A look at the upcoming joint practice for the Miami Dolphins and Washington Commanders.
The Miami Dolphins are set for their first joint practice of the preseason, as the team will face off against the Washington Commanders on Aug. 12 ahead of their matchup on Aug. 14.
With that in mind, the Dolphins have also released their first unofficial depth chart, which features many rookies in prominent starting positions.
It will be interesting to see how those rookies perform against a team they have not been practicing with for weeks.
There are some big questions that need to be answered for the Dolphins in preseason, and plenty of their positions will be tested against this Commanders team.
That said, Roundtable Commanders' Ahmed Gafir offered some insight on what to expect in a joint practice Q&A.
With Washington’s secondary TBD, how can Miami’s pass catchers test the unit this week?
Dolphins:
"Miami has a seemingly equal problem at wide receiver, as there are many players who will be showcasing their talents to earn the starting job. The unit was supposed to be led by Jalen Tolbert and Tutu Atwell, but that might no longer be the case.
"The Commanders will have to look out for Malik Washington and rookie Caleb Douglas. Both have the ability to create space and go up for the contested catch. Washington has some dangerous YAC abilities as well. Look for the Dolphins to go for the deep shots to test the Commanders' secondary."
With a fully healthy Jayden Daniels, will it be concerning if he is silenced by this weaker Dolphins secondary?
Commanders:
It would be if the zip and accuracy that we’ve seen in OTAs through training camp were missing, because that’s what has been tough to ignore so far. But now facing new faces and a new team, I think how effective the passing attack is would be the bigger question. With all the concern about the quality of Washington’s pass catchers, the arrival of veteran Stefon Diggs now adds intrigue to the WRs alongside Terry McLaurin and rookie Antonio Williams.
"How the pieces mesh, how the efficiency stacks up, and how effective first-year OC David Blough can be installing his new scheme are the question marks. What hiccups surface in the passing attack? Sure, JD5 will have to prove himself, but how the new-look passing attack ultimately fares will be what drives concern through the first week of preseason."
Where have the Dolphins made strides under first year HC Jeff Hafley?
Dolphins:
"Hafley has not been wanting to talk about the Dolphins’ identity or outright say there is a culture already built in this team, but it has been. Miami is playing with a physicality they did not have under Mike McDaniel, or rather, it is a style of play that is not the same.
"There is physicality and toughness that has shown in training camp and throughout the offseason program that could shock some people if the team truly puts it al together."
What Commanders unit is well ahead of the curve?
"Maybe the DL, even though how the unit ultimately shakes out remains a waiting game. But there are multiple pieces, and all have raved about both their fit and potential impact under new DC Daronte Jones. Between Daron Payne, Javon Kinlaw, Jer’Zhan Newton, Tim Settle and Shy Tuttle, the Commanders have quality depth along the DL.
"Add in Charles Omenihu, one of two former Chiefs defenders who signed with the team in free agency, and there’s a lot to like. Miami’s OL wasn’t bad last season, but how they handle Washington’s rotations and depth will be an exciting battle to watch unfold."
What’s the matchup you’re most looking forward to watching?
Dolphins:
"It has to be the Dolphins' pass rush vs the Commanders' offensive line. Losing Laremy Tunsil is huge, and it is a bit of a bummer due to not being able to test Chop Robinson and the pass rush against one of the better linemen in the league.
Now, can Miami still get loose and get after Jayden Daniels? Will the Commanders' line hold without one of their anchors? This will be a big litmus test for both teams."
Commanders:
"With Laremy Tunsil now sidelined, left tackle is a position to watch for Washington. HC Dan Quinn already confirmed that expected starting center Nick Allegretti will be unavailable for both the joint practice and preseason game, but left tackle is the one that may be more concerning. Quinn also confirmed that Brandon Coleman will shift from left guard to left tackle, a position he’s played before during the NFC Championship game run but will now need to prove himself.
"Enter Chop Robinson, a Quince Orchard grad back in his old stomping grounds who will get a chance to test the Commanders’ quality at LT, both in joint practice then the game. Maybe no position will be under the microscope more than this for the Commanders."
