Washington Commanders vs. Miami Dolphins Match Analysis: 2024 NFL Preseason

The Washington Commanders and Miami Dolphins faced off in Week 2 of the 2024 NFL preseason on August 17 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, with the Dolphins securing a tight 13-6 victory. This defensive battle featured limited action from starters, with Tua Tagovailoa delivering a perfect touchdown drive for Miami and rookie Jayden Daniels showing promise for Washington. The game highlighted strong defensive play, special teams contributions, and key miscues, including Washington’s kicking struggles and a late goal-line stand by Miami. This analysis draws from verified sources such as ESPN, NFL.com, FOX Sports, and CBS Sports, focusing on the single preseason matchup, as the teams are set to meet again in the 2025 regular-season opener on November 16 in Madrid, Spain. Below, we break down player stats, game summary, and head-to-head context.

Game Highlights

• Sport: Football
• League: NFL (National Football League)
• Matchup: Washington Commanders vs Miami Dolphins Match Player Stats
• Game Covered: August 17, 2024 (Preseason Week 2)
• Game Result: Miami Dolphins 13, Washington Commanders 6
• Series Result: Dolphins won the matchup 1-0 (preseason; regular-season game scheduled for November 16, 2025)

Series Overview: Washington Commanders vs. Miami Dolphins, 2024 NFL Preseason

The Miami Dolphins (2-0 preseason) outlasted the Washington Commanders (0-2 preseason) in a low-scoring, defense-driven contest. Miami’s starters set the tone early with Tua Tagovailoa’s perfect 5-for-5, 51-yard touchdown drive, while Jayden Daniels completed 10-of-12 passes for 78 yards and added 13 rushing yards in limited action. Miami’s defense stopped Washington on a crucial fourth-down attempt at the goal line, and Chris Brooks’ 59-yard run before his injury sparked a key field goal. Washington generated 340 total yards (111 rushing, 229 passing) but was hindered by Riley Patterson’s 2-for-4 field goal performance and a Trace McSorley interception. Miami totaled 288 yards (86 rushing, 202 passing), leaning on opportunistic plays and defensive resilience. This game offered insights into both teams’ depth as they prepare for their 2025 international clash.

Game: Miami Dolphins 13, Washington Commanders 6 (August 17, 2024)

Game Summary

Miami opened with an 11-play, 75-yard touchdown drive, capped by Tua Tagovailoa’s 13-yard touchdown pass to River Cracraft after converting two fourth downs, taking a 7-0 lead. Washington responded with Riley Patterson’s 38-yard and 46-yard field goals to tie the game at 6-6 by halftime. In the second half, Jason Sanders added field goals of 39 and 33 yards for Miami, fueled by Chris Brooks’ 59-yard run, which preceded his upper-body injury. Washington’s late drive reached the goal line, but Trace McSorley’s fourth-down pass fell incomplete, sealing Miami’s victory. Jayden Daniels showed efficiency in two series, while backups like Jeff Driskel kept Washington competitive. Miami’s defense and special teams, including Malik Washington’s five punt returns for 35 yards, controlled field position.

Key Player Stats: Washington Commanders

Passing

• Trace McSorley (QB #3): 11/21, 93 yards, 4.4 avg, 0 TD, 1 INT, 3 sacks (-16 yards), RTG 44.3. McSorley’s interception and failed fourth-down pass hurt late.
• Jeff Driskel (QB #16): 11/15, 82 yards, 5.5 avg, 0 TD, 0 INT, 1 sack (-8 yards), RTG 86.0.
• Jayden Daniels (QB #5): 10/12, 78 yards, 6.5 avg, 0 TD, 0 INT, 0 sacks, RTG 93.8. Daniels’ efficiency showed dual-threat potential.
• Team: 32/48, 229 yards, 5.3 avg, 0 TD, 1 INT, 4 sacks (-24 yards), RTG 70.9.

