Dolphins Down Commanders As Tua Shines In Lone Appearance

MIAMI GARDENS, FL – With one of the most hyped-up seasons for the Miami Dolphins beginning in a few weeks, the preseason provided a short glance at starters while highlighting the rookies and signings who have a chance of making the team.

Tonight’s game between the Fins and the Washington Commanders comes a week after we saw a first look at the Anthony Weaver-led defense, which impressed most of the game. All things considered, they looked as solid as they were a week ago, not allowing a touchdown on the night.

In addition, a few offensive rookies impressed with their solid performances, including running back Jaylen Wright and offensive tackle Patrick Paul. In limited action, linebacker Chop Robinson showed potential.

“The rookie class, in general… they’re very professional and I’m very happy  to hear that.” Said head coach Mike McDaniel postgame. “This is a competitive team that we felt could have some spots where we could solidify and make some groups competitive, and I think that’s what you’re seeing. You’re seeing a rookie class of players that understand what their teammates need from them, which is NFL preparation and execution.” 

Overall, Miami showed flashes of greatness in an otherwise limited margin and did just enough to take down Washington by a score of 13-6.

A Sample Size Of What’s To Come

The big question leading up to this game was “How many starters will take snaps for Miami tonight?” We got our answer early on as Tua Tagovailoa, fresh off his four-year, $212 million extension, suited up for Miami’s first offensive drive. That said, his two biggest weapons in the receiver room, Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, did not play in this game.

To make things simple, Tua didn’t miss a beat, orchestrating an 11-play, 61-yard drive that included five completions to Jonnu Smith and River Cracraft, no incompletions, and a back-of-the-end-zone dot to Cracraft to finish things off.

A look at the TD that capped Tua's first drive of the 2024 season, caught by River Cracraft in the back of the end zone. #GoFins | #FinsUppic.twitter.com/xJ8QX8eqqN

— Jake Gibson (@JakeTheEmcee) August 17, 2024

Despite being his first drive on the field all preseason, Tua impressed with his accuracy and release, avoiding pressure just in the knick of time. And even though he didn’t have Hill or Waddle to throw to, he elevated the game of both Smith and Cracraft.

That was all the action for Tua, as Skylar Thompson stepped in for the rest of the first half, and Mike White for the second. Neither of the backups stood out compared to Tagovailoa.

A New-Look Defense To Get Behind

While it’s not always fair to base a solid defensive performance in the preseason due to the rookies and alike on the offense, there are still a lot of great things to take away from Miami’s defense.

Their secondary did not allow a big play all game and made the most of the line of scrimmage with four sacks and seven tackles for a loss.

First-round pick Chop Robinson didn’t seem to have an impressive night off the box score alone, but his two solo tackles and a massive tackle for a loss were very solid.

chop robinson untouched for a TFL pic.twitter.com/9ZLZWrjYNI

— josh houtz (@houtz) August 18, 2024

The Dolphins’ defense forced four field goals by Washington. Two were successful, while two were missed outright. Washington never saw the end zone on the night.

Inching Close To The Regular Season

The first half of the Dolphins offensively was solid, and slowly fell off in quality as the second half continued with the majority of players on the field vying for a spot on the 53-man roster. Still, those who wanted to see Tua have to feel satisfied with what they saw.

In total, Miami recorded 288 yards, 12 first downs, and two turnovers, while forcing two turnovers by the Commanders. Funny enough, Washington edged out the Dolphins in both yards and first downs but still failed to score a touchdown.

Next week is the preseason finale for Miami as they’ll travel to Raymond James Stadium to take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Friday, August 23rd at 7:30pm. Then, all teams will take a week off before Week 1 of the regular season, in which the Dolphins will host the Jacksonville Jaguars on September 8th.