In a Week 2 preseason matchup, the Miami Dolphins emerged victorious over the Washington Commanders with a 13-6 win, thanks to a sharp performance from quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. The game showcased key moments from both teams, setting the stage for the upcoming NFL season.
Tua Tagovailoa, making his first appearance since signing a four-year, $212 million extension, was impressive in his limited time on the field. The Dolphins’ star quarterback played just one series but made it count, completing all five of his pass attempts for 51 yards. Tagovailoa orchestrated a 61-yard scoring drive, which he capped with a 13-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver River Cracraft on a crucial fourth-and-1 play. Despite missing his top targets, Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, Tagovailoa displayed precision and poise, leading Miami to an early lead.
Washington Commanders rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels also had a solid outing, showcasing his potential as the No. 2 overall pick in the NFL Draft. Daniels played two series, completing 10 of 12 passes for 78 yards and adding 13 yards on the ground. He led the Commanders on two drives of 46 and 52 yards, though they resulted in just three points due to a missed 49-yard field goal by kicker Riley Patterson. Patterson, who struggled throughout the game, went 2 for 4 on the night, converting from 46 and 38 yards but missing from 43 and 49 yards.
The Dolphins’ defense continued to impress, following up their Week 1 performance with another strong showing. Rookie edge rusher Chop Robinson, Miami’s first-round pick, made his preseason debut and immediately made an impact, stopping Washington’s Michael Wiley for a 4-yard loss late in the second quarter. The Dolphins’ defense sealed the victory by stopping the Commanders inside their 10-yard line in the closing seconds for the second consecutive week.
After Daniels’ departure in the second quarter, Commanders’ backup quarterback Jeff Driskel took over, completing 11 of 15 passes for 82 yards. In the fourth quarter, recently signed Trace McSorley got his chance under center. McSorley completed 11 of 21 passes for 93 yards but threw an interception and failed to lead a game-tying or game-winning drive, as his fourth-down pass to Mitchell Tinsley in the end zone fell incomplete.
The kicking game was a point of concern for both teams. Washington’s Riley Patterson had an inconsistent night, while Miami’s Jason Sanders was more reliable, connecting on field goals from 39 and 33 yards.
The Dolphins improved to 2-0 in the preseason with their win over the Commanders, who fell to 0-2. While preseason games don’t count in the standings, they provide valuable opportunities for teams to evaluate their rosters and for players to make their cases for starting roles or roster spots. Both teams will be looking to build on the positives from this game as they prepare for the regular season.
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