As the NFL preseason heats up, the Washington Commanders are set to clash with the Miami Dolphins this Saturday at Hard Rock Stadium. The matchup promises excitement as both teams make strides in their respective journeys for improvement.
The Commanders, featuring a revamped roster with Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels at quarterback, aim to make a statement against a Dolphins team eager to find its rhythm before the regular season. Kickoff is slated for 7:00 p.m. ET, with the Dolphins favored by 1.0 points and a total game over/under of 37.5 points.
Youthful Revolution in Washington
The Washington Commanders are ushering in a new era under the leadership of head coach Dan Quinn and rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels. The franchise made headlines by selecting Daniels as the second overall pick in the latest draft, a move that reflects their commitment to building a competitive future. With Quinn’s defensive expertise, Commanders fans are hopeful for a team that can contend in both the offensive and defensive realms.
In their recent preseason opener, the Commanders faced off against the Jets, falling 20-17. Daniels showcased his potential in a limited appearance, completing 2 of 3 passes for 45 yards while also contributing a rushing touchdown. Other quarterbacks, Sam Hartman and Jeff Driskel, shared the workload, combining for a total of 170 passing yards. Meanwhile, the rushing attack was led by Michael Wiley and Brian Robinson Jr., who fought for valuable yardage. New offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury aims to implement a high-tempo offense that could surprise opponents.
Despite the loss of key defensive players Montez Sweat and Chase Young, the Commanders’ defensive line remains formidable with talents like Clelin Ferrell and Jonathan Allen. Quinn’s aggressive style is expected to emphasize blitzing and creating turnovers, with vital contributions anticipated from linebackers Bobby Wagner and Frankie Luvu.
Injury report: QB Sam Hartman, LB Jordan Magee, OT Brandon Coleman, S Darrick Forrest.
Dolphins Focus on Ground Game
The Miami Dolphins are looking to bounce back from a disappointing end to last season, where they were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs. With four consecutive winning seasons under their belt, the Dolphins are eager to secure their first playoff victory since 2000. Home-field advantage could be crucial as they aim to avoid another Wild Card road game.
In their preseason opener, Miami triumphed over the Falcons with a score of 20-13. The Dolphins relied heavily on their rushing attack, accumulating 144 yards on 35 carries. Quarterbacks Skylar Thompson and Mike White handled the aerial game, but neither made a significant impact in passing yards. Notably absent from the game were star quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and star receiver Tyreek Hill, yet the team managed to secure a win before their home crowd.
Head coach Mike McDaniel acknowledged the challenges faced due to depth issues, stating, “It was good to see our guys get a win in front of the home fans.” This sentiment reflects the importance of building team morale as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Injury report: S Jevon Holland, CB Jalen Ramsey, S Jordan Poyer, LB Jaelan Phillips, WR Braxton Berrios.
Betting Insights for Commanders vs. Dolphins
In Saturday’s preseason clash, the Washington Commanders may have the upper hand against the Miami Dolphins. The confidence in the Commanders stems from their quarterback situation. While Dolphins quarterbacks struggled in their last outing, combining for just over 100 yards with a shaky completion rate, Washington’s depth at quarterback, featuring Daniels and Driskel, offers a more reliable alternative.
The Dolphins’ preseason debut raised concerns, particularly with four fumbles recorded, indicating potential issues in ball security. The Commanders are likely to capitalize on these mistakes, especially with Quinn’s history of creating pressure on opposing quarterbacks. If the Commanders can neutralize Miami’s running game, they stand a strong chance of winning outright.
