Commanders top Dolphins 20-7 in preseason opener

Washington Commanders opened the preseason with a 20-7 win over the Miami Dolphins, as Malik Willis impressed for Miami early on while Marcus Mariota left the game with a leg injury and was sidelined for the majority of the action. The Commanders rested most starters, including Jayden Daniels, as the backup Sam Hartman saw uneven play after Mariota’s exit. On the Commanders’ side, Kaytron Allen ran for 85 yards and a touchdown, and undrafted Robert Henry Jr. stood out with 12 carries for 75 yards, signaling depth at running back. Defensively, first-round pick Sonny Styles saw action and wore the green dot to call plays, marking a notable debut for Washington’s defense. In a separate setback, Washington later endured a tougher playoff-like test as they fell 55-23 to the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Championship Game at Lincoln Financial Field, hampered by turnovers and a porous run defense. The varied performances highlight a Commanders team that is evaluating talent across the roster while managing injuries ahead of the regular season.