The Miami Dolphins finally got a chance to measure themselves against another team ahead of the 2026 NFL season, but Wednesday’s joint practice with the Washington Commanders exposed several areas that still need work.
The Commanders won the day on both sides of the football at their training facility, with Washington quarterback Jayden Daniels consistently finding success against a Miami secondary that was missing several key players.
Daniels largely had his way through the air, taking advantage of a Dolphins defensive backfield without cornerbacks Chris Johnson and JuJu Brents and safety Dante Trader Jr. Miami also was without defensive tackle Zach Sieler, who Dolphins head coach Jeff Hafley said will be week-to-week. Safety Lonnie Johnson Jr. returned to practice.
For Miami’s offense, the day was much more difficult.
The Dolphins struggled to sustain drives and pick up first downs, while the offensive line had trouble handling Washington’s pass rush. Quarterback Malik Willis was frequently forced to escape the pocket and use his legs as receivers struggled to create consistent separation.
The Dolphins participated in 7-on-7 drills for the first time in an intrasquad setting this summer, with the sessions taking place in the red zone before the teams moved into several 11-on-11 periods. The practice concluded with a late-game situation.
The biggest storyline was Daniels’ success against the Dolphins’ depleted secondary. One of the biggest plays came when Washington wide receiver Treylon Burks got behind safety Zayne Anderson and Michael Taaffe for a 70-yard touchdown from Daniels.
Daniels also connected with Pro Bowl receiver Terry McLaurin on a sideline reception, while Van Jefferson beat cornerback Jason Marshall Jr. on a crossing route. Tight end Chig Okonkwo also found room up the seam after getting past cornerback Miles Battle and safety Major Burns.
There were moments when Miami’s defensive front generated pressure, particularly when the Dolphins were able to keep Daniels from extending plays. Chop Robinson continued to show flashes as a pass rusher.
But overall, Daniels was able to pick apart a secondary that is being forced to experiment with personnel because of injuries. Willis faced plenty of pressure from Washington’s defensive front and had to rely heavily on his athleticism.
The Commanders won the first round of offensive line-versus-defensive line one-on-ones. Patrick Paul was beaten by Odafe Oweh, Kadyn Proctor lost to Javon Kinlaw’s swim move, Aaron Brewer battled to a draw, and Austin Jackson was beaten by K’Lavon Chaisson.
Washington’s defensive line continued to create problems during team periods. Willis was eventually intercepted for a pick-six when cornerback Mike Sainristil stepped in front of a pass intended for Malik Washington near the sideline. The play appeared to be a miscommunication, as the ball seemed to be thrown toward the correct area but Washington did not come back to it.
Willis did show some encouraging flashes. He completed a pass to Caleb Douglas over the middle, later found Douglas for a 15-yard completion and scrambled for seven yards on the following play.
He also connected with Malik Washington for a touchdown after Fabian Moreau broke up an earlier pass intended for Douglas. Willis then found AJ Henning for another touchdown in 1-on-1 work.
The quarterback’s ability to make plays with his legs was particularly noticeable. He escaped pressure several times and even completed a short pass to fullback D.J. Herman after scrambling away from the rush.
Miami’s offensive line had difficulty moving Washington’s defensive front, particularly in the running game.
De’Von Achane was stuffed on several inside runs as the Dolphins struggled to move the line of scrimmage. Achane eventually found the end zone on a short third-down touchdown reception during a red-zone team period.
The Dolphins also saw Caedan Wallace surrender a sack to Jer’Zhan Newton against quarterback Cam Miller. The Commanders’ defensive line continued to win individual battles, making it difficult for Miami’s offense to develop consistently.
In another sequence, the Dolphins’ first-team offense started at Washington’s 25-yard line but was backed up by a penalty. Oweh eventually got to Willis for a sack, ending the possession.
Despite the overall struggles, Miami’s receiving corps produced some positive moments. Projected starters Malik Washington and Jalen Tolbert both recorded touchdown receptions during 1-on-1 drills. Douglas, another projected starter, also caught a touchdown.
Douglas in particular continued his strong stretch of training camp. The 6-foot-4, 205-pound receiver drew a pass interference penalty on a third-down play and later made a difficult low catch on a pass from Willis.
Theo Wease Jr., Tolbert and tight end Cole Turner also flashed during 1-on-1 work. The Dolphins will need those receivers to consistently create separation once the regular season arrives, particularly if the offensive line continues to face pressure.
While the secondary struggled, several Dolphins defenders stood out. Safety Taaffe had an especially busy practice. He made a major pass breakup in the back of the end zone as time expired during the late-game scenario, bouncing back after some earlier coverage mistakes.
Linebacker Jordyn Brooks also continued his strong training camp. The All-Pro recorded three tackles during the late two-minute drill and has been one of Miami’s most consistent defenders since arriving.
Rookie linebacker Jacob Rodriguez continued to make plays in the run game, while rookie linebacker Kyle Louis made an impressive stop on a run.
Defensive lineman Zeek Biggers also made a subtle impact by drawing a false-start penalty from a Washington offensive lineman early in an 11-on-11 period.
Cornerback Ethan Bonner recorded a pass breakup on a deep throw intended for Dyami Brown, while A.J. Green III continued to flash with a pass breakup during 1-on-1 work.
The weather in Washington provided an interesting contrast to the conditions Miami is accustomed to. It was 80 degrees and cloudy with 71% humidity and a feels-like temperature of 80 degrees, compared with Miami Gardens, where temperatures were around 89 degrees with a feels-like temperature near 94.
More important than the weather, however, was the opportunity for Miami to finally face an opponent in a competitive practice environment.
The Dolphins still have time to correct the issues exposed Wednesday. The biggest concerns are obvious: secondary depth, offensive-line protection and the ability of the offense to consistently create separation and sustain drives.
At the same time, there were encouraging signs from Brooks, Rodriguez, Robinson, Douglas, the receiving corps and Willis’ mobility.
For a team preparing for the regular season, the joint practice served its purpose. It exposed weaknesses that may not have been visible during Miami’s previous intrasquad work. The Dolphins will now have to use those lessons to get better before the games begin to count.
