NFL history will be made Sunday when Washington and Miami play the league’s first ever regular-season game in Madrid, Spain.
Neither of the teams on the card at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, the renovated home of global soccer powerhouse Real Madrid, arrived in Spain in their respective conference’s playoff picture.
But while the Dolphins (3-7) and Commanders (3-7) have matching records, their handle on momentum is a work in progress.
Washington has lost five in a row. The Commanders take the field without quarterback Jayden Daniels, who two weeks ago suffered a dislocated elbow.
Miami has won two of its past three and scored one of its biggest wins in recent memory last week by snapping a seven-game (including playoffs) losing streak against AFC East rival Buffalo.
Marcus Mariota is expected to make his fifth start this season for the Commanders, who will play their second-ever international game.
Mariota completed 16 of 22 passes for 213 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions last week in a 44-22 loss to Detroit at home, in which Washington allowed 546 total yards.
Mariota will once again be without wide receiver Terry McLaurin, who has only played four games this season while dealing with a quad injury. Treylon Burks was also ruled out with a finger injury that required surgery.
But the Commanders have had bigger issues on defense as defeats stack up. Washington has allowed 38 or more points in three of those defeats and four consecutive losses had a margin of 21 or more points.
Commanders coach Dan Quinn said this week he is taking over play-calling duties from defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr., who remains on staff.
“I think now, just after watching and reviewing the tape, we felt off,” Quinn said. “I thought this is the time to add into that and lean in. Joe and I have got a great vibe together. We’ve worked together through our time in Dallas, and we’ll lean back into that space where he’ll help me along the way and all that leads up into the game and calling it.”
Washington’s porous run defense has precious little time to come up with a plan to slow Dolphins running back De’Von Achane. He had 225 yards from scrimmage and 174 rushing yards with two touchdowns in the beatdown of Buffalo last week.
In the Commanders’ loss to the Lions in Week 10, they allowed 546 yards from scrimmage. For the second game in a row, Washington’s opponent averaged more than eight yards per play. Washington is 29th in scoring defense and 31st in yards allowed per play.
Quinn’s defense is missing cornerback Trey Amos (fibula) and will be without defensive tackle Daron Payne. He was suspended one game without pay for punching Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown in the second quarter last week. Amos is the third starter in the secondary to be lost to injury, giving Quinn even more questions to answer ahead of Sunday’s international affair.
“When something’s not working, we shift from the question of ‘Why isn’t it working?’ to ‘What do we need to do to get right?’ And right now, that’ll call for some change,” Quinn said.
Achane might not need any extra motivation. He said this week on Chad Johnson’s “Nightcap” podcast the Dolphins are motivated by narratives around the malaise in Miami.
“It don’t matter who we’re playing-we gotta make sure we go out and play 100%, no matter our record, no matter what they’re saying,” Achane said. “When you sign that contract and you go out on that field, I need you playing 100%.”
The Dolphins, who will play their eighth international game and are 2-5 all-time, saw their offense come alive for the second time in three games last week. And after trading away pass rushing linebacker Jaelan Phillips to the Eagles, Miami’s defense recorded three sacks of Josh Allen and forced three turnovers.
That defense may get another boost as edge rusher Chop Robinson is expected to clear concussion protocol and return. He missed last week’s game.
Miami’s offensive line could be in better shape, too. Tackle Austin Jackson (toe) was designated to return from injured reserve and begin practicing in a limited capacity on Wednesday. But the Dolphins could also have another setback on an already maligned line with center Aaron Brewer (foot, ankle) not practicing Wednesday.
“He’s working his way back. I feel very optimistic,” Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel said. “It is a real thing he’s dealing with, but just knowing him and his mindset, I feel very optimistic for him.”
Commanders linebacker Ale Kaho (concussion) did not practice on Wednesday. Offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil and tight end Zach Ertz were given rest days. Safety Will Harris (ankle), linebacker Frankie Luvu (shoulder) and safety Quan Martin (shoulder) were limited.
Dolphins cornerback Rasul Douglas (foot, ankle), who did not play against Buffalo last week, did not practice on Wednesday. Safety Ashtyn Davis (quadricep), wide receiver Dee Eskridge (shoulder), running back Ollie Gordon (ankle), tight end Julian Hill (ankle) and safety Ifeatu Melifonwu (thumb, foot) were limited.
