The Miami Dolphins and Washington Commanders kicked off their preseason slate Friday night at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland. The Dolphins opened the game receiving the kick and had a solid first series, marching 93 yards on 14 plays. However, as the game went on, depth became the issue, as the Commanders scored 17 unanswered points to close the first half.
The Dolphins’ lack of depth was apparent during the second half and even went two quarters without a pass completion. The Commanders added a fourth-quarter field goal and went on to win 20-7, not allowing a Dolphins score at all after their opening drive.
De’Von Achane and the Line
Miami’s starters looked good on the opening drive. Regardless of Washington having second-stringers in, running back De’Von Achane looked great. He ran for 39 yards on seven attempts, an average of 5.6, and closed the series with a score. The offensive line looked physical, opening the room up for Achane. Malik Willis was 4-of-5 passing for 43 yards and rushed twice for nine yards.
Jonah Savaiinaea effective back on right side
Helping Achane, 2025 second-round pick Jonah Savaiinaea looked solid back home on the right side of the line. He helped Achane spring a nice run and could be on the way to proving last year’s experiment in moving him to the left side wasn’t the right way, and simply wrong.
Proctor Proves his Power
As advertised, pick No. 12 Kadyn Proctor is a load and moved people with ease, as his run-blocking was very good. Taking Proctor looks like a smart idea by general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan in hopes of being a tougher and more physical presence for this team.
Caleb Douglas wows
Yet, the play of the drive was a fantastic one-handed grab on third down by rookie standout Caleb Douglas for 28 yards. Douglas hauled in a pass a few plays prior, yet had a foot out of bounds, yet rebounded beautifully. The catch displayed excellent concentration, and even was made despite a flag on the defense.
Malik Washington and Jalen Tolbert make plays
Also involved early was slot receiver Malik Washington, who made three catches, including the opening two throws by Willis. He totaled 15 yards and moved the chains for Miami.
Starting across from Douglas on the outside was free agent Jalen Tolbert, who gained 27 yards on his only catch. Tolbert had 21 yards after the catch on the Quinn Ewers pass.
Willie gay gets involved
The veteran linebacker, who is fighting for a roster spot, made four tackles, three being solo, and got to the outside and forced an incomplete pass.
The Moores are active
Fourth-round pick, rookie Trey Moore, was able to make a nice play from his off-ball linebacker positioning and hold running back Kaytron Allen for just two yards. He also made a special team tackle. Additionally, undrafted free agent Louis Moore was making plays around the field and tallied four tackles.
Veteran Cameron Goode gets a sack
A seventh-round pick from 2022, edge rusher Cameron Goode looks to stick around in Miami, and he gets a sack, trying to add more to his game along with his ability on special teams.
UDFA Mason Reiger gets a sack; 7th-rounder Max Llewellyn gets half of one
During the fourth quarter, UDFA Mason Reiger was able to get to Washington quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis for one of Miami’s three total sacks. Seventh-round pick Max Llewellyn combined with Matthew Butler to record a sack, and the rookie also got a batted pass at the line of scrimmage on the third down immediately after Reiger’s sack.
This article originally appeared on Dolphins Wire: Best performers from Dolphins’ 20-7 loss to Commanders
Reporting by Jason Sarney, Dolphins Wire / Dolphins Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Jason Sarney, Dolphins Wire | USA TODAY Network
