chains.
Running back De'Von Achane provided a spark on the ground, picking up key yardage to set up Willis at Miami's 43-yard line. From there, Willis found rookie wide receiver Caleb Douglas for a 28-yard gain before connecting with Malik Washington on a short completion. Miami then leaned on its ground game, with Willis and Achane combining for 26 rushing yards before Achane punched in the first touchdown of the game. Kicker Riley Patterson's extra point made it 7-0.
Miami's defense established control early, holding Washington to just 27 yards across six plays. The Commanders then turned to Sam Hartman after starting quarterback Marcus Mariota exited with an injury.
Miami's next offensive series marked the season debut of second-year quarterback Quinn Ewers, but Washington's defense stood firm and forced a turnover on downs. The first quarter ended on a defensive high note when cornerback Marco Wilson intercepted a Hartman pass intended for Dyami Brown in the red zone.
Washington capitalized on favorable field position in the second quarter after a Quan Martin interception gave the Commanders possession at the Miami 35-yard line. The Dolphins kept Washington out of the end zone thanks to three key stops from rookie cornerback Chris Johnson and a third-and-goal sack by David Ojabo and Max Llewellyn, forcing Washington to settle for a 29-yard Jake Moody field goal.
On Washington's next possession, running back Robert Henry Jr. broke free for a 22-yard touchdown run to give the Commanders their first lead of the game. The advantage grew on the ensuing drive when Kaytron Allen found the end zone, sending Washington into halftime with a 17-7 lead.
In the third quarter, Cam Miller stepped in at quarterback for Miami while Athan Kaliakmanis took over for Washington. Both defenses stood tall, limiting the teams to a combined 96 yards in a scoreless quarter.
Miami opened the fourth quarter with a 24-yard completion on third down to AJ Henning, but the possession ended in a punt. On the ensuing drive, rookie edge rusher Mason Reiger recorded his first career sack on Kaliakmanis at the Commanders' 22-yard line, helping the Dolphins defense produce another stop.
The teams exchanged punts once more before Washington added the final score of the evening with a 41-yard field goal from kicker Drew Stevens.
Willis finished 4-of-5 passing (80.0 pct.) for 43 yards and added nine rushing yards. Achane tallied 39 yards on the ground and the Dolphins' lone score of the game, while Douglas led in the air with 28 yards.
The Dolphins return to Miami Gardens next Saturday, August 22 at 4 p.m. to take on the New York Giants at home in Hard Rock Stadium.
