Commanders versus Dolphins Preseason Recap

To put an NFL preseason game into perspective, it is important to recognize what stood out.

For the Washington Commanders, there was both good and bad that stood out in a 13-6 loss to the Miami Dolphins Saturday night.

The good was Jayden Daniels. The rookie quarterback completed 10 of his 12 passes for 78 yards. He also ran twice for 13 yards and while he did not throw a touchdown pass again this week, he also did not throw an interception and wasn’t sacked.

“It’s great having those guys out there (the starting offensive line),” Daniels said in his post-game press conference. “Having them back fully for a game so we can work that chemistry and comradery.”

Head coach Dan Quinn seemed pleased with Daniels’s progress. “I thought he had another really good outing,” Quinn said. “The accuracy, the decision making, where to go. He really is a
unique competitor.”

Quinn did joke about Daniels not sliding on one of his two rushes. After quoting the movie Top Gun last week, Quinn made an Animal House reference this week.

“Double secret probation,” he quipped. “He absolutely does not have a zero point zero, I assure you that.”

With projected backup Marcus Mariota sidelined with an injury, 3rd stringer Jeff Driskel impressed going 11 of 15 for 82 yards. His highlight was a 41-yard scramble that set Washington
up for a potential score but kicker Riley Patterson missed a 43-yard field goal. Patterson’s inconsistency is one of the bad standouts.

Another concern is the defensive backs. Once again, Washington’s corners gave up a touchdown on a fade route. This time, it was Benjamin St-Juste. With 4:36 left in the first quarter, Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa threw a perfect pass to backup River Cracraft who had gotten behind St-Juste. Last week, Emmanuel Forbes was beaten on an almost identical play by the New York Jets. It wasn’t an isolated incident. In the third quarter, Mike White hit Erik Ezukanma on a 35-yard pass after the receiver beat A.J. Woods deep. Woods also had four tackles and a sack.

Jamin Davis may have solidified his spot on the roster. Davis had a solo tackle, a sack, and a pass deflection in limited action as he continues to make the move from mike linebacker to edge rusher.

Rookie cornerback Mike Sainristil continues to impress, racking up three tackles and having a knack for being around the ball in his short time in action.

Running back Brian Robinson Jr. continues to give indications he will have a breakout year. Robinson carried the ball three times for 22 yards, including an 11-yard run in which he carried several defenders with him.

Tight end Ben Sinnott again showed he can gain yardage after the catch, turning his one short reception into a 10-yard gain.

Next week’s preseason finale against New England will be important for the bottom of the roster. All starters and many important backups will now get ready for week one against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. As is the case with most preseasons, there are still questions to be answered as the regular season looms.