From quarterback play to position battles, here are five key storylines to watch as the Miami Dolphins open the preseason against Washington.
Although the result will not count in the standings, the Miami Dolphins will officially begin the Jeff Hafley era when they take the field Friday for their preseason opener against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium, with kickoff set for 7 p.m. ET.
With a new coaching staff, a revamped roster, and plenty of position battles, there will be several things worth monitoring beyond the final score.
1. Malik Willis' Debut
The biggest storyline will be Willis, who is expected to start at quarterback, with head coach Jeff Hafley not alluding to how much Willis will play.
The Dolphins made a significant commitment to Willis this offseason after moving on from Tua Tagovailoa, and Friday will provide the first opportunity to see him operate the offense in a game setting.
Hafley has emphasized allowing Willis to be himself while continuing to develop as a quarterback.
2. How Much De'Von Achane Plays
Yes, running back De’Von Achane, who signed a four-year contract extension this offseason, is also expected to play Friday.
"Everybody who is on our team right now needs to be ready to play," Hafley said Monday during his media availability.
Achane remains one of Miami’s most dynamic offensive players, but the Dolphins have little reason to expose him to unnecessary hits in the preseason.
Even a limited workload could offer a glimpse into how Miami plans to use him.
3. Hafley's Defense First Look
Friday will also mark the first real test of Hafley’s defensive philosophy. The Dolphins have a new defensive coordinator in Sean Duggan, although Hafley will call the plays.
Miami has spent the offseason installing Duggan’s defense, and the preseason opener should provide an early look at how aggressively the unit plays and which young defenders stand out.
4. Offensive Line Synergy
The Dolphins need to establish consistency up front, making the offensive line another position group to watch.
Left tackle Patrick Paul, rookie left guard Kadyn Proctor, center Aaron Brewer, right guard Jonah Savaiinaea and right tackle Austin Jackson are among the players currently listed atop the depth chart, while the competition for other spots remains unsettled.
How well the unit protects Willis and creates running lanes will be telling.
5. Caleb Douglas' Performance
Rookie wide receiver Caleb Douglas, selected in the third round, has been one of the more impressive players in training camp and continued to make plays during Wednesday’s joint practice against Washington.
With the receiver room featuring several players competing for opportunities, Douglas could strengthen his case for a significant starting role with another strong performance.
