Survival Mode Against Commanders by the Miami Dolphins

With their AFC playoff hopes hanging by a thread, the Miami Dolphins entered their Week 16 matchup against the Washington Commanders in “survival mode”— a gritty, focused approach that prioritizes minimizing mistakes, leaning on strengths, and doing whatever it takes to secure a win. Entering the game with a 9-6 record, the Dolphins knew a loss would all but eliminate them from playoff contention, while a win would keep them in the hunt for a wild-card spot. Against a Commanders team fighting to end their own disappointing season on a high note, the Dolphins abandoned their usual high-octane, pass-heavy offense in favor of a more balanced, defense-first strategy. Survival Mode Against Commanders by the Miami Dolphins explores how this tactical shift unfolded, the key plays that decided the game, and what it means for the Dolphins’ fading playoff chances.

The Dolphins’ “survival mode” was defined by two core pillars: a lockdown defense and a mistake-free running game. Head coach Mike McDaniel, known for his aggressive offensive schemes, made a deliberate choice to scale back the passing attack and lean on running backs Raheem Mostert and De’Von Achane. The duo combined for 28 carries, rushing for 156 yards and two touchdowns— a stark contrast to the Dolphins’ season average of 112 rushing yards per game. On defense, coordinator Vic Fangio dialed up pressure early and often, with defensive ends Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips combining for three sacks and forcing two fumbles. The Dolphins also focused on limiting Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin, assigning cornerback Xavien Howard to shadow him for the entire game— holding McLaurin to just three catches for 29 yards. “Survival mode means doing the things that win games, not the things that look flashy,” McDaniel said before the game. “We’re not here to put on a show— we’re here to get a win.” Survival Mode Against Commanders by the Miami Dolphins frames this tactical discipline as the foundation of the team’s approach.

The game’s turning point came in the third quarter, when the Dolphins’ “survival mode” strategy paid off in a critical sequence that swung momentum their way. Trailing 14-13 after a Commanders touchdown early in the quarter, the Dolphins’ defense forced a three-and-out, with Phillips sacking Commanders quarterback Sam Howell on third down to push Washington back 10 yards. On the ensuing offensive drive, the Dolphins stuck to their running game, with Mostert carrying the ball five times for 32 yards— including a 12-yard touchdown run that put Miami ahead 20-14. The Commanders responded with a drive deep into Dolphins territory, but the defense stepped up again: safety Jevon Holland intercepted Howell in the end zone, ending Washington’s best chance to retake the lead. “That sequence was survival mode in action,” Howard said after the game. “We stopped them on defense, then went out and scored on offense— no mistakes, no wasted opportunities. That’s how you win when everything is on the line.” Survival Mode Against Commanders by the Miami Dolphins highlights how this pivotal stretch encapsulated the team’s focused mindset.

A key challenge for the Miami Dolphins in survival mode was avoiding the turnovers that had plagued them earlier in the season. Entering the game, the Dolphins ranked 22nd in the NFL with 21 turnovers, but against the Commanders, they played a near-flawless game: quarterback Tua Tagovailoa completed 18 of 24 passes for 192 yards with no interceptions, and the running backs didn’t fumble once. Tagovailoa, who has faced criticism for his decision-making in pressure situations, made smart, short throws to keep the chains moving— avoiding risky deep passes that could lead to turnovers. “Tua played like a leader today,” McDaniel said. “He didn’t try to do too much; he just made the plays that were there. That’s what you need in survival mode— consistency, not heroics.” For the Miami Dolphins, this turnover-free performance was a stark improvement from their Week 15 loss to the Bills, where Tagovailoa threw two interceptions. Survival Mode Against Commanders by the Miami Dolphins examines how avoiding mistakes became a defining factor in the win.

Another critical aspect of the Dolphins’ survival mode was their ability to adjust to the Commanders’ late-game push. With less than four minutes left in the fourth quarter, the Commanders cut the Dolphins’ lead to 23-21 after a 3-yard touchdown run by Brian Robinson Jr. Washington then recovered an onside kick, giving them the ball at their own 45-yard line with a chance to take the lead. But the Dolphins’ defense didn’t break: Chubb sacked Howell on first down, and the Commanders were forced to punt after three plays. The Dolphins then ran out the clock with three straight carries by Achane, securing the win. “We knew they’d come at us hard at the end,” Fangio said. “But our defense stayed focused. We didn’t panic— we just did our jobs.” For the Miami Dolphins, this late-game resilience was a sign that their survival mode strategy wasn’t just a pre-game plan; it was a mindset that carried them through the game’s most stressful moments. Survival Mode Against Commanders by the Miami Dolphins explores how this adaptability helped the team hold on for the win.

While the win against the Commanders keeps the Miami Dolphins’ playoff hopes alive, it also raises questions about whether they can sustain this survival mode approach for their final regular-season game against the Patriots. The Dolphins will need another mistake-free performance and a little help from other teams to secure a wild-card spot— a tall order, but one that feels more achievable after their win over Washington. For Tagovailoa and the offense, the challenge will be balancing the discipline of survival mode with the aggressiveness needed to beat a tough Patriots defense. For the defense, it will mean continuing to pressure opposing quarterbacks and limit big plays. “This win is a step in the right direction, but it’s just one step,” McDaniel said. “We’re still in survival mode— and we’ll stay there until we’re in the playoffs.” Survival Mode Against Commanders by the Miami Dolphins concludes by noting that while the win was crucial, the Dolphins’ true test of survival will come in their season finale— a game that could determine whether their 2027 season lives on or ends in disappointment.