Rushing

• Jeff Driskel (QB #16): 4 car, 45 yards, 11.3 avg, 0 TD, long 41.
• Brian Robinson Jr. (RB #8): 3 car, 22 yards, 7.3 avg, 0 TD, long 11.
• Jayden Daniels (QB #5): 2 car, 13 yards, 6.5 avg, 0 TD, long 13.
• Kazmeir Allen (RB #10O): 3 car, 13 yards, 4.3 avg, 0 TD, long 7.
• Michael Wiley (RB #6O): 2 car, 7 yards, 3.5 avg, 0 TD, long 11.
• Austin Jones (RB #46): 3 car, 5 yards, 1.7 avg, 0 TD, long 4.
• Chris Rodriguez Jr. (RB #23O): 1 car, 3 yards, 3.0 avg, 0 TD, long 3.
• Jeremy McNichols (RB #31): 3 car, 3 yards, 1.0 avg, 0 TD, long 2.
• Trace McSorley (QB #3): 1 car, 0 yards, 0.0 avg, 0 TD, long 0.
• Team: 22 car, 111 yards, 5.0 avg, 0 TD, long 41.

Receiving

• Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint (WR #83): 2 rec, 33 yards, 16.5 avg, 0 TD, long 27, 2 tgts.
• Michael Wiley (RB #6O): 3 rec, 31 yards, 10.3 avg, 0 TD, long 23, 3 tgts.
• Luke McCaffrey (WR #12): 2 rec, 30 yards, 15.0 avg, 0 TD, long 21, 2 tgts.
• Terry McLaurin (WR #17): 2 rec, 27 yards, 13.5 avg, 0 TD, long 20, 3 tgts.
• Jamison Crowder (WR #80): 3 rec, 25 yards, 8.3 avg, 0 TD, long 13, 3 tgts.
• John Bates (TE #87): 2 rec, 20 yards, 10.0 avg, 0 TD, long 16, 2 tgts.
• Davion Davis (WR #84): 4 rec, 20 yards, 5.0 avg, 0 TD, long 12, 6 tgts.
• Dyami Brown (WR #2O): 3 rec, 19 yards, 6.3 avg, 0 TD, long 8, 3 tgts.
• Ben Sinnott (TE #82): 1 rec, 10 yards, 10.0 avg, 0 TD, long 10, 1 tgt.
• Olamide Zaccheaus (WR #14): 2 rec, 9 yards, 4.5 avg, 0 TD, long 5, 4 tgts.
• Mitchell Tinsley (WR #18): 2 rec, 8 yards, 4.0 avg, 0 TD, long 5, 6 tgts.
• Colson Yankoff (TE #41): 1 rec, 6 yards, 6.0 avg, 0 TD, long 6, 2 tgts.
• Brycen Tremayne (WR #89): 1 rec, 5 yards, 5.0 avg, 0 TD, long 5, 1 tgt.
• Austin Ekeler (RB #30): 1 rec, 4 yards, 4.0 avg, 0 TD, long 4, 1 tgt.
• Jahan Dotson (WR #1): 1 rec, 3 yards, 3.0 avg, 0 TD, long 3, 2 tgts.
• Jeremy McNichols (RB #31): 1 rec, 2 yards, 2.0 avg, 0 TD, long 2, 1 tgt.
• Byron Pringle (WR #13O): 1 rec, 1 yard, 1.0 avg, 0 TD, long 1, 2 tgts.
• Martavis Bryant (WR #88): 0 rec, 0 yards, 0.0 avg, 0 TD, long 0, 1 tgt.
• Cole Turner (TE #85): 0 rec, 0 yards, 0.0 avg, 0 TD, long 0, 3 tgts.
• Team: 32 rec, 253 yards, 7.9 avg, 0 TD, long 27, 48 tgts.

Fumbles

• Kazmeir Allen (RB #10O): 1 fum, 1 lost, 0 rec.
• Trace McSorley (QB #3): 1 fum, 0 lost, 0 rec.
• Andre Jones Jr. (DE #50): 0 fum, 0 lost, 1 rec.
• Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint (WR #83): 0 fum, 0 lost, 1 rec.
• Michael Wiley (RB #6O): 0 fum, 0 lost, 1 rec.
• Team: 2 fum, 1 lost, 3 rec.

