The Washington Commanders fell to the Miami Dolphins 16-13 in overtime in the NFL’s first-ever game in Spain. The loss is Washington’s sixth straight, and it had several chances to win, but mistakes at critical times proved too much to overcome, even if the defense played its best game in weeks.
Head coach Dan Quinn did an excellent job in his first game since taking over as defensive coordinator for the demoted Joe Whitt Jr. Washington had two goal-line stands on fourth down. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough, as the Commanders‘ offense also had its issues in the red zone and missed two field goals.
Final score: Dolphins 16, Commanders 13Numbers to know2: Washington turned the ball over twice. Miami did not turn the ball over. Marcus Mariota’s interception in overtime proved to be the difference in the game. Mariota played well, but made one bad decision. Mike Sainristil’s muffed punt on Washington’s side of the field late in the fourth quarter was costly, too, as the Commanders would have had excellent field position.6-13: The Commanders were a solid 6 of 13 on third downs. Those are respectable numbers. Unfortunately, they stalled too often in the red zone.1-3: Kicker Matt Gay missed two field goals, including the potential game-winner. Sure, both were over 50 yards, but distance wasn’t the issue.172: The Commanders rushed for 172 yards, actually outgaining the Dolphins by three yards. Chris Rodriguez led the way with 79 yards, but inexplicably disappeared late in the game.311: Miami finished with 311 total yards, which is impressive considering Washington’s defensive struggles in recent weeks. The Commanders had 379 total yards.It was over when….
We could point to two instances. First, Matt Gay’s missed 56-yard field goal in the final seconds of regulation. He had the leg, but pushed it wide — again. It was his second miss of the day.
Of course, we have to mention Marcus Mariota’s lone mistake of the day, the interception on the first play of overtime. Once he turned it over, all the Dolphins had to do was kick a field goal, and it was over. That’s what they did—an unfortunate ending for Mariota, who played well again.
3 stars of the gameQB Marcus Mariota: 20 of 30, 213 passing yards, one TD, one INT, 4 carries, 49 rushing yardsWR Deebo Samuel: 7 catches, 74 yards, one touchdownRB Chris Rodriguez Jr: 15 carries, 79 yardsWhat’s next
A week off. A much-needed week off. The Commanders will fly back to the United States and have a week off, hoping to get some players healthy. There is optimism that quarterback Jayden Daniels and wide receiver Terry McLaurin can return in Week 13. The Denver Broncos come to town in what’s supposed to be a game of Sunday Night Football, but that could change.