The Miami Dolphins visited the Washington Commanders on Friday, the first preseason game for both teams in 2026. Miami opened the game with some starters hitting the field, while others were in street clothes on the sideline – using the opportunity to get some players developmental reps while others were protected.
The night opened with Miami striking first with an opening-drive touchdown. By the end of the night, the Commanders had repeatedly smacked Miami, taking complete control of the game and the scoring. It is just the first preseason game, but it was not pretty for the Dolphins.
Dolphins 7 – 20 Commanders
Immediate Recap and Reactions
The first half looked a lot like a preseason game. Some highlights, some moments that just cause you to shake your head. Miami’s offense looked good in the opening drive – albeit against the second-team Washington defense – but the second-team struggled the rest of the half. Ewers looks out of sync with the rest of the team. The offensive line, especially second-team center Andrew Meyer, is not protecting Ewers, he is rushing his throws, and he and the receivers do not seem to always be on the same page.
It is the first half of the first preseason game, so there are no major judgments that can be made at this point, but the depth needs to play better, quickly, if the Dolphins are going to be able to trust that things will not fall apart when injuries occur.
This was obviously a preseason game, and the first preseason game at that. The Dolphins had some good plays, but they looked out of rhythm for much of the game. The rookies had some flashes, but the team’s depth is definitely concerning. There will be plenty of overreaction and determinations based on tonight’s game – though none of them will be valid.
The biggest discussion point this week will likely be Quinn Ewers and his role as Malik Willis’s backup quarterback. He did not seem to be playing with any confidence tonight but he was also not put in a position to succeed, with the offensive line struggling to protect him and the receivers really did not do him any favors.
Punter Bradley Pinion is a concern, with some of his kicks tonight seeming off. He may work off the rust and be ready by the regular season, but his performance tonight didn’t instill confidence.
It was the first preseason game and it felt like it. While we should not overreact, with just two contests remaining before the regular season, there is not a lot of time to fix some of the issues we all saw tonight.