Washington Commanders Face Miami Dolphins in Historic Madrid Game

The Washington Commanders are set to face the Miami Dolphins in a historic matchup, marking the NFL's first-ever regular-season game in Madrid, Spain. This game, taking place at the iconic Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, is significant not only for the teams involved but also for the league's efforts to expand its global brand. Both teams enter the game with matching records of three wins and seven losses, indicating a challenging season for both. The Commanders are currently on a five-game losing streak, while the Dolphins have managed to win two of their last three games.

The Commanders will be without their starting quarterback Jayden Daniels, who is sidelined due to a dislocated elbow sustained two weeks ago. In his place, Marcus Mariota is expected to make his fifth start of the season. Last week, Mariota had a solid performance, completing sixteen of twenty-two passes for 213 yards and two touchdowns despite a heavy defeat to the Detroit Lions. However, the Commanders will also miss their star wide receiver Terry McLaurin, who has struggled with a quad injury and has played only four games this season. Additionally, Treylon Burks has been ruled out due to a finger injury requiring surgery.

Defensively, the Commanders are grappling with significant issues. They rank near the bottom of the league, allowing 38 or more points in three of their last four losses, with an average of over eight yards allowed per play. In a move to revitalize the struggling defense, head coach Dan Quinn announced he would take over play-calling duties from defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. Quinn acknowledged the need for change, stating, "I thought this is the time to add into that and lean in."

On the other side, the Dolphins are coming off a commanding victory over the Buffalo Bills, where running back De'Von Achane shone with 225 yards from scrimmage and two rushing touchdowns. Achane's performance has been pivotal in reviving the Dolphins' offense, which has shown signs of life recently. The Dolphins, who are participating in their eighth international game, are looking to build on this momentum despite some challenges on their offensive line due to injuries.

The Commanders are also dealing with their own injury issues, particularly in the defensive secondary, where they will be without cornerback Trey Amos and defensive tackle Daron Payne, who is suspended for one game following an ejection last week. Despite these challenges, several injured players, including safety Will Harris, were seen practicing with the team in Spain, indicating a possible return later in the season. Coach Quinn emphasized the importance of discipline and self-control in light of recent team frustrations, particularly after a series of blowout losses.

As both teams prepare for this historic clash, the focus is on overcoming their respective challenges and seizing the opportunity to showcase their talents on an international stage. The Commanders aim to turn their season around, while the Dolphins hope to continue their upward trajectory as they play in front of a global audience in Madrid.