Dolphins vs. Commanders highlights: Miami drops preseason opener

Miami had a great first drive, but after that, things were ugly.

Center Jim Bonifas was beaten, forcing Miller to make another rushed throw. The quarterback overthrew Jeremiah Franklin, and Commanders defensive back Malik Spencer picked it off. That was Miller’s second interception of the fourth quarter.

After getting the ball at Miami’s 33-yard line, Washington moved just nine yards in three plays, setting up Drew Stevens for a 41-yard field goal.

SCORE: Commanders 20, Dolphins 7

Dolphins guard James Ester was beaten badly, forcing Miller to rush a throw to Tahj Washington, and Commanders linebacker Ale Kaho intercepted the pass and set his team up with great field position.

On second-and-8, undrafted Dolphins rookie defensive end Mason Reiger came off the edge unabated and sacked Kaliakamnis for an 11-yard loss.

The third quarter of this game was tough to watch, as there were seven straight punts after the half. The two teams also combined for five three-and-outs.

SCORE: Commanders 17, Dolphins 7

After Malik Willis led the Dolphins on a touchdown-scoring drive, Quinn Ewers took over, and the unit struggled while he was in. He completed just one of eight passes for 27 yards with an interception. Cam Miller entered the game at quarterback for the team’s second possession of the second half.

Sam Hartman completed eight of 15 passes for 80 yards and an interception after replacing Marcus Mariota. To start the third quarter, the Commanders brought in Athan Kaliakmanis at quarterback.

Miami has really struggled since Ewers took over under center. Washington has scored 17 unanswered.

SCORE: Commanders 17, Dolphins 7

As the clock ran down in the second quarter, Commanders running back Kaytron Allen plugged through the middle for a one-yard touchdown on third-and-goal.

SCORE: Commanders 17, Dolphins 7

Commanders running back Robert Henry Jr. ran well early on, and on a first-and-10 play, he hit the right end and found his way to the end zone from 22 yards out. Rookie kicker Drew Stevens made the extra point.

SCORE: Commanders 10, Dolphins 7

After taking over at Miami’s 35-yard line, Hartman got the Commanders down to the 4-yard line. However, on third-and-goal, Dolphins linebacker David Ojabo and defensive end Max Llewellyn split a sack and forced a Jake Moody field goal. Moody barely made the kick, as it went off the upright and in.

SCORE: Commanders 3, Dolphins 7

Three plays into a new quarter, Ewers threw a ball in an area where there was no one except Commanders safety Quan Martin, who secured the interception and set his team up in great field position.

SCORE: Dolphins 7, Commanders 0

On a third-and-10 play with time running down in the first quarter, Commanders quarterback Sam Hartman looked for Dyami Brown, but the ball sailed. Cornerback Marco Wilson was in the right place for the pick.

Miami ran eight plays with Ewers under center for the first time. He completed one of his four passes for 27 yards, and it was to Jalen Tolbert, who was wide open. Miami also ran the ball four times for 27 yards. However, the drive stalled due to a Tahj Washington false start, and Ewers turned the ball over on downs on a failed fourth-down conversion.

The Dolphins allowed Malik Willis to start the game, and he led the offense on a touchdown-scoring drive on their first possession. However, Miami pulled him after just one series and put in Quinn Ewers.

De’Von Achane, Patrick Paul, Aaron Brewer and Austin Jackson are also done for the day.

With Jayden Daniels on the sideline, the Commanders started Marcus Mariota, but just five plays in, he suffered an injury and exited the game. Sam Hartman entered in his place.

The Dolphins, with their starters on the field, drove 93 yards in 14 plays, and it was all capped by a one-yard touchdown run from De’Von Achane.

Dolphins wide receiver Caleb Douglas, after messing up on what would’ve been a long gain just two plays earlier, made a one-handed grab for 28 yards with the defender all over him.

Miami has several starters ready to go for this game, but linebacker Jordyn Brooks, who recently received a multi-year extension, isn’t among them.

Prior to kickoff, Washington announced that the following players won’t participate in the preseason bout:

No. 5 QB Jayden DanielsNo. 17 WR Terry McLaurinNo. 78 T Laremy TunsilNo. 67 G Nick AllegrettiNo. 76 G Sam CosmiNo. 72 T Josh ConerlyNo. 85 TE Chig OkonkwoNo. 87 TE John BatesNo. 18 WR Stefon DiggsNo. 22 RB Jacory Croskey-MerrittNo. 94 DL Daron PayneNo. 91 DL Deatrich Wise Jr.No. 97 DL Tim Settle Jr.No. 99 DL Javon KinlawNo. 90 DL Charles OmenihuNo. 98 OLB Odafe OwehNo. 4 LB Frankie LuvuNo. 45 OLB K’Lavon ChaissonNo. 92 OLB Dorance ArmstrongNo. 23 CB Trey AmosNo. 2 CB Amik RobertsonNo. 0 CB Mike SainristilNo. 25 SS Nick CrossNo. 39 FS Jeremy ReavesNo. 1 RB Rachaad WhiteNo. 26 RB Jeremy McNicholsDolphins vs. Commanders start timeDate: Friday, Aug. 14Time: 7 p.m. ETLocation: Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland

Kickoff for the Dolphins’ preseason opener against the Commanders is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET.

What TV channel is Dolphins vs. Commanders on today?Dolphins vs. Commanders predictions

It’s going to be a rather boring game to watch. Hopefully, some younger players can flash a bit. Dolphins 16, Commanders 13