Defense (Tackles)

• Mykal Walker (LB #32): 6 tot (3 solo), 0 sacks, 0 TFL, 0 PD, 0 QB hits, 0 TD.
• Jeremy Reaves (S #39): 4 tot (4 solo), 0 sacks, 0 TFL, 0 PD, 0 QB hits, 0 TD.
• A.J. Woods (S #38): 4 tot (3 solo), 1 sack, 1 TFL, 0 PD, 1 QB hit, 0 TD.
• Frankie Luvu (LB #4): 4 tot (3 solo), 0 sacks, 0 TFL, 0 PD, 0 QB hits, 0 TD.
• Dominique Hampton (S #45): 4 tot (2 solo), 0 sacks, 0 TFL, 0 PD, 0 QB hits, 0 TD.
• Tyler Owens (S #40): 3 tot (3 solo), 0 sacks, 1 TFL, 0 PD, 0 QB hits, 0 TD.
• Mike Sainristil (CB #2D): 3 tot (2 solo), 0 sacks, 0 TFL, 0 PD, 0 QB hits, 0 TD.
• Brycen Tremayne (WR #89): 3 tot (1 solo), 0 sacks, 0 TFL, 0 PD, 0 QB hits, 0 TD.
• Anthony Pittman (LB #57): 3 tot (1 solo), 0 sacks, 0 TFL, 0 PD, 0 QB hits, 0 TD.
• Jalen Harris (DE #56): 2 tot (2 solo), 0 sacks, 1 TFL, 0 PD, 0 QB hits, 0 TD.
• KJ Henry (DE #55): 2 tot (2 solo), 0 sacks, 0 TFL, 0 PD, 0 QB hits, 0 TD.
• Chigozie Anusiem (CB #23D): 2 tot (2 solo), 0 sacks, 1 TFL, 0 PD, 0 QB hits, 0 TD.
• Javontae Jean-Baptiste (DE #90): 2 tot (1 solo), 1 sack, 1 TFL, 0 PD, 1 QB hit, 0 TD.
• Michael Davis (CB #24): 2 tot (1 solo), 0 sacks, 1 TFL, 0 PD, 0 QB hits, 0 TD.
• Noah Igbinoghene (CB #19): 2 tot (1 solo), 0 sacks, 1 TFL, 0 PD, 1 QB hit, 0 TD.
• Quan Martin (S #20): 2 tot (0 solo), 0 sacks, 0 TFL, 0 PD, 0 QB hits, 0 TD.
• Jamin Davis (LB #52): 1 tot (1 solo), 1 sack, 1 TFL, 1 PD, 2 QB hits, 0 TD.
• Haggai Ndubuisi (DT #68): 1 tot (1 solo), 1 sack, 1 TFL, 0 PD, 1 QB hit, 0 TD.
• Martavis Bryant (WR #88): 1 tot (1 solo), 0 sacks, 0 TFL, 0 PD, 0 QB hits, 0 TD.
• Davion Davis (WR #84): 1 tot (1 solo), 0 sacks, 0 TFL, 0 PD, 0 QB hits, 0 TD.
• Darrick Forrest (S #22): 1 tot (1 solo), 0 sacks, 0 TFL, 0 PD, 0 QB hits, 0 TD.
• Tariq Castro-Fields (CB #26): 1 tot (1 solo), 0 sacks, 0 TFL, 1 PD, 0 QB hits, 0 TD.
• Colson Yankoff (TE #41): 1 tot (1 solo), 0 sacks, 0 TFL, 0 PD, 0 QB hits, 0 TD.
• Chris Rodriguez Jr. (RB #23O): 1 tot (1 solo), 0 sacks, 0 TFL, 0 PD, 0 QB hits, 0 TD.
• Percy Butler (S #35): 1 tot (0 solo), 0 sacks, 0 TFL, 0 PD, 0 QB hits, 0 TD.
• Norell Pollard (DT #96): 1 tot (0 solo), 0 sacks, 0 TFL, 0 PD, 0 QB hits, 0 TD.
• Austin Jones (RB #46): 1 tot (0 solo), 0 sacks, 0 TFL, 0 PD, 0 QB hits, 0 TD.
• Benning Potoa’e (DT #79D): 1 tot (0 solo), 0 sacks, 0 TFL, 0 PD, 0 QB hits, 0 TD.
• Andre Jones Jr. (DE #50): 1 tot (0 solo), 0 sacks, 0 TFL, 0 PD, 0 QB hits, 0 TD.
• Benjamin St-Juste (CB #25): 1 tot (0 solo), 0 sacks, 0 TFL, 0 PD, 0 QB hits, 0 TD.
• Luke McCaffrey (WR #12): 0 tot (0 solo), 0 sacks, 0 TFL, 1 PD, 0 QB hits, 0 TD.
• Kyu Blu Kelly (CB #36): 1 tot (0 solo), 0 sacks, 0 TFL, 0 PD, 0 QB hits, 0 TD.
• Ben Nikkel (LB #48): 1 tot (0 solo), 0 sacks, 0 TFL, 0 PD, 0 QB hits, 0 TD.
• James Pierre (CB #29): 1 tot (0 solo), 0 sacks, 0 TFL, 0 PD, 0 QB hits, 0 TD.
• Team: 65 tot (42 solo), 4 sacks, 9 TFL, 4 PD, 6 QB hits, 0 TD.

