“When they last met” is an ongoing series during the NFL season, recalling the preceding game between Washington and the next opponent on the Commanders’ schedule.
Washington 17, Miami 16 – Week 6, October 13, 2019
The last time these two teams met, Washington was still the “Redskins,” Jay Gruden had just been fired following an 0-5 start, Bill Callahan was the interim coach, Brian Flores coached Miami and Case Keenum and Josh Rosen were the two starting quarterbacks.
Both teams entered the Week 6 contest winless. Yes, winless. So it was only fitting that the normally tying touchdown was scored with only six seconds remaining when Ryan Fitzpatrick (of Miami) connected with DeVante Parker from 11 yards. Miami went for the win and a two-point conversion attempt. However, Fitzpatrick’s bubble screen left to Kenyan Drake was dropped, allowing the Redskins to escape with a 17-16 win.
Both teams were on the bottom floor of the NFL in 2019. Washington would end up 3-13, selecting second in the next draft, Ron Rivera’s first. Miami finished 5-11 and drafted fifth in 2020.
Washington took Chase Young, who was advertised as “a generational talent.” Yet by 2023, all Washington could get for Young was a late 3rd round 2024 draft choice. Miami, on the other hand, drafted Tua Tagovailoa and is enjoying their fourth consecutive season with a winning record. Washington has not had a season with a winning record since Kirk Cousins was quarterback in the 2015 and 2016 seasons.
Back to the 2019 game, Washington had led 7-3 at the half and 17-3 after three quarters but had to survive the Dolphins scoring two final-quarter touchdowns.
Washington’s Adrian Peterson rushed for 118 yards on 23 carries, Terry McLaurin collected 100 receiving yards on four receptions (including two touchdowns), and Keenum completed 13 passes for 166 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions.
Rosen had started for the Dolphins, but his two first-half interceptions and his being sacked five times led to Fitzpatrick playing the second half. “Fitzmagic” completed 12 of his 18 attempts for 132 yards, including the last-minute touchdown.
Quinton Dunbar and Shaun Dion Hamilton each had one interception, while Jonathan Allen had two quarterback sacks. Landon Collins, Matt Ioannidis and Treyvon Hester registered one quarterback sack each.