Commanders Beat Dolphins 20-7 in Preseason Week 1
Washington Commanders 20, Miami Dolphins 7 at Northwest Stadium. Athan Kaliakmanis went 6 of 10 for 87 yards.
Quarter Scoring
| Team | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Dolphins | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 |
 Commanders | 0 | 17 | 0 | 3 | 20 |
Commanders Leaders
Dolphins Leaders
Team Stats
| Dolphins | Stat | Commanders |
|---|---|---|
| 10 | 1st Downs | 21 |
| 4 | Passing 1st downs | 10 |
| 5 | Rushing 1st downs | 10 |
| 1 | 1st downs from penalties | 1 |
| 3-12 | 3rd down efficiency | 8-17 |
| 0-1 | 4th down efficiency | 0-0 |
| 53 | Total Plays | 71 |
| 226 | Total Yards | 334 |
| 4.3 | Yards per Play | 4.7 |
| 12 | Total Drives | 12 |
| 109 | Passing | 160 |
| 8/24 | Comp/Att | 15/27 |
| 4.4 | Yards per pass | 5.3 |
| 3 | Interceptions thrown | 1 |
| 1-0 | Sacks-Yards Lost | 3-29 |
| 117 | Rushing | 174 |
| 28 | Rushing Attempts | 41 |
| 4.2 | Yards per rush | 4.2 |
| 1-1 | Red Zone (Made-Att) | 1-3 |
| 7-66 | Penalties | 7-47 |
| 3 | Turnovers | 1 |
| 0 | Fumbles lost | 0 |
| 3 | Interceptions thrown | 1 |
| 0 | Defensive / Special Teams TDs | 0 |
| 24:37 | Possession | 35:23 |
Scoring Plays
5 scores Preseason Week 1: Dolphins' Malik Willis Gets Run Under New Coach Jeff Hafley
Read the full recap →The Miami Dolphins travel to Northwest Stadium to face the Washington Commanders on Friday, August 14. Offseason addition Malik Willis is getting extended reps under new head coach Jeff Hafley, who has stressed a merit-based approach to playing time. Washington's Jayden Daniels is expected to sit, handing the offense to veteran Marcus Mariota ahead of Sam Hartman and Athan Kaliakmanis.
Willis auditions in a new offense
After stops in Green Bay and Tennessee, Willis is working to establish himself in Miami's system under a first-year coaching staff evaluating every position with fresh eyes.
Mariota provides a steady hand for Washington
With real starting experience across his career, Mariota gives the Commanders offense a more predictable floor than a typical backup evaluation game.
Hafley's merit-based approach adds intrigue
Miami's new coach has been explicit that roster spots and playing time will be earned in games like this one, raising the stakes for every rep Willis and others take.
Pregame AI Prediction
How the prediction did
Predicted 16-20 (Dolphins vs Commanders), final was 7-20. Washington won 20-7 as projected, with Marcus Mariota's experience edge over Miami's still-forming offense holding up.
Dolphins Commanders Mariota's experience outweighs a first-year system fit
Willis is still adapting to a new coaching staff's scheme, while Mariota has a long track record running an offense under pressure.
Washington's depth chart is more settled
With Daniels expected to sit, the Commanders' plan behind him is clearer than Miami's broader evaluation-heavy approach under Hafley.
New coaching staff adds unpredictability for Miami
A first camp under Hafley means less established chemistry across the roster, which typically shows up in execution during live games.
This is a preseason exhibition with both presumed Week 1 starters likely sitting. Miami's new coaching staff and evaluation-first approach add extra variance to this projection.
Venue
Closing Line
Officials
Futures odds for these teams
Super Bowl futures, win totals & where to bet
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Commanders Injuries