Commanders vs. Dolphins Preview: Can Sam Howell Lead Team To An Unexpected Victory?
On a three-game losing streak, the Washington Commanders will host AFC East division leader Miami Dolphins in Week 13. Rest advantage goes to the Commanders, who played on Thanksgiving last week against the Dallas Cowboys. 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.
Last Friday, Miami defeated the New York Jets 34–13 on the road. Sam Howell, the quarterback for Washington, is a bright spot. Last week, he made history by becoming just the sixth quarterback in history to reach 3,500 passing yards in just 13 career games. Howell just finished his fifth 300-yard game of the year, including a touchdown on the ground.
Tua Tagovailoa, the quarterback for the Dolphins, is the target of the Commanders. One of the most potent offenses in the NFL is powered by Tagovailoa and features wide receivers Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, and Raheem Mostert, who currently leads the league in touchdowns scored. With a second-place finish in passing yards per game and a third-place finish in touchdown passes, Tagovailoa is quietly having an MVP-caliber season. In the NFC East, the Commanders are currently tied for last place with the 10-1 Eagles and the 8-3 Cowboys. Washington is nearing the bottom of the NFC conference standings, so winning each of its final five games will be crucial to ensuring that the No. 7 seed can contend for a postseason berth.
The Dolphins’ chances of finishing first in the AFC are aided by each victory. With their victory over the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday night, the Baltimore Ravens became the third team to hold the top spot in the AFC. Entering its Week 13 bye, Baltimore leads the Dolphins, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Kansas City Chiefs by a half-game. Related: Sam Howell Calls Commanders Coaching Changes “Disappointing” Records: Miami Dolphins (8-3) vs. Washington Commanders (4-8) ODDS: Washington’s advantage over Miami is 9.5 points. GAME TIME: 1 p.m. on Sunday, December 3, 2023. ET LOCATION: North Englewood, MD’s Fed Ex Field Fox on TV/Radio 105.3 The Admirer THE LAST WORD: Howell regarding the relinquishment of responsibilities by Jack Del Rio and Brent Vieselmeyer:
Howell remarked, “I mean, it’s definitely disappointing to see.” “I hold Coach Del Rio and [Brent Vieselmeyer] Vies in high regard. I felt they did a fantastic job. The way the season has unfolded has been rather regrettable. Thus, it saddens me greatly to see them depart, as they were two individuals I held in high regard.”
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Georgia has a history with quarterbacks Jalen Hurts of the Philadelphia Eagles and Tua Tagovailoa of the Miami Dolphins.
After replacing Hurts in the CFP national championship game of the 2017 season, Tagovailoa led Alabama to an overtime victory of 26–23 over the Bulldogs.
Hurts replaced Tagovailoa in the SEC Championship Game of the 2018 season, and he helped the Crimson Tide defeat Georgia 35-28.
The quarterbacks’ only option on Saturday is to support Alabama when it plays Georgia in the SEC Championship Game once more.
In order to defeat Georgia in the national championship game, Tagovailoa famously connected with wide receiver DeVonta Smith, who is still Hurts’ teammate in Philadelphia, on a 41-yard touchdown pass. Last week, with 32 seconds remaining on a fourth-and-goal play, Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe connected with wide receiver Isaiah Bond for a 31-yard touchdown pass that helped the Tide defeat Auburn 27-24.
On Wednesday, Tagovailoa remarked, “That was crazy.” “Tide Roll.”
“Roll Tide” functioned as Tagovailoa’s sneak peek at the SEC Championship Game on Saturday.
Hurts reported that he had been following Milroe’s progress this year.
Hurts stated, “I’ve been following Alabama’s activities and Milroe’s play, and it’s exciting to see what he’s been able to do and take advantage of his opportunities when his phone has rang earlier in the year. Clearly excited and rooting for him.
Six of Hurts’ teammates were Georgia players. Eight of his teammates were Alabama players. Hurts said on Wednesday that he hadn’t placed any locker room wagers for the match yet.
“We’ll see what comes up this week,” Hurts stated at his press conference. Not possible in this situation. Become troubled.
However, Tagovailoa stated that it was active in the Dolphins’ locker room.
“I have to wear Georgia stuff if Georgia wins,” Tagovailoa declared. “And those guys gotta wear Alabama stuff if Alabama wins.”
Two of Tagovailoa’s teammates are from Georgia, and four of his teammates are from Alabama.
Hurts was the 2016 SEC Offensive Player of the Year Award winner as a freshman. Alabama defeated Florida 54-16 in the SEC Championship Game and defeated Washington 24-7 in the Peach Bowl before losing to Clemson 35-31 in the CFP National Championship Game.
Hurts guided the Crimson Tide to the CFP championship game once more in 2017. However, Tagovailoa took over at quarterback with Alabama trailing Georgia 13-0 at the half, and the Tide came back to win in overtime.
In 2018, Tagovailoa maintained his place at the top. However, Hurts helped Alabama overcome Georgia in the SEC Championship Game by leading the team to touchdowns on its last two possessions while Tagovailoa was sidelined.
In the voting for the 2018 Heisman Trophy, Oklahoma quarterback Kyler Murray came in first place and Tagovailoa placed second. Hurts replaced Murray as the Sooners’ starting quarterback in 2019 after Murray was selected first overall in the NFL Draft. Hurts came in second place behind LSU quarterback Joe Burrow in the 2019
Both quarterbacks have started 45 regular-season games since Tagovailoa, the fifth overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, and Hurts, the 53rd overall pick, were selected by the Eagles.
Sunday at noon CST, Tagovailoa and Miami visit the Washington Commanders. Sunday at 3:25 p.m., Hurts and Philadelphia take on the San Francisco 49ers.
