The Miami Dolphins continued their impressive season by securing a commanding 45-15 victory over the Washington Commanders on Sunday afternoon at FedExField.
This victory improved the Dolphins’ record to 9-3, a feat they hadn’t achieved since 2001.
Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa was the driving force behind the Dolphins’ offensive prowess, throwing for 280 yards and delivering two spectacular touchdowns, both spanning over 60 yards, to wide receiver Tyreek Hill. Hill showcased his explosiveness, accumulating five receptions for 157 yards, averaging an impressive 31.4 yards per catch.
Adding to the Dolphins’ offensive firepower, running back De’Von Achane contributed 73 rushing yards and scored two touchdowns. Linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel, making his first start since Week 7, made a significant impact on defense with five tackles, two passes defensed, and a pick-six.
Defense successfully contained Commanders quarterback Sam Howell
The Dolphins’ defense successfully contained Commanders quarterback Sam Howell, who leads the NFL in passing yards through 12 weeks. Howell was limited to career lows in passing yards (127), yards per pass attempt (5.52), completion percentage (52.2), passing first downs (5), and a season low in completions (12).
Miami wasted no time in establishing their dominance. Tagovailoa launched a 78-yard touchdown pass to Hill on the team’s third offensive play from scrimmage, setting the tone early with a 7-0 lead. The Dolphins extended their lead with a 49-yard field goal by Jason Sanders, making it 10-0 with 3:39 left in the first quarter.
The Dolphins’ defense continued to shine when Van Ginkel intercepted a screen pass from Howell and returned it 33 yards for a pick-six, extending Miami’s lead to 17-0 in the opening quarter.
Although the Commanders managed to get on the scoreboard with a Howell quarterback sneak, reducing the deficit to 17-7, the Dolphins swiftly responded. Tagovailoa connected with Hill for another 60-yard touchdown pass, reasserting Miami’s dominance with a 24-7 lead in the second quarter.
A commanding 31-7 halftime lead
As the first half drew to a close, the Dolphins orchestrated an 11-play, 76-yard possession, culminating in Raheem Mostert’s one-yard touchdown run. This gave the Dolphins a commanding 31-7 lead heading into halftime.
Miami’s offensive momentum carried into the second half, as they embarked on a nine-play, 75-yard scoring drive. De’Von Achane capped it off with a four-yard touchdown run, increasing the Dolphins’ lead to 38-7.
The Commanders managed to put up additional points with a touchdown by Howell and a successful two-point conversion, making it 38-15 in the third quarter.
The Dolphins sealed their impressive victory with a 13-play drive in the fourth quarter, consuming 7 minutes and 50 seconds of game clock. Achane scored his second touchdown of the day on a fourth-and-2 run from the two-yard line, completing the 45-15 triumph.
The Dolphins will return to Hard Rock Stadium on December 11 to face the Tennessee Titans (4-8) on Monday Night Football, with kickoff scheduled for 8:15 p.m. ET on ESPN. Miami’s strong performance underscores their determination in the playoff race and highlights their potential for a successful season.
