MADRID (AP) — The Miami Dolphins edged the Washington Commanders in overtime in the first NFL regular-season game held in Spain on Sunday, maintaining their momentum following a win over Buffalo at home last week.
Jack Jones intercepted Marcus Mariota on the first offensive play of overtime, setting up Riley Patterson’s 29-yard field goal that sealed a 16-13 victory for the Dolphins at Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.
The Commanders (3-8) had a chance to win with just 15 seconds left in regulation, but Matt Gay’s 56-yard field goal attempt sailed wide right. Meanwhile, the Dolphins (4-7) faced adversity as they were twice stopped on fourth-and-goal, including inside the final two minutes after recovering a muffed punt return by the Commanders. The muffed punt followed the Commanders being held on fourth-and-goal earlier in the game.
This matchup marked the seventh and final international game of the NFL season — the most ever in a single year — as the league continues its global expansion.
The game in Madrid also featured halftime performances by Puerto Rican superstar Daddy Yankee and Argentine producer Bizarrap, entertaining a crowd of 78,610 at the Bernabeu.
Mariota temporarily left the game near the end of the third quarter to be evaluated for a concussion after going down awkwardly while throwing the ball away in his own end zone. Fortunately, he cleared concussion protocol and was able to return to the field.
The Commanders, still without injured quarterback Jayden Daniels, have now lost six straight games, including a 44-22 home loss last week to the Detroit Lions. The Dolphins came into the game fresh off a commanding 30-13 victory over the Bills.
“It’s a great team victory,” Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa said. “All wins are good and we are going to carry this momentum along through our bye week and hopefully take it to our next game.”
Tagovailoa completed 14 of 20 passes for 171 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions. Mariota finished 20 of 30 for 213 yards, with one touchdown and the overtime interception. He also rushed for 49 yards, including a notable 44-yard run shortly after his concussion evaluation.
For the Commanders, Chris Rodríguez rushed for 49 yards, and Deebo Samuel caught passes for 74 yards. De’Von Achane stood out again for the Dolphins, rushing for 120 yards on 21 carries and adding 45 yards on five receptions.
After both teams exchanged pairs of field goals in the first half, the Commanders mounted a strong drive to start the third quarter. Washington scored the game’s first touchdown on a 20-yard reception by Samuel, who capitalized on solid blocking after a screen pass from Mariota.
The Dolphins responded with a drive to the Commanders’ 2-yard line but failed to score when Tagovailoa’s pass to Jaylen Waddle on fourth down fell incomplete.
After Mariota’s injury and subsequent incomplete drives, Miami put together a solid possession capped by Ollie Gordon’s 1-yard touchdown run.
Mariota led Washington back to the 1-yard line following his return to the game, highlighted by a 44-yard sprint through the right side that eluded seven Dolphins defenders. However, the Commanders could not convert, as Mariota’s fourth-and-goal pass fell incomplete after tight end Zach Ertz tripped near the end of his route.
The Dolphins were held on their next drive, but Miami recovered a muffed punt at the Commanders’ 42-yard line with about four minutes remaining. After Achane failed to score from the 1-yard line on third down, coach Mike McDaniel went for it on fourth down, but the Commanders’ defense made another key stop as Gordon couldn’t get in either. Achane was injured on the third-down play but was able to walk off the field.
Washington took over possession with 1:41 left at their own 3-yard line. Mariota led the team into field goal range, but Gay’s kick attempt fell short, likely costing them the chance for a game-winning score.
**Up Next**
– **Dolphins:** Bye week before hosting the New Orleans Saints on Nov. 30.
– **Commanders:** Bye week before hosting the Denver Broncos on Nov. 30.
https://wsvn.com/sports/dolphins-beat-commanders-16-13-in-overtime-in-first-nfl-regular-season-game-in-spain/