MIAMI GARDENS — The Miami Dolphins jumped out to an early 7-0 lead Friday night but watched the Washington Commanders reel off 20 unanswered points in a 20-7 preseason-opening loss that exposed depth concerns on both sides of the ball.
Quarterback Malik Willis, making his first start as a Dolphin, was the bright spot on an otherwise uneven evening. Willis finished 4-of-5 passing (80.0 pct.) for 43 yards and added 9 rushing yards before giving way to second-year quarterback Quinn Ewers. Running back De’Von Achane provided the game’s first score, capping the opening drive with a touchdown after he and Willis combined for 26 rushing yards. Kicker Riley Patterson’s extra point put Miami ahead 7-0.
The opening series began at Miami’s own 7-yard line, but Willis moved the chains with back-to-back completions to wide receiver Malik Washington before finding rookie wide receiver Caleb Douglas for a 28-yard gain — the longest reception of the night for the Dolphins. Douglas led Miami’s passing attack with 28 yards, while Achane tallied 39 yards on the ground.
Miami’s defense held Washington to just 27 yards across six plays on the Commanders’ first possession, and starting quarterback Marcus Mariota exited with an injury, turning the offense over to Sam Hartman. Cornerback Marco Wilson intercepted a Hartman pass intended for Dyami Brown in the red zone to end the first quarter. But the momentum swung in the second quarter after Quan Martin picked off a Miami pass, giving Washington possession at the Dolphins’ 35-yard line. Rookie cornerback Chris Johnson and a third-and-goal sack by David Ojabo and Max Llewellyn limited the damage to a 29-yard Jake Moody field goal.
Washington seized control from there. Running back Robert Henry Jr. broke free for a 22-yard touchdown run to give the Commanders their first lead, and Kaytron Allen added another touchdown to push the halftime advantage to 17-7. Cam Miller replaced Willis and Ewers at quarterback for Miami in the third quarter, while Athan Kaliakmanis took over for Washington. Both defenses clamped down, limiting the teams to a combined 96 yards in a scoreless period.
The fourth quarter offered little offensive relief for Miami. Rookie edge rusher Mason Reiger recorded his first career sack on Kaliakmanis at the Commanders’ 22-yard line, but the Dolphins could not convert the defensive stop into points. Kicker Drew Stevens closed the scoring with a 41-yard field goal for Washington.
The Dolphins return to Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens next Saturday at 4 p.m. to host the New York Giants in their second preseason contest.