The Miami Dolphins dropped their first game of the 2026 preseason to the Washington Commanders, 20-7.
Miami started the game hot with a long, successful 14-play, 93-yard drive that put them in the end zone. It was a promising start; however, there wasn’t much after that.
The Dolphins gave us our first look at what they could become this season, and the results were mixed. There were some positives, but there were also plenty of things to dislike. Here are the biggest takeaways from the bad.
Here are five things we did not like about the Dolphins in their preseason opener.
5. The Run Defense Struggled Badly
Miami’s defense simply couldn't hold up throughout the course of the contest. The Commanders ran successfully against Miami’s reserves, with running back Robert Henry Jr. ripping off a 75-yard rushing performance and scoring on a 22-yard run.
Commanders back Kaytron Allen also was productive, as the Dolphins saw them pull away in the second quarter of the contest.
For a Dolphins defense under Jeff Hafley, which is supposed to establish a more physical identity, getting gashed on the ground by backups isn't ideal. The run defense is a major concern after Week 1 of preseason.
4. The Offensive Line Depth Was a Major Problem
The backup offensive line was concerning. The starting group did some positive things early, but once they got off the field, the protection deteriorated badly. Dolphins backup quarterback Quinn Ewers appeared uncomfortable, and the reserve offensive line struggled to give him a chance to operate.
Dolphins backup center Andrew Meyer struggled mightily, creating major issues in pass protection. Meyer is currently listed as the team's backup center on Miami's unofficial depth chart.
3. Offense Disappeared After Stellar First Drive
As we mentioned, the Dolphins opened the game with a 93-yard touchdown drive. Things were looking up for the offense, but the high point came at that moment.
The Dolphins were held scoreless for the rest of the game. Although it’s only preseason, that’s concerning due to the fact that Maimi is trying to establish a new offensive identity under Jeffe Hafley and offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik.
The offense simply couldn't sustain its early success.
2. Overall Depth was Disastrous
From quarterback, offensive line, wide receiver, edge rusher, cornerback, and safety, it was obvious the Dolphins lacked depth at many major positions.
Depth was a concern for the Dolphins entering the season, and their preseason opener only reinforced those concerns. The lack of quality depth was evident on both sides of the ball.
1. Backup Quarterbacks Quinn Ewers and Cam Miller
All in all, the depth was concerning, but not more than the backup quarterbacks Quinn Ewers and Cam Miller.
Ewers and Miller combined for 4-of-19 in their pass attempts for 66 yards and three interceptions. Miller threw two of his own.
They couldn’t do anything right, as the Miami offense only had more than three plays in an offensive series once after their opening drive.