Young Backs, Opportunistic Defense Carry Commanders Past Dolphins in Preseason Opener

Preseason football is less about the final score than the names that force their way into the conversation.

Robert Henry Jr. and Kaytron Allen did exactly that Friday night.

The two young running backs combined for 160 rushing yards and two touchdowns as the Washington Commanders opened the preseason with a 20-7 victory over the Miami Dolphins at Northwest Stadium.

Washington held out 26 players, including Jayden Daniels, Terry McLaurin, Stefon Diggs and most of its projected defensive starters. Miami opened the game with considerably more firepower on the field and immediately took advantage.

Malik Willis directed a 14-play, 93-yard opening drive that ended with De'Von Achane scoring from one yard out. The Dolphins moved the ball with little resistance, controlled the line of scrimmage and looked prepared to make it a long night for Washington's reserves.

Then the game changed.

The Commanders' defense did not allow another point and intercepted Miami quarterbacks three times. Quan Martin produced the first takeaway, followed by interceptions from Ale Kaho and Malik Spencer. After surrendering 93 yards on Miami's opening possession, Washington held the Dolphins to 133 yards for the remainder of the game.

"That's all we talk about, ball is life," Martin said after the game.

Martin said Washington's defenders are focused on creating takeaways and giving the offense additional opportunities.

The defense created short fields and gave the offense enough opportunities to take control.

Washington finished with a 334-226 advantage in total yards, converted eight of its 17 third-down attempts and held the ball for 35 minutes, 23 seconds. The Commanders rushed for 174 yards despite sitting Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Rachaad White and Jeremy McNichols. Miami committed three turnovers and converted just three of 12 third downs.

Henry and Allen Make Their Cases

Henry provided the game's first real jolt for Washington.

The undrafted rookie from UTSA followed a reach block from sixth-round offensive lineman Matt Gulbin, found the edge and outran Miami's defense for a 22-yard touchdown. Henry finished with 75 yards on 12 carries, averaging 6.3 yards per attempt.

Allen handled the heavier workload. The rookie carried 23 times for 85 yards and scored from one yard out with eight seconds remaining in the first half, giving Washington a 17-7 lead.

"Seeing Rob score, I knew I had to score," Allen said.

Allen credited Henry's touchdown with adding energy to his own performance.

Neither player secured a roster spot Friday night. That is not how August works. But both gave Washington's coaches legitimate evidence to study, particularly in a crowded running back room.

Mariota's Injury Creates a Question

The victory came with one significant concern.

Veteran backup quarterback Marcus Mariota suffered a non-contact leg injury after only four offensive plays. Mariota walked off the field under his own power, but head coach Dan Quinn did not provide an immediate diagnosis after the game.

Sam Hartman replaced Mariota and completed eight of 15 passes for 80 yards with one interception. His night began poorly, but he settled down during the second quarter and helped Washington produce 17 unanswered points.

The quarterback situation will receive attention until Mariota's condition becomes clearer. The more encouraging development, however, happened along the line of scrimmage.

Washington's reserve offensive line consistently created running lanes. The defense recovered from an ugly opening drive, pressured Miami's backup quarterbacks and repeatedly put the offense in favorable field position.

It was not pretty from the opening whistle. Preseason football rarely is. But Washington's young players responded once the game settled down, and several of them made sure the coaches will have to keep watching.

The Commanders return to action Saturday, Aug. 22, when they visit the Detroit Lions at noon Eastern.