In a tight contest decided by a single score within the National Football League, the slightest error can drastically alter the final result. Both the Miami Dolphins and the Washington Commanders were presented with several such instances on Sunday to seize control of the game, but ultimately, it was the Dolphins who managed to capitalize.
Miami’s defensive back, Jack Jones, intercepted a pass from Washington’s quarterback, Marcus Mariota, right at the commencement of overtime, granting the Dolphins a significant advantage in field position.
After a couple of plays that advanced the Dolphins further, Riley Patterson successfully executed a 29-yard field goal, securing a 16-13 victory.
[Delve deeper into Dolphins updates: Miami squad news]
The fourth quarter proved to be action-packed at the Santiago Bernabeu in Madrid, hosting the inaugural NFL regular-season showdown on Spanish soil. Following a brief moment of concern due to injury, Mariota bounced back and orchestrated a remarkable 44-yard dash with slightly under 11 minutes remaining, positioning the Commanders at the Dolphins’ 15-yard line. However, during a crucial fourth-down attempt from the 1-yard line, Mariota’s pass intended for tight end Zach Ertz fell incomplete as Ertz lost his footing during his route. Instead of opting for a potential go-ahead field goal, Washington relinquished possession to Miami, placing them deep within their own territory.
The Commanders then forced a punt from the Dolphins’ 16-yard line. Washington anticipated fielding the ball with prime field position, but a miscue occurred when returner Mike Sainristil fumbled the punt. The Dolphins recovered the ball at Washington’s 42-yard line, effectively positioning Miami within field-goal range with just four minutes left on the clock.
Following some significant gains by De’Von Achane, the Dolphins encountered a parallel situation. With the team a mere yard from scoring a touchdown and less than two minutes remaining, the Dolphins opted to attempt the touchdown. However, Ollie Gordon was halted at the 1-yard line, resulting in a turnover to Washington.
This decision appeared questionable at the time and posed a potential setback for the Dolphins. While statistical models favored going for it, an argument could be made that the Dolphins should have secured the points and challenged Mariota to overcome them.
With his team facing adversity, Mariota inspired a comeback for the Commanders. Key completions to Deebo Samuel and Jacoby Jones established Washington within field-goal range with less than a minute to play. After an unsuccessful end-zone attempt on third down, the Commanders settled for a 56-yard field-goal try. Matt Gay’s kick missed the mark, sending the game into overtime, where Mariota’s subsequent turnover sealed the loss.
The game commenced at a measured pace for both teams. By halftime, the Dolphins and Commanders collectively managed four field goals, resulting in a 6-6 score. The Commanders had an opportunity for a third field goal in the first half, but Gay’s attempt from 51 yards out missed, keeping the score level after two quarters.
The Dolphins have now emerged victorious in three of their last four games, potentially solidifying Mike McDaniel’s position as head coach in Miami for another season. Meanwhile, the Commanders have suffered six consecutive defeats, dropping their record to 3-8, diminishing the urgency to rush Jayden Daniels back from injury this season.
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Kate Magdziuk
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Kate Magdziuk
Following Jack Jones’ interception of Marcus Mariota on the opening play of overtime, resulting in a seven-yard return, De’Von Achane, who had previously returned from an injury scare during the fourth quarter, executed three rushes for a combined total of 22 yards. This effort paved the way for a 29-yard field goal attempt by Riley Patterson.
The kick is successful! The Dolphins emerge victorious with a 16-13 score against the Commanders.
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Kate Magdziuk
The Commanders began with possession in the overtime period, but their time with the ball was short-lived. On the very first play from scrimmage in overtime, Washington’s quarterback, Marcus Mariota, threw an intercepted pass.
Now, the Dolphins only require a field goal to secure the victory.
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Kate Magdziuk
The Washington Commanders had an opportunity to take the lead with only 15 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter, as Marcus Mariota and his team advanced 59 yards down the field, setting up Matt Gay for a 56-yard field goal attempt.
Gay’s kick missed wide to the right, despite a good hold. This marks his second missed field goal of the day, having also missed a 51-yard attempt earlier in the second quarter.
The Dolphins were unable to execute any significant plays with just seconds left on the clock, resulting in a tie game heading into overtime.
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Kate Magdziuk
The Miami Dolphins had an opportunity to attempt a field goal, which would have given them the lead with just over a minute remaining in the fourth quarter. However, head coach Mike McDaniel opted to keep the offense on the field and go for it on fourth down instead.
Unfortunately for McDaniel’s prospects of securing his job and easing the pressure, Miami was unable to convert the fourth down, ending a 95-yard drive without scoring a single point after Ollie Gordon was tackled for a two-yard loss at the goal line.
The game remains tied at 13-13 with under two minutes remaining.
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Kate Magdziuk
Dolphins RB De’Von Achane sustained an apparent injury on third down with just under two minutes remaining. He was able to leave the field without the assistance of trainers.
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Kate Magdziuk
The Washington Commanders advanced 69 yards down the field but failed to score any points, as Marcus Mariota was unable to connect with TE Zach Ertz on fourth-and-goal at the 1-yard line.
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Kate Magdziuk
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Kate Magdziuk
Apologies to fantasy football managers. The Miami Dolphins chose to give rookie Ollie Gordon II the opportunity for a goal-line carry after a seven-yard reception from starting running back De’Von Achane positioned them at the 1-yard line.
Gordon successfully rushed from a yard out, scoring the Dolphins’ first touchdown of the day and tying the game at 13-13 early in the fourth quarter.
This marks Gordon’s third career scrimmage touchdown.
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Chris Cwik
The Dolphins conceded one first down but quickly halted the Commanders after Miami’s previous drive stalled out in the end zone. The Commanders managed to reach their own 15-yard line before being compelled to punt the ball back to Miami.
This gave the Dolphins possession again at their own 47-yard line. Miami requires a touchdown to equalize the score. They are currently trailing 13-6 as they enter the fourth quarter.
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Chris Cwik
Following the Commanders’ first touchdown of the day, the Dolphins aimed to respond on their subsequent drive. After advancing down the field, the Dolphins encountered a challenging decision on fourth down near the goal line.
Recognizing how close they were to scoring, the Dolphins decided to attempt to convert the fourth down. Tua Tagovailoa sought to connect with wide receiver Jaylen Waddle for the score, but the pass was deflected away at the last moment.
The Dolphins turned the ball over on downs. Despite the disappointing outcome, the Dolphins managed to pin the Commanders deep within their own territory. Miami will be hoping for a swift defensive stand so that the team can regain possession in a favorable field position.
After the turnover on downs, the Dolphins are still trailing 13-6.
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Chris Cwik
It did not take long for the Commanders to make their mark on the scoreboard in the third quarter. Following a series of traded field goals early on, Washington finally located the end zone with a pass to Deebo Samuel.
Samuel advanced 20 yards, recording the first touchdown in Spain.
The Commanders established a 13-6 advantage after successfully converting the extra point.
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