COMMANDERS DOMINATE THE DOLPHINS

The Washington Commanders played an outstanding game giving up just 7 points in their first exhibition game of the season, defeating the Dolphins on Friday, August 14, 20 – 7.

The Dolphins scored their only points in the game on their opening drive, as they marched down the field, aided by 2 penalties and a spectacular one handed catch by Wide Receiver Caleb Douglas, on a pass from newly acquired Quarterback Malik Willis, to score a touchdown and their only points of the game . 7 – 0 DOLPHINS

From there on out the Dolphins were drowned in burgundy and gold.

The game began poorly for the Commanders and got worse when Quarterback Marcus Mariotta sprained the MCL in his right knee after getting knocked down by a Dolphins Defensive lineman on a long pass completion in the first quarter.

Early in the 2nd Quarter, Linebacker Ale Kaho picked off a pass from Dolphins Quarterback Cam Miller, the first of 3 interceptions by the Commanders, that got the team moving in the right direction.

The Commanders Defense was outstanding after the Dolphins initial drive, stopping the Dolphins on 4th and 2 at midfield. With excellent field position, Commanders backup Quarterback Sam Hartman, who took over for injured Mariotta, had the Commanders on the move. Unfortunately, he sailed a pass over his receiver near the goal line and the ball was intercepted.

On the Dolphins ensuing drive, Commanders free safety, Quinn Martin, got the football back when he intercepted an errant pass that led to a 29 yd Field Goal by Place kicker Jake Moody. 7 – 3 DOLPHINS

The Commanders Defense smothered the Dolphins the remainder of the Game and the Offense began to roll ‼️

Midway through the second quarter, the Commanders Offense found pay dirt, led by un-drafted free agent running back Robert Henry Jr who gained 57 yards on the drive and scored the first touchdown of the season on a 22 yd jaunt down the right sideline . 10 -7 COMMANDERS

With just under 3 minutes remaining in the first half, the Commanders scored again, going 65 yds with 11 plays ending in the end zone on a Kayton Allen 2 yd touchdown run with just 8 seconds remaining in the first half. 17 – 7 COMMANDERS

Commanders rookie Quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis took all the snaps from center in the 2nd half. He led the offense effectively in his professional debut going 6 – 10 for 87 yds.

Drew Stevens kicked a 42 yd field goal late in the 4th quarter, the only points scored in the 2nd half The Commanders Defense was outstanding throughout the game and held the Dolphins scoreless in the 2nd half. Malik Spencer captured the Commanders 3rd interception late in the 4th quarter to seal the deal.