Tua Tagovailoa delivered a textbook performance in his limited appearance, guiding the Dolphins to their first score before yielding to the backup unit. The Commanders managed only field goals through the middle quarters, unable to find the end zone against Miami’s aggressive defensive front. The low-scoring affair highlighted the importance of field position and the Dolphins’ ability to capitalize on opponent mistakes.

What Was the Final Score and Box Score Summary?

The Dolphins emerged victorious by a 13-6 margin in a game where scoring proved difficult for both teams. Miami’s points came via one touchdown and two field goals, while Washington managed only two field goals across the first half of play. Neither team reached the end zone after the opening quarter, as defenses took control of the proceedings.

Quarter-by-Quarter Scoring Breakdown

The Dolphins struck first with a 13-yard touchdown pass from Tagovailoa to River Cracraft in the opening quarter. Jason Sanders added a 39-yard field goal in the second quarter to extend Miami’s lead, then connected on a 33-yard attempt in the third quarter. For the Commanders, Riley Patterson accounted for both Washington scores with field goals of 38 yards and an additional kick during the second quarter.

Key Takeaways from Player Performances

• Tua Tagovailoa completed all five pass attempts for 51 yards and one touchdown during his single series of work
• The Dolphins defense recorded four sacks and created the game’s only turnover
• Miami converted 31 percent of third-down opportunities compared to Washington’s 28 percent efficiency
• The Dolphins allowed zero turnovers while forcing one interception and one fumble recovery
• Both teams combined for only one red-zone touchdown across five attempts
• Miami’s special teams contributed with consistent field position throughout the second half
• Washington’s offensive line struggled, allowing four sacks against Miami’s pass rush

Team Statistics Comparison

Who Were the Top Passing Performers?

The quarterback matchup featured contrasting approaches, with Miami’s starter making the most of limited opportunities while Washington’s backup unit attempted to mount a comeback. Tagovailoa’s efficiency stood out as the defining storyline of the passing game, though both teams relied heavily on their reserve signal-callers once the starters departed.

Tagovailoa’s performance was notably surgical. He connected on five of five attempts for 51 yards and found the end zone once during his brief appearance. His single series resulted in the game’s opening touchdown, demonstrating the precision that Miami’s coaching staff sought to establish before the regular season. The Dolphins’ passing attack as a unit finished with 228 yards on 24 completions across 39 attempts, averaging 9.5 yards per attempt.

How Did the Defenses Perform?

Miami’s defensive unit set the tone early, consistently pressuring Washington’s quarterbacks and disrupting timing in the passing game. The Dolphins finished with four sacks and created the game’s decisive turnover when they recovered a fumble near midfield. Washington struggled to establish any consistent offensive rhythm, particularly after the first quarter, as Miami’s front seven controlled the line of scrimmage.

The Commanders’ offense managed only 344–379 total yards but failed to convert that production into points. Their red-zone performance proved particularly problematic, as Washington could only manage field goals despite multiple trips inside Miami’s 20-yard line. The Dolphins’ defense bent but didn’t break, forcing Washington to settle for three points when touchdowns were needed.

What Do These Results Mean for Both Teams?

For Miami, the victory provided exactly what the coaching staff would have wanted from their starters: efficient, mistake-free play that set an early tone. Tagovailoa’s brief appearance demonstrated the offensive system’s consistency regardless of who is under center. The Dolphins now head into the remainder of the preseason with momentum and confidence, though they’ll need to translate that success into regular-season play.

Washington faces a longer road ahead after falling to 0-2 in exhibition play. The offensive line issues exposed against Miami’s pass rush will need addressing before the regular season begins. However, the Commanders saw enough from their reserve players to evaluate roster depth, and several young contributors showed promise despite the losing effort.

Looking Ahead to the Regular Season

Both teams now turn their attention toward finalizing rosters and preparing for the upcoming campaign. Miami will look to build upon its successful preseason showing, while Washington seeks to correct the issues that plagued its exhibition performances. The NFL preseason provides final opportunities for players to prove their worth before rosters are set.

The Dolphins’ defense will need to maintain its aggressive approach against regular-season opponents, while the offense looks to build upon the foundation established during Tagovailoa’s limited work. Washington’s offensive line must show significant improvement if the team hopes to compete consistently throughout the season.

Game Summary

The Miami Dolphins’ 13-6 victory over the Washington Commanders showcased the importance of defensive execution and efficient quarterback play during the preseason. While neither team lit up the scoreboard, the Dolphins demonstrated the qualities that typically translate to regular-season success: minimizing mistakes, converting key opportunities, and getting contributions from multiple areas of the roster.

Washington showed flashes of potential on offense but ultimately couldn’t overcome its own inefficiency in scoring situations. The Commanders will need to clean up those issues before their season opener, while Miami can feel encouraged by what its team accomplished during two weeks of exhibition football.