The Washington Commanders have a tall task in front of them on Sunday. Washington hosts the Miami Dolphins (8-3) in a Week 13 matchup from FedEx Field.
While the Dolphins are solid on defense, their offense is arguably the best in the NFL. Wide receiver Tyreek Hill is on pace to break Calvin Johnson’s single-season record receiving yards, while quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is quietly making his case to be one of the NFL’s highest-paid quarterbacks.
Meanwhile, the Commanders have been so bad defensively that they fired defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio and secondary coach Brent Vieselmeyer last week.
Good luck.
Here are five Dolphins that Washington fans should get to know ahead of Sunday’s game.
RB Raheem Mostert
The nine-year NFL veteran is having a career season. Mostert is second in the NFL in rushing yards and touchdowns scored, behind only Christian McCaffrey in both categories. Mostert has been so good that he’s only 106 yards away from establishing a new career-high in rushing yards. Mostert is having an All-Pro-caliber season. He’s easy to forget because Miami’s passing offense is so lethal.
WR Tyreek Hill
Tyreek Hill is the NFL’s most dangerous player. Hill’s presence completely transformed Miami’s offense last season, and now he’s on pace to break Johnson’s single-season record. Hill needs over 600 yards with six games remaining. The Commanders love giving up big plays. Don’t be surprised if Hill goes for 150 or more with two scores on Sunday.
WR Jaylen Waddle
Hill is so dominant that it’s easy to forget about Jaylen Waddle. You shouldn’t. NFL teams know how dangerous Waddle is. No NFL team has two game-breakers on the same team, like Hill and Waddle. In his third NFL season, Waddle already has over 3,000 receiving yards. It’s conceivable that Miami has two receivers go over 100 yards on Sunday.
DT Christian Wilkins
Christian Wilkins has emerged as one of the NFL’s best defensive tackles. He’s a terrific run-stopper and has turned into a good pass rusher, too. Washington’s issues in the interior of its offensive line spell trouble on Sunday. Wilkins’ former college teammate, Dexter Lawrence, dominated Washington twice this season.
CB Jalen Ramsey
Jalen Ramsey has missed seven games yet leads the Dolphins with three interceptions. He remains a phenomenal player and gives Miami one of the NFL’s top cornerback duos with Xavien Howard. Washington’s wide receivers matched up with Miami’s cornerbacks should make for an exciting battle on Sunday.