Interceptions

• No Washington interceptions.

Kick Returns

• Kazmeir Allen (RB #10O): 2 NO, 39 yards, 19.5 avg, long 22, 0 TD.
• Byron Pringle (WR #13O): 1 NO, 14 yards, 14.0 avg, long 14, 0 TD.
• Team: 3 NO, 53 yards, 17.7 avg, long 22, 0 TD.

Punt Returns

• Kazmeir Allen (RB #10O): 2 NO, 6 yards, 3.0 avg, long 6, 0 TD.
• Team: 2 NO, 6 yards, 3.0 avg, long 6, 0 TD.

Kicking

• Riley Patterson (K #15): 2/4 FG (50.0%, long 46), 0/0 XP, 6 pts. Missed field goals, including a 49-yarder, limited scoring.
• Team: 2/4 FG (50.0%, long 46), 0/0 XP, 6 pts.

Punting

• Tress Way (P #10S): 6 NO, 273 yards, 45.5 avg, 0 TB, 2 in 20, long 56.
• Team: 6 NO, 273 yards, 45.5 avg, 0 TB, 2 in 20, long 56.

Team Stats: 340 total yards (111 rushing, 229 passing), 4 sacks allowed, 2 fumbles (1 lost), 0 TDs in red zone, 2/4 FG.

Key Player Stats: Miami Dolphins

Passing

• Mike White (QB #14): 11/20, 116 yards, 5.8 avg, 0 TD, 0 INT, 3 sacks (-20 yards), RTG 72.1.
• Skylar Thompson (QB #19): 8/15, 61 yards, 4.1 avg, 0 TD, 0 INT, 1 sack (-6 yards), RTG 63.5.
• Tua Tagovailoa (QB #1): 5/5, 51 yards, 10.2 avg, 1 TD, 0 INT, 0 sacks, RTG 148.8. Perfect drive set early tone.
• Team: 24/40, 202 yards, 5.7 avg, 1 TD, 0 INT, 4 sacks (-26 yards), RTG 84.2.

Rushing

• Chris Brooks (RB #35): 5 car, 63 yards, 12.6 avg, 0 TD, long 59. Big run set up field goal before injury.
• De’Von Achane (RB #28): 2 car, 10 yards, 5.0 avg, 0 TD, long 7.
• Raheem Mostert (RB #31): 5 car, 7 yards, 1.4 avg, 0 TD, long 4.
• Erik Ezukanma (WR #18): 1 car, 6 yards, 6.0 avg, 0 TD, long 6.
• Je’Quan Burton (RB #42): 3 car, 1 yard, 0.3 avg, 0 TD, long 2.
• Mike White (QB #14): 2 car, -1 yard, -0.5 avg, 0 TD, long 0.
• Team: 18 car, 86 yards, 4.8 avg, 0 TD, long 59.

