Instant analysis of Commanders' preseason-opening win over Dolphins

On Friday night at Northwest Stadium, the Washington Commanders emerged victorious in their preseason opener against the Miami Dolphins, winning with a final score of 20-7. Miami took an early lead, going 14 plays for 93 yards on their opening drive, with running back De'Von Achane scoring from one yard out to give the Dolphins a 7-0 lead.

However, the Commanders were far from outmatched. Marcus Mariota started as quarterback for Washington, but exited on the first drive after suffering a leg injury. Sam Hartman relieved him and led the Commanders on three scoring drives, with rookie running backs Robert Henry Jr. and Kaytron Allen each scoring a touchdown.

Henry Jr. set the tone for the Commanders, giving them their first lead with a 29-yard touchdown run, making it 10-7. Kaytron Allen followed up on the next possession with a touchdown run, extending the Commanders' lead to 17-7. With Washington's defense playing well, the game was effectively over. Miami's offense struggled, completing only 8 passes on the night and missing several opportunities.

Washington's defense held strong, allowing only 3 third-down conversions from the Dolphins, who were 3/12 on third downs overall. The Commanders also intercepted three passes, though linebacker Kain Medrano nearly forced a pick-six on a missed tackle.

Defensive coordinator Daronte Jones likely saw positives in the performance. For Miami, quarterback Marcus Mariota left the game on the first series after suffering a leg injury, while cornerback Fred Davis II sustained a leg injury later in the second half. As the season progresses, the Commanders are scheduled to have a walkthrough on Sunday and a day off on Monday before resuming practice on Tuesday.