It was a night for the rookies, as the Washington Commanders defeated the Miami Dolphins 20-7 on Friday at Northwest Stadium. Here are some of the quick facts from the Commanders’ preseason-opening win:
Rookie coordinators Daronte Jones (defense) and David Blough (offense) were getting their initial opportunities in in-game action as NFL coordinators for the Commanders. Rookie RB Kaytron Allen was given every opportunity on Friday. He was called on to run the ball 23 times, gaining 85 yards, including a touchdown run and a long run of 16 yards. Rookie RB Robert Henry Jr. caught the attention the most on Friday. Henry went undrafted out of the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), yet gained 75 yards on his 12 carries, including a 22-yard touchdown run. Henry also returned a kickoff for 30 yards. Rookie quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis played his first NFL action, completing six of 10 passes for 87 passing yards. He displayed some ability in the pocket. Perhaps his ceiling will be a little higher than many anticipated when they heavily criticized GM Adam Peters for drafting the Rutgers quarterback. Both of the kickers competing for the job were successful on their only attempt. Incumbent Jake Moody made his despite hitting the right upright from 29 yards, and then Iowa rookie kicker Drew Stevens made his one attempt from 41 yards. The Commanders defense was one of the worst at creating turnovers in 2024 and 2025. Friday night, they intercepted Dolphin quarterbacks three times. Interceptions were made by Quan Martin, Malik Spencer, and Ale Kaho. Linebacker Kain Medrano also dropped a would-be pick-six. Perhaps the best defensive performance of the night came from DL Ricky Barber. Barber collected five tackles on the night, three of which were solo. Barber also was credited with a quarterback sack. NT Shy Tuttle also looked good, having three tackles, one of which was solo and a tackle for a loss. TE Colson Yankoff continues to produce in his opportunities. He made two catches and had a very nice block to spring RB Kaytron Allen. Jaylin Lane, in his second season from Virginia Tech, had three receptions for 31 yards. Dyami Brown, who returned this offseason, had a nice 22-yard reception on the Commanders' first offensive possession. Starting quarterback Jayden Daniels was given the night off, so backup QB Marcus Mariota got the start. After one first down to Dyami Brown, Mariota was hit, ran one more play, but went down pointing to his knee. He went to the blue tent, then walked to the locker room, never returning to play. Commanders said 26 players would be out tonight. That shouldn’t have surprised Commanders fans or media, because in the 2025 preseason opener, Dan Quinn sat out 30 Commanders. Here are the 26 players that sat out Friday.
Here are the 26 Commanders who are NOT playing tonight vs. Miami. Also: P Tress Way will only hold and Matt Haack will punt. pic.twitter.com/FJYFAve6rX — Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) August 14, 2026
The Commanders' defense gave up an opening 93 yards in a 14-play touchdown-scoring drive. Not an impressive start, as the Dolphins did whatever they attempted on the drive.
Washington is back in action next Saturday, as it travels to Detroit to face the Lions. This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Quick facts, numbers from Commanders' preseason win over Dolphins