Receiving

• Erik Ezukanma (WR #18): 5 rec, 65 yards, 13.0 avg, 0 TD, long 35, 7 tgts.
• De’Von Achane (RB #28): 2 rec, 34 yards, 17.0 avg, 0 TD, long 26, 3 tgts.
• River Cracraft (WR #85): 2 rec, 29 yards, 14.5 avg, 1 TD, long 16, 2 tgts. Scored on 13-yard TD catch.
• Jonnu Smith (TE #9): 4 rec, 23 yards, 5.8 avg, 0 TD, long 10, 4 tgts.
• Braylon Sanders (WR #86): 2 rec, 17 yards, 8.5 avg, 0 TD, long 9, 6 tgts.
• Willie Snead IV (WR #82): 1 rec, 13 yards, 13.0 avg, 0 TD, long 13, 1 tgt.
• Hayden Rucci (TE #49): 2 rec, 13 yards, 6.5 avg, 0 TD, long 9, 2 tgts.
• Chris Brooks (RB #35): 1 rec, 9 yards, 9.0 avg, 0 TD, long 9, 1 tgt.
• Kyric McGowan (WR #87): 1 rec, 8 yards, 8.0 avg, 0 TD, long 8, 2 tgts.
• Julian Hill (TE #89): 1 rec, 8 yards, 8.0 avg, 0 TD, long 8, 1 tgt.
• Je’Quan Burton (RB #42): 2 rec, 5 yards, 2.5 avg, 0 TD, long 8, 3 tgts.
• Malik Washington (WR #83): 1 rec, 4 yards, 4.0 avg, 0 TD, long 4, 2 tgts.
• Durham Smythe (TE #81): 0 rec, 0 yards, 0.0 avg, 0 TD, long 0, 1 tgt.
• Braxton Berrios (WR #0): 0 rec, 0 yards, 0.0 avg, 0 TD, long 0, 2 tgts.
• Mike Harley Jr. (WR #4O): 0 rec, 0 yards, 0.0 avg, 0 TD, long 0, 2 tgts.
• Team: 24 rec, 228 yards, 9.5 avg, 1 TD, long 35, 39 tgts.

Fumbles

• Mike White (QB #14): 2 fum, 1 lost, 0 rec.
• Mark Perry (S #38): 1 fum, 1 lost, 0 rec.
• Patrick McMorris (S #32): 0 fum, 0 lost, 1 rec.
• Team: 3 fum, 2 lost, 1 rec.

Defense (Tackles)

