It was ugly from the start, as Miami completely humiliated Washington 45-15.
The Commanders defense had no answer for the Dolphins offense. Miami converted seven of 13 third downs and also both of its fourth-down attempts, piling up 406 yards.
Head coach Ron Rivera had fired defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio one day following the Thanksgiving Day Massacre that ended with a 45-10 loss to the Cowboys. At least that game was 20-10 after three quarters.
This home game with Rivera calling the defense was over at the half; Miami was already up 31-7. Tua Tagovailoa had already connected with speedy wide receiver Tyreek Hill for touchdown passes of 78 and 60 yards.
The Commanders pass defense surrendered 11.3 yards per pass Sunday. Don’t misunderstand. It was not 11.3 yards per completion. It was 11.3 yards per attempt. Words to describe such a performance that come to mind are rotten, lousy, atrocious, awful.
You would think those who are paid to be professionals would all week, prepare immensely, and play intensely because they have something to prove.
Yet, all that this defensive unit “proved” Sunday is that they personally, and their level of play collectively, indeed did get their coordinator Jack Del Rio and defensive backs coach Brent Vieselmeyer fired.
Even late in the game, when Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel subbed out his starting quarterback for Mike White, the Commanders were helpless, providing little to no resistance as Miami ran the ball for 13 consecutive plays.
Miami scored on the possession, and the final touchdown was emblematic of the day. Dolphins running back De’Von Achane scored from two yards as the defense looked like it was simply going through the motions.
Tagovailoa completed 18 of 24 passes for 280 yards and two touchdowns. He was not intercepted, nor was he sacked. Hill finished his day with five receptions for 157 yards and those two touchdowns that looked entirely too easy.
Knowing the last five games are important for many defensive players, this was the effort this group put on tape today? There did not appear to be much intensity.
Why? Are some settling for losing?