Commanders Game Analysis Breaks Down Win for the Miami Dolphins

In the Miami Dolphins’ 2025 playoff push, every win carries weight—but their 31-17 victory over the Washington Commanders stood out as a masterclass in balanced football. Commanders Game Analysis Breaks Down Win for the Miami Dolphins isn’t just a recap of scores and stats; it’s a deep dive into how the Dolphins turned a potential trap game into a statement win, fixing lingering issues from their midseason slump and proving they can dominate both sides of the ball. Played on a crisp December afternoon at Hard Rock Stadium, the game saw the Dolphins control tempo, exploit Commanders’ weaknesses, and avoid the turnovers that had plagued them earlier in the season. For coaches, players, and fans, this win wasn’t just about adding a notch to their record—it was about building confidence ahead of a brutal final stretch against the Ravens and Bills.

Commanders Game Analysis Breaks Down Win for the Miami Dolphins begins with the offense’s standout performance, which balanced run and pass to keep Washington’s defense off-balance. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa was efficient, completing 22 of 28 passes (78.6% completion rate) for 265 yards and two touchdowns, with zero interceptions. What made the offense so effective, though, was its commitment to the run game: Raheem Mostert and De’Von Achane combined for 168 rushing yards on 32 carries (5.25 yards per carry), including a 45-yard touchdown run by Achane in the third quarter. The Dolphins’ offensive line—often criticized for inconsistency—shined, allowing just one sack and creating holes for the running backs against a Commanders’ defensive front that had recorded 10 sacks in their previous two games. “We stuck to the game plan: run to set up the pass,” offensive coordinator Frank Smith said after the game. “When we can run the ball like that, it takes pressure off Tua and opens up play-action passes. That’s the formula we need to keep using.” The offense also converted 7 of 11 third downs (63.6%), a massive improvement over their season average of 48.2% entering the game.

Commanders Game Analysis Breaks Down Win for the Miami Dolphins also highlights the defense’s ability to force turnovers and stop Washington’s key playmakers. The Dolphins recorded three takeaways—two interceptions and a fumble recovery—all of which led to points. Cornerback Xavien Howard, returning from a minor knee sprain, picked off Commanders’ quarterback Sam Howell twice, including a critical interception in the end zone late in the second quarter that prevented Washington from tying the game. Edge rusher Bradley Chubb, meanwhile, recorded two sacks and forced a fumble that defensive tackle Christian Wilkins recovered at the Commanders’ 20-yard line—setting up a Dolphins’ field goal. The defense also held Commanders’ star running back Brian Robinson Jr. to just 49 yards on 18 carries (2.72 yards per carry), limiting Washington’s ability to control tempo. “Our focus was on stopping the run and making Howell throw into tight windows,” defensive coordinator Vic Fangio explained. “We simplified our coverages, trusted our players to execute, and it paid off. Takeaways win games, and today we got exactly what we needed.”

Commanders Game Analysis Breaks Down Win for the Miami Dolphins includes a closer look at the special teams unit, which played a crucial role in field position and momentum. Kicker Jason Sanders was perfect, making all three of his field goal attempts (38, 42, and 45 yards) and all four extra points. Punter Jake Bailey averaged 48.5 yards per punt, with two of his four punts landing inside the Commanders’ 20-yard line—pinning Washington deep in their own territory and forcing long drives. The return game also contributed: Ray-Ray McCloud, signed just a week earlier, returned three kickoffs for an average of 26.3 yards, including a 32-yard return that set the Dolphins up at their own 45-yard line in the third quarter. “Special teams doesn’t always get the credit, but today they were a difference-maker,” special teams coordinator Danny Crossman said. “Field position is everything, and Jason, Jake, and Ray-Ray helped us win that battle.” The Miami Dolphins’ special teams unit, which had been a liability earlier in the season (ranking 22nd in kickoff return average), has now become a strength—critical for the playoffs, where small margins often decide games.

Commanders Game Analysis Breaks Down Win for the Miami Dolphins also spotlights standout individual performances that went beyond the box score. Tight end Darren Waller, playing in just his second game back from IR, hauled in five catches for 62 yards, including a 20-yard reception on third-and-10 that kept a key scoring drive alive in the fourth quarter. Waller’s ability to line up in the slot and out wide forced the Commanders to use linebackers to cover him—creating mismatches that the Dolphins exploited. “Darren is a game-changer,” Tagovailoa said. “Having him back means defenses can’t just focus on Tyreek [Hill] and Jaylen [Waddle]. He opens up so many options for us.” On defense, linebacker Jerome Baker recorded 12 tackles (8 solo) and a pass deflection, leading a unit that held the Commanders to just 288 total yards—well below their season average of 356 yards per game. The Miami Dolphins’ depth was also on display: backup running back Salvon Ahmed, who entered the game when Mostert left briefly with a cramp, rushed for 32 yards on 6 carries, ensuring the offense didn’t miss a beat.

Commanders Game Analysis Breaks Down Win for the Miami Dolphins wraps up with the game’s impact on the Dolphins’ playoff positioning. With the win, the Dolphins improved to 10-5, keeping them one game behind the Bills in the AFC East and solidifying their hold on a wild-card spot. According to ESPN’s Football Power Index, their playoff odds jumped from 72% to 85ter the game— a significant boost ahead of their final two games. More importantly, the win showed the Dolphins can beat a team that plays a physical style, something they’ll need to do against the Ravens and Bills. “This win was a test, and we passed it,” head coach Mike McDaniel said. “We played complementary football—offense, defense, special teams all working together. That’s what you need to win in December and January.” For the Miami Dolphins, this victory over the Commanders wasn’t just another win—it was a reminder of their potential. As they head into the final stretch, this game will serve as a blueprint: balance the offense, force turnovers, and win the special teams battle. If they can replicate this performance, they’ll be a dangerous team in the playoffs. In the end, Commanders Game Analysis Breaks Down Win for the Miami Dolphins is a story of a team hitting its stride at the right time—a team that’s finally living up to the hype that surrounded it before the season began.