• Marcus Maye (S #46): 7 tot (5 solo), 0 sacks, 0 TFL, 0 PD, 0 QB hits, 0 TD.
• Isaiah Johnson (CB #37): 6 tot (4 solo), 0 sacks, 0 TFL, 0 PD, 0 QB hits, 0 TD.
• Curtis Bolton III (LB #58): 6 tot (3 solo), 0 sacks, 0 TFL, 0 PD, 0 QB hits, 0 TD.
• Kader Kohou (CB #4D): 4 tot (4 solo), 0 sacks, 0 TFL, 0 PD, 0 QB hits, 0 TD.
• Jason Maitre (LB #43): 4 tot (4 solo), 0 sacks, 1 TFL, 0 PD, 0 QB hits, 0 TD.
• Cam Smith (CB #24): 4 tot (3 solo), 0 sacks, 0 TFL, 1 PD, 0 QB hits, 0 TD.
• Elijah Campbell (CB #22): 4 tot (2 solo), 0 sacks, 0 TFL, 0 PD, 0 QB hits, 0 TD.
• Channing Tindall (LB #41): 4 tot (2 solo), 0.5 sack, 1 TFL, 0 PD, 1 QB hit, 0 TD.
• Mark Perry (S #38): 4 tot (2 solo), 0.5 sack, 0 TFL, 1 PD, 1 QB hit, 0 TD.
• Jordan Colbert (S #34): 4 tot (1 solo), 0 sacks, 0 TFL, 0 PD, 0 QB hits, 0 TD.
• David Long Jr. (LB #11): 3 tot (2 solo), 0 sacks, 0 TFL, 0 PD, 0 QB hits, 0 TD.
• Isaiah Mack (DT #97): 2 tot (2 solo), 1 sack, 1 TFL, 0 PD, 1 QB hit, 0 TD.
• Kendall Fuller (CB #29): 2 tot (2 solo), 0 sacks, 0 TFL, 0 PD, 0 QB hits, 0 TD.
• Mohamed Kamara (DE #50): 2 tot (2 solo), 0 sacks, 1 TFL, 0 PD, 0 QB hits, 0 TD.
• Chop Robinson (DE #44): 2 tot (2 solo), 0 sacks, 1 TFL, 0 PD, 0 QB hits, 0 TD.
• Neville Gallimore (DT #90): 2 tot (1 solo), 1 sack, 1 TFL, 0 PD, 1 QB hit, 0 TD.
• Siran Neal (S #33): 2 tot (1 solo), 0 sacks, 0 TFL, 1 PD, 0 QB hits, 0 TD.
• Nik Needham (CB #40): 2 tot (1 solo), 0 sacks, 0 TFL, 1 PD, 0 QB hits, 0 TD.
• Quinton Bell (DE #56): 2 tot (1 solo), 0 sacks, 0 TFL, 0 PD, 0 QB hits, 0 TD.
• Storm Duck (CB #36): 2 tot (0 solo), 0 sacks, 0 TFL, 1 PD, 1 QB hit, 0 TD.
• David Anenih (LB #59): 1 tot (1 solo), 1 sack, 1 TFL, 0 PD, 2 QB hits, 0 TD.
• Brandon Pili (DT #96): 1 tot (1 solo), 0 sacks, 0 TFL, 0 PD, 0 QB hits, 0 TD.
• Duke Riley (LB #45): 1 tot (1 solo), 0 sacks, 0 TFL, 0 PD, 0 QB hits, 0 TD.
• Wyatt Ray (DE #47): 1 tot (1 solo), 0 sacks, 0 TFL, 0 PD, 1 QB hit, 0 TD.
• Ezekiel Vandenburgh (LB #57): 1 tot (1 solo), 0 sacks, 0 TFL, 0 PD, 0 QB hits, 0 TD.
• Patrick McMorris (S #32): 1 tot (0 solo), 0 sacks, 0 TFL, 0 PD, 0 QB hits, 0 TD.
• Zach Sieler (DT #92): 1 tot (0 solo), 0 sacks, 0 TFL, 0 PD, 0 QB hits, 0 TD.
• Jordyn Brooks (LB #20): 1 tot (0 solo), 0 sacks, 0 TFL, 0 PD, 0 QB hits, 0 TD.
• Leonard Payne (CB #78): 1 tot (0 solo), 0 sacks, 0 TFL, 0 PD, 0 QB hits, 0 TD.
• Team: 78 tot (50 solo), 4 sacks, 7 TFL, 6 PD, 8 QB hits, 0 TD.

Interceptions

• Mark Perry (S #38): 1 INT, 6 yards, 0 TD.
• Team: 1 INT, 6 yards, 0 TD.

Kick Returns

• Braxton Berrios (WR #0): 2 NO, 41 yards, 20.5 avg, long 21, 0 TD.
• Malik Washington (WR #83): 1 NO, 20 yards, 20.0 avg, long 20, 0 TD.
• Team: 3 NO, 61 yards, 20.3 avg, long 21, 0 TD.

Punt Returns

• Malik Washington (WR #83): 5 NO, 35 yards, 7.0 avg, long 15, 0 TD.
• Team: 5 NO, 35 yards, 7.0 avg, long 15, 0 TD.

Kicking

• Jason Sanders (K #7): 2/3 FG (66.7%, long 39), 1/1 XP, 7 pts. Field goals secured the lead.
• Team: 2/3 FG (66.7%, long 39), 1/1 XP, 7 pts.

