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5 Dolphins players to watch vs. the Commanders in Week 11
Fresh off their most significant victory this season, a 29-27 nail-biter against the Buffalo Bills that felt more like a statement than a mere win, the Miami Dolphins stride into their Week 11 clash with the Washington Commanders in Madrid carrying a weight of opportunity. Both franchises are mired at 3-7, a record that screams disappointment, yet this international fixture offers a rare chance to string together consecutive wins and salvage a shred of momentum heading into the bye.The narrative isn't about playoff dreams—those have largely evaporated—but about pride, progression, and which team's key individuals can rise to the occasion on a global stage. All eyes will be on quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, whose performance against Buffalo was a microcosm of his young career: flashes of brilliant efficiency overshadowed by critical, momentum-killing errors.His two interceptions, thrown into punishing double coverage at the worst possible moments, were reminiscent of the kind of forced throws that plagued early-career legends like Peyton Manning, a reminder that processing speed must sometimes override gunslinger instincts. Yet, when he was on, Tua was surgical, completing 15 of 19 other attempts for 173 yards and two touchdowns.The Commanders present a perfect rebound opponent; their defensive front, anchored by the formidable but suspended Daron Payne, still boasts Javon Kinlaw and Jer’Zhan Newton, yet their secondary is a glaring weakness. If Tua can emulate the quick-release, high-percentage passing of a prime Drew Brees, dissecting the soft zones rather than testing them, Miami's aerial attack could explode.Beyond the quarterback, the Dolphins' offensive chess pieces are fascinating. Tight end Greg Dulcich, an unheralded piece at the season's outset, has emerged from the shadows of injury to Darren Waller and Julian Hill, snagging six catches for 71 yards over the last two weeks.He's not Travis Kelce yet, but his sudden involvement hints at a potential new dimension in Mike McDaniel's scheme, a safety valve that could be crucial against Washington's pass rush. The entire offensive operation, however, hinges on the health of center Aaron Brewer, who appeared on the injury report after a full snap count against the Bills.His potential absence would be catastrophic, turning the Commanders' defensive interior from a challenge into a minefield for a line already stretched thin. Defensively, the spotlight shifts to linebacker Tyrel Dodson.With Washington forced to start backup quarterback Marcus Mariota and rookie running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt, the game plan will likely funnel through veteran tight end Zach Ertz. While his peak years in Philadelphia are behind him, Ertz remains a crafty and efficient target, with 35 receptions for 345 yards and four touchdowns this season.Dodson's ability to mirror and disrupt Ertz's routes in the intermediate middle will be a direct barometer for the entire defense's success, a one-on-one battle that could dictate the game's tempo. Finally, hovering in the secondary is the ever-dangerous Minkah Fitzpatrick.With Terry McLaurin sidelined, Washington's receiving corps loses its alpha, leaving Deebo Samuel—who primarily operates from the slot—as the primary threat. Fitzpatrick, Miami's versatile defensive back, is uniquely equipped to shadow Samuel, creating a marquee matchup that could single-handedly suffocate the Commanders' passing game.This contest is less about the standings and more about which team's supporting cast can elevate their stars. For Miami, it's a final exam before the break, a test of resilience and tactical execution that could define the spirit with which they finish this challenging season.
#Miami Dolphins
#Washington Commanders
#NFL Week 11
#Tua Tagovailoa
#Greg Dulcich
#Aaron Brewer
#featured
