NFL Preseason Roundup: Dolphins’ New Offense Shows Promise Despite Loss

The Miami Dolphins produced an encouraging performance with their new-look offense despite losing 20-7 to the Washington Commanders in an NFL preseason game on Friday.

Miami’s strongest moment came on its opening drive, when the team’s starters moved 93 yards down the field for a touchdown.

New quarterback Malik Willis completed four of five passes for 43 yards during the drive before running back De’Von Achane finished the possession with a one-yard touchdown run after carrying the ball seven times.

Although Washington rested its starters, two young running backs competing for the team’s third running-back position made strong impressions.

Sixth-round draft pick Kaytron Allen rushed for 85 yards and a touchdown on 23 carries, while undrafted rookie Robert Henry Jr. recorded 75 yards and a touchdown on 12 attempts.

In another preseason matchup, the Denver Broncos defeated the Atlanta Falcons 27-7. Former Miami quarterback Tua Tagovailoa struggled in his first appearance for Atlanta, throwing for only 22 yards and losing a fumble over two drives.

The Falcons are expected to have Tagovailoa compete with Michael Penix Jr. for the starting quarterback role, although Penix is still recovering from knee surgery.

Denver quarterback Jarrett Stidham, playing because starter Bo Nix was rested, threw for 131 yards and a touchdown.

Wide receiver Courtland Sutton also impressed, recording three catches for 60 yards, including a 40-yard reception that set up Denver’s opening touchdown.

Meanwhile, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the New York Jets 24-16. Rookie quarterback Cade Klubnik stepped into the starting role after Geno Smith was ruled out with an ankle injury and guided the Jets to points on both of his drives.

Klubnik, a fourth-round selection from Clemson, completed five of seven passes for 56 yards and helped New York build a 10-point total. Tampa Bay then took control, scoring 24 of the game’s final 30 points.

The Buccaneers, who rested their starters, also benefited from rookie cornerback Ayden Garnes, who intercepted Bailey Zappe and returned the ball 47 yards for a touchdown that tied the game at 10-10.

Zappe finished the game with two interceptions.

The results highlighted a familiar feature of the NFL preseason: coaches often place greater emphasis on player development, individual performances and preparation for the regular season than on the final score.

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