Dolphins Secure Overtime Win Against Commanders in Spain

The Miami Dolphins secured a dramatic 16-13 overtime victory against the Washington Commanders in Madrid, Spain, marking the NFL's first regular-season game held in the country. According to the Miami Herald, the game's pivotal moment came when cornerback Jack Jones intercepted a pass from Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota on the first play of overtime, returning it to the Washington 33-yard line. This set the stage for Riley Patterson, who kicked a 29-yard game-winning field goal, sealing the Dolphins' second consecutive win of the season.

Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel faced scrutiny for a controversial decision late in regulation when he opted to go for a touchdown on fourth down from the Commanders' one-yard line instead of attempting a short field goal. McDaniel defended his choice, explaining that he believed in the play design and wanted to avoid giving Washington a chance to score with a field goal if they had taken the lead. This decision backfired when running back Ollie Gordon was stopped for a loss, allowing the Commanders to mount a potential game-winning drive that ultimately faltered with a missed 56-yard field goal attempt by Matt Gay.

The Dolphins showcased a strong rushing attack, led by De'Von Achane, who recorded 120 yards on 21 carries, marking his second consecutive 100-yard game. Achane also contributed five receptions for 45 yards, playing a crucial role in the Dolphins' offensive strategy. The Miami Herald noted that despite the rushing success, the team struggled with third and fourth-down conversions, finishing just 33 percent in those situations, which could have cost them the game.

Defensively, the Dolphins faced challenges stopping the run, allowing the Commanders to rush for 172 yards. Mariota, stepping in for the injured Jayden Daniels, was effective, completing 20 of 30 passes for 213 yards and one touchdown, but his interception proved critical. The Commanders had taken a 13-6 lead in the third quarter after a touchdown pass to Deebo Samuel, who finished with seven receptions for 74 yards. The Dolphins managed to tie the game in the fourth quarter with a one-yard touchdown run by Gordon, but the back-and-forth nature of the game kept fans on the edge of their seats.

After the game, Jack Jones expressed gratitude for the opportunity to make impactful plays, especially given his challenging offseason that left his future with the team uncertain. Coach McDaniel praised Jones for his resilience and ability to rise to the occasion, highlighting how crucial his contributions have been for the Dolphins' morale. With the win, the Dolphins improved to 4-7, while the Commanders fell to 3-8, extending their losing streak to six games. As the Dolphins head into a bye week, they will aim to build on this momentum when they return to play against the New Orleans Saints later this month.