Dolphins’ Malik Willis has impressive start, Marcus Mariota injured as Commanders win 20-7

Landover, Md. (AP) — Malik Willis made an impressive debut as Miami’s new quarterback during the preseason opener against the Washington Commanders, guiding a 14-play, 93-yard touchdown drive. However, the Dolphins ultimately fell to the Commanders 20-7. Veteran backup quarterback Marcus Mariota took the starting job for Washington, but suffered a leg injury on a non-contact play, limiting his appearances to just four plays.

Mariota was then escorted off the field by Washington's medical staff and returned a short while later, engaging in a brief discussion with new Dolphins starting quarterback Jayden Daniels and offensive coordinator David Blough before rejoining the locker room.

D’Von Achane also played just one series, sealing it with a 1-yard touchdown run and contributing 39 yards on seven carries. The Dolphins' rookie Caleb Douglas shone in the passing game, connecting with Willis on a 28-yard touchdown pass. Meanwhile, Washington’s third-string quarterback Sam Hartman struggled, going 8 of 15 for 80 yards and an interception.

Miami backup Quinn Ewers, too, had a poor outing, completing only 1 of 8 passes for 27 yards and an interception. The Commanders' reserves, notably rookies Robert Henry Jr. and Kaytron Allen, stepped up in Marcus Mariota’s absence, with Allen rushing for 85 yards and a touchdown and Henry contributing 75 yards rushing and a score.