LANDOVER, Md. — The Miami Dolphins opened their 2026 preseason with a 20-7 loss to the Washington Commanders on Friday night at Northwest Stadium, getting an encouraging performance from their starters before their backups struggled to sustain the momentum.

Miami won the coin toss and elected to receive, but the opening drive began at the Dolphins 7-yard line after running back Jaylen Wright fumbled the kickoff and linebacker Tyrel Dodson was called for holding.

Quarterback Malik Willis settled in quickly, finding receiver Malik Washington for two catches, including one that went for a first down on the Dolphins’ opening possession. Running back De’Von Achane also broke loose for a first down behind a strong block from center Aaron Brewer.

The Dolphins capped their first drive with a highlight-reel catch and a touchdown.

Caleb Douglas, Miami’s third-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, made a spectacular one-handed, left-handed grab for 28 yards from Willis with a defender draped over him.

Later in the drive, Willis scrambled for a first down and drew a facemask penalty. Achane then powered into the end zone from 1 yard out to cap a 14-play, 93-yard drive and give Miami a 7-0 lead.

It was an encouraging opening for a Dolphins team looking for signs of progress heading into the regular season.

Miami’s starting defense also showed some fight on its first possession.

Dodson delivered a big hit on Commanders backup quarterback Marcus Mariota after a completion for a first down. Mariota left the game one play later after taking the hit.

Shortly after, Dolphins cornerback Marco Wilson recorded the game’s first turnover for Miami when a pass from third-string quarterback Sam Hartman sailed over the head of receiver Dyami Brown and into Wilson’s hands.

Washington responded with points after Miami quarterback Quinn Ewers threw an interception on a pass that sailed over his receiver and into the hands of Commanders safety Quan Martin. The Commanders turned the takeaway into a field goal.

Rookie linebacker Jacob Rodriguez had a productive night for Miami, making several tackles in traffic and batting down a pass from Hartman.

Defensive ends Max Llewellyn and David Ojabo combined for a sack of Hartman, while defensive tackle Jordan Phillips consistently clogged the middle. EDGE Cameron Goode added a sack of Athan Kaliakmanis, and undrafted rookie defensive end Mason Reiger also brought down Kaliakmanis in the fourth quarter.

However, Washington began to find success on the ground after Miami’s starters left the game. Running back Robert Henry Jr. broke free for a 22-yard touchdown on a misdirection run after Goode and Wilson were pinned, giving the Commanders a 10-7 lead.

Ewers struggled to find a rhythm behind Miami’s second-team offensive line. He finished 1 of 8 for 27 yards and an interception.

The Commanders extended their lead before halftime when running back Kaytron Allen powered in from 1 yard out and a successful extra point made it 17-7. Hartman connected several times with receiver Jaylin Lane, who finished the half with three catches for 31 yards, while Allen provided a spark on the ground.

Miami’s defense continued to produce some positive moments. Defensive back Major Burns made a strong open-field tackle on a Hartman scramble, and rookie inside linebacker Trey Moore helped force a three-and-out with pressure. Rookie tight end Seydou Traore also made a tackle on the punt-return unit, while cornerback Miles Battle helped the Dolphins get a stop on third and 13.

The Dolphins’ run defense, however, struggled once the starters were out of the game. Henry finished with 10 carries for 66 yards and a touchdown.

Miami’s offense continued to struggle in the second half. Quarterback Cam Miller threw an interception when Commanders linebacker Ale Kaho stepped in front of a pass intended for receiver Tahj Washington. The Commanders turned the turnover into three more points on a 41-yard field goal by rookie Drew Stevens.

Miller later connected with AJ Henning on third and 16 for a 24-yard gain after Henning found a hole in the zone.

But Miller’s struggles continued as he threw his second interception of the game, the last one of the game to safety Malik Spencer.

The good

Willis finished his first appearance as a Dolphin 4 of 5 for 43 yards and added a 9-yard rushing attempt. Achane finished with seven carries for 39 yards and a touchdown.

Miami’s first-team offensive line provided another positive takeaway. First-round pick OL Kadyn Proctor generated good push alongside Patrick Paul, Brewer and Jonah Savaiinaea, who also opened running lanes at right guard.

Douglas’ spectacular catch was another highlight for the Dolphins. The 2026 third-round pick had flashed throughout training camp and delivered one of the game’s most memorable plays with his contested 28-yard grab.

The bad

Overall, the Dolphins’ starters looked sharp, but the team’s backups struggled for much of the night as Washington pulled away.

Ewers and Miller combined to go 4 of 19 for 66 yards, no touchdowns and three interceptions.

The Dolphins’ run defense also allowed more than 170 rushing yards on 41 carries.

Up next

Miami (0-1) will host the New York Giants (0-0) on Aug. 22 at Hard Rock Stadium.

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