Miami Dolphins vs. Washington Commanders GAMEDAY Preview: Can Sam Howell Lead Team To Upset Win?
On a three-game losing streak, the Washington Commanders will host AFC East division leader Miami Dolphins this afternoon at FedEx Field.
Washington fired defensive coaches Jack Del Rio and Brent Vieselmeyer after the Commanders allowed five touchdowns in the 45-10 Thanksgiving loss to the Cowboys. Coach Ron Rivera will take over the play-calling duties on defense.
The Dolphins beat the New York Jets last Friday in a 34-13 victory on the road.
A bright spot for Washington is quarterback Sam Howell, who made history last week, becoming only the sixth quarterback ever to reach 3,500 passing yards in their first 13 career games. Howell is fresh off his fifth 300-yard game of the season, with a rushing touchdown.
The Commanders look to get after Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.
Tagovailoa powers one the NFL's most explosive offenses, led by wide receivers Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle and Raheem Mostert, who is second in the NFL in touchdowns scored. Tagovailoa is quietly putting together an MVP-type season, ranking second in passing yards per game and third in touchdown passes.
The Commanders sit tied for last in the NFC East division, behind the 10-1 Eagles and the 8-3 Cowboys. Nearing the bottom of the NFC conference rankings, each of Washington's remaining five games plays a huge importance in challenging for the No. 7 seed to get into the playoffs.
Rivera and Sam Howell
USA Today Sports
Each win helps the Dolphins' shot at the No. 1 overall seed in the AFC. The Baltimore Ravens became the third team to occupy the top spot in the AFC with their Sunday night win over the Los Angeles Chargers. Baltimore has a half-game advantage over the Dolphins, Jacksonville Jaguars and Kansas City Chiefs entering its Week 13 bye.
RECORDS: Washington Commanders (4-8) vs. Miami Dolphins (8-3)
ODDS: Washington is a 9.5-point underdog vs. the Dolphins
GAME TIME: Sunday, December 3rd, 2023 at 1 p.m. ET
LOCATION: Fed Ex Field - North Englewood, MD
TV/RADIO: Fox, 105.3 The Fan
THE FINAL WORD: Howell on Jack Del Rio and Brent Vieselmeyer being relived of their duties:
“I mean it's definitely disappointing to see," Howell said. "I have a lot of respect for Coach Del Rio and [Brent Vieselmeyer] Vies. Thought they did a tremendous job. It's just kind of unfortunate how the season's gone. So, it's definitely disappointing to see them go and two people that I had a lot of respect for."
