Five thoughts on the Miami Dolphins’ preseason night against the Washington Commanders :
1. You couldn’t ask for a better opening drive for the Dolphins’ starting offense behind quarterback Tua Tagovailoa . There was no Tyreek Hill or Jaylen Waddle. But this offense still checked plenty of boxes:
A. The first play was a signature quick strike from Tagovailoa to River Cracraft on the left side for 13 yards. Timing? Anticipation? Accuracy? All what you’d expect after watching this offense work last year;
B. The second play went 5 yards to tight end Jonnu Smith, a sampling of what was to come at the position with the most chance for improvement on this offense. Smith then took basically an end-around — officially a pass — for 9 yards. Then Julian Hill for 8 yards on second-and-10. No big plays. But you see signs of an expanding offense to involve the tight end;
C. Some short-yardage work. Raheem Mostert couldn’t get a third-and-1 up the middle on the first try. He got 2 yards and the first down on fourth down. A few plays later, on third-an-2, Mostert gained 1 up the middle. The short-yardage offense was a problem last season. You saw some good, some bad this night. But it got work;