The Washington Commanders needed a clean first look from their new defense, and Daronte Jones gave them one in the preseason opener against the Miami Dolphins.
That matters for a team entering the 2026 NFL season with plenty to fix and two first-time coordinators trying to clean up the mess left behind by Kliff Kingsbury and Joe Whitt Jr. On Friday, the defense offered the kind of early proof that Jones may be able to squeeze more life out of this group.
Washington’s defense came away with three interceptions, with Quan Martin, Ale Kaho, and undrafted rookie safety Malik Spencer all grabbing one. A couple of those throws were poor decisions from Miami, but the Commanders still deserve credit for being in position to capitalize.
The game started with Miami’s starters moving right down the field for a De’Von Achane goal-line punch. But that opening drive came against Washington backups, and it was the only time the Dolphins found the end zone.
After that, the Commanders settled in and took control. Miami did not score again, and its backup quarterbacks, Quinn Ewers and Cam Miller, combined to go 4-for-19 passing with three interceptions.
For a defense that has been praised all summer for its speed, aggression, creativity, and athleticism, it was exactly the kind of debut that can get a sideline buzzing. Washington’s personnel looked organized, active, and disruptive.
Most of the players on the field Friday won’t be central pieces when the games count, but the bigger point is hard to miss: Jones’ arrival already looks like it’s giving this defense a clearer identity. Reports from the joint practice against Miami said Washington’s starting defense held up there, too.
The takeaway is even bigger when you put it next to last season’s numbers. Washington forced only 10 turnovers all year, second-fewest in the league. Against Miami, the Commanders created three in one night.
If that kind of takeaway production carries into the regular season, Washington gives itself a real chance to move on from last year’s 5-12 disaster.
When you make plays on defense, you win games.
It’s only Week 1 of the preseason, but the Commanders got the kind of first impression that can build some real optimism around Jones’ scheme.
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