Landover, MD- The Washington Commanders opened the 2026 season against the Miami Dolphins on Friday Night at Northwest Stadium with a 20-7 win. With the Commanders going to hard during the joint practice on Wednesday a lot of starters did not play. However a lot of players battling for positions did. Here are my thoughts on the game and performance.

The Good

• The Running Game- Once the first drive settled down, the offense effectively ran the ball. Kaytron Allen and and Robert Henry Jr. both looked explosive, fast, and strong. I have thought there is not a battle for the 4th running back position but there maybe. Whichever one does not make the roster should be on practice squad.
• Linebackers- There was some good play from the younger linebackers tonight. Ale Kaho had an interception while wearing the green dot, Sony Styles did as well. Kain Medrano showed some flashes as well. The level of this position has flipped in a year.
• Forcing Turnovers- One point of emphasis for the defense was creating turnovers and tonight they were able to force three. Those plays just didn’t happen in 2025 and the more of these they create the better, no matter the opponent.

The Bad

• Slow Start- The first drive from the Dolphin Offense went down the field for 91 yards in 14 plays. Dolphins were able to run up the middle. To be fair the Dolphins played their starters and Washington didn’t, still should have been a bit better.
• Backup Quarterback- In the limited action we saw Marcus Mariota he looked uncomfortable and indecisive. Sam Hartman came in after Mariota’s injury and didn’t look good at first. However he settled down and played much better. Athan Kaliakmanis started strong but lost that groove.
• Injuries- Marcus Mariota didn’t survive the first drive as he went down with what looked like a knee injury. Fred Davis II had one in the 3rd quarter where he initally walked off but ended up on the cart. Hopefully there was nothing serious in those situations.

The Ugly

• Moody Off the Post- Jake Moody got the first opportunity to kick field goals tonight and he was shaky. His first kick he made but bounced it off the post from 29 yards. Then on an extra point he missed right but their was an offsides which gave him another chance which he hit. Moody can’t afford those bad kicks.
•  Northwest has to wait a month- There is no more home football until September 27th against the defending Super Bowl Champion Seattle Seahawks.

Felix Trammell