Punting

• Jake Bailey (P #16): 6 NO, 275 yards, 45.8 avg, 1 TB, 1 in 20, long 66.
• Team: 6 NO, 275 yards, 45.8 avg, 1 TB, 1 in 20, long 66.

Team Stats: 288 total yards (86 rushing, 202 passing), 4 sacks allowed, 3 fumbles (2 lost), strong goal-line defense.

Critical Moments

• First Quarter (MIA 7, WSH 0): Miami’s 11-play, 75-yard drive ends with Tua Tagovailoa’s 13-yard TD pass to River Cracraft after two fourth-down conversions (7-0). Washington’s early drives stall.
• Second Quarter (WSH 6, MIA 7): Riley Patterson’s 38-yard and 46-yard field goals tie the game at 6-6, but a missed 49-yarder earlier costs points. Miami’s offense slows with backups.
• Third Quarter (MIA 13, WSH 6): Chris Brooks’ 59-yard run sets up Jason Sanders’ 39-yard field goal (10-6); Brooks suffers an upper-body injury. Sanders adds a 33-yarder later (13-6).
• Fourth Quarter (MIA 13, WSH 6): Washington drives to the goal line, but Trace McSorley’s fourth-down pass is incomplete, sealing Miami’s win. Mark Perry’s interception earlier aids field position.

Head-to-Head Analysis

• Historical Context: Miami leads the all-time series 9-5 (including playoffs), with a dominant 45-15 win in 2023.
• 2024 Preseason: Miami’s early efficiency and goal-line stand outshone Washington’s red-zone struggles (0 TDs) and kicking woes (2/4 FG).
• Key Differences:
  • Miami: Relied on Tagovailoa’s quick-strike offense and a balanced defense (4 sacks, 7 TFL).
  • Washington: Generated more yards (340 vs. 288) but faltered with 1 lost fumble and 1 interception.
• Looking Ahead: The 2025 regular-season matchup in Spain will test Washington’s growth under Jayden Daniels against Miami’s speed-driven attack.

Game Standouts

Washington Commanders

• Jayden Daniels: 10/12 for 78 yards, 13 rushing yards; efficient in limited snaps, showing dual-threat ability.
• Jeff Driskel: 11/15 for 82 yards; steady backup performance.
• Davion Davis: 4 receptions, 20 yards; reliable target for backups.

Miami Dolphins

• Tua Tagovailoa: 5/5, 51 yards, 1 TD; perfect opening drive.
• Chris Brooks: 63 rushing yards on 5 carries, including a 59-yard run.
• Erik Ezukanma: 5 receptions, 65 yards; led receiving corps.

Team Performance Context

Washington Commanders (0-2 Preseason): Under new coach Dan Quinn, the Commanders are evaluating Jayden Daniels and roster depth. Despite a 4-13 record in 2023, they showed offensive potential but need to improve red-zone efficiency and kicking accuracy.

Miami Dolphins (2-0 Preseason): Building on an 11-6 2023 season, Miami’s defense and Tagovailoa’s efficiency signal a push for a deeper playoff run. Their ability to win close games was evident.

Injury and Roster Notes

• Washington: No major injuries reported; Trace McSorley was signed after Sam Hartman’s shoulder injury in Week 1. Jalen Harris (DE) limped off but no specifics confirmed.
• Miami: Chris Brooks (upper body, post-59-yard run), Sean Harlow (left knee), David Long (hand).

Conclusion

The Miami Dolphins defeated the Washington Commanders 13-6 in their August 17, 2024, NFL preseason matchup, driven by Tua Tagovailoa’s flawless touchdown drive and a clutch goal-line stand. Jayden Daniels impressed for Washington, but Riley Patterson’s missed field goals and Trace McSorley’s late interception and incomplete pass cost them. This game offered valuable insights into both teams’ depth as they prepare for their 2025 regular-season clash in Spain. For detailed stats and recaps, visit ESPN, NFL.com, or FOX Sports.

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