Dolphins Edge Commanders in Madrid Thriller, 23–20

MADRID, SPAIN - Under the bright afternoon sun at the Santiago Bernabéu, the Miami Dolphins closed out this season's International Series with a gritty 23-20 win over the Washington Commanders. It was a game that swung on red-zone stands, field position battles, and one perfectly timed fourth-quarter answer.

Washington (4-7) came out attacking despite being the underdog, while Miami (9-2) leaned on discipline, special teams, and a late scoring drive to survive a Commanders team that refused to go away.

Commanders strike early behind Daniels' poise

Dan Quinn's squad wasted no time settling into the European stage. Justin Tucker opened the scoring with a 22-yard field goal, and moments later Jayden Daniels capped a sharp drive by threading a 5-yard touchdown to Terry McLaurin to build a 10-0 lead.

"We came out wanting to set the tone," Quinn said afterward. "Jayden looked confident, composed - exactly what we needed."

Miami, stunned early, responded with a long drive capped by a Riley Patterson 45-yard field goal and later tied the game before halftime when De'Von Achane sliced through the defense for a 12-yard touchdown run. Sean Nguyen praised Achane's burst, saying, "He flips the geometry of the field - one crease and he's gone."

Miami grinds through a defensive slugfest

The third quarter became a battle of patience rather than fireworks. Washington's defense repeatedly forced punts, but the Dolphins came away with the only points of the frame - another Patterson field goal, this one from 31 yards out, giving Miami their first lead of the afternoon at 13-10.

But Washington's answer came early in the fourth. Daniels orchestrated an 8-play drive that featured quick throws and a balanced run game, finishing it with an 11-yard touchdown pass to Austin Ekeler to retake the lead, 17-13.

"We knew we had to punch back," Ekeler said. "That moment felt huge - we felt the momentum flip right there."

Tua and Achane deliver the defining drive

With the Commanders pressing, Tua Tagovailoa delivered his most composed series of the day. Miami marched methodically down the field, mixing runs and rhythm throws until they hit the red zone. On a tight goal-line play, Tua floated a perfect 1-yard touchdown pass to Achane, giving the Dolphins a 20-17 edge with 3:57 remaining.

"Trust - that's the whole play," Tagovailoa said. "I know where he's going to be. He knows where the ball's going to be."

Patterson seals it after Washington's last push

Washington moved into field-goal range late, but after failing to convert on third down, they settled for Tucker's 28-yard kick to tie it at 20-20 with under a minute left.

That left just enough time for one more Miami surge.

Tagovailoa hit two quick sideline completions, and with the ball at the fringe of scoring territory, Patterson calmly drilled a 28-yard field goal with 14 seconds left to put Miami ahead for good.

"He's been nails all year," Nguyen said. "When the stadium's roaring and the game's on the line, Riley gives us peace."

Box score standouts

Jayden Daniels (WAS): Efficient and poised, finishing with two touchdowns and giving Washington multiple late-game chances. De'Von Achane (MIA): Two total touchdowns - one rushing, one receiving - and the spark Miami needed. Riley Patterson (MIA): 3-for-3 on field goals, including the game-winner. Terry McLaurin (WAS): Reliable as ever, scoring Washington's first touchdown of the day.

Up Next

Both teams head into a much-needed Week 12 bye. The Commanders will return home in Week 13 to host the Denver Broncos, while the Dolphins also return home in Week 13 for a showdown with the New Orleans Saints.