The workout marked the first time the Commanders faced an outside opponent since their 2025 season finale, according to the Washington Post. Playing in front of a crowd that included Secretary of State Marco Rubio and rapper Wale, Daniels sliced through the Miami defense with surgical precision, completing 11 of 13 passes in 1-on-1 drills.
Jayden Daniels and Stefon Diggs Showcase Chemistry in Dolphins Practice
Daniels and Diggs have quickly developed a palpable connection on the field. During Wednesday’s session, Daniels connected with Diggs on multiple touchdowns, including a perfectly thrown ball to the back corner of the end zone where Diggs secured the catch and toe-tapped inbounds over a defender.
It's awesome. Just his feel for space,
Daniels said of Diggs according to Heavy.com. He's a dog. He goes out and makes plays. He brings energy, he's a leader. So, I'm super happy to have Stefon in that room, not just for the offense but just for the whole team in general.
Mastering a New Scheme Under Center
Wednesday’s joint practice offered a clear window into Washington’s offensive evolution. After running a shotgun-heavy scheme under Kliff Kingsbury over the previous two seasons, Daniels has spent the offseason mastering a new system implemented by coordinator David Blough. The updated offense heavily features traditional formations with the quarterback positioned under center.
His command of the playbook allowed him to spread the ball effectively across his receiving corps, finding Terry McLaurin, Antonio Williams, Treylon Burks, Van Jefferson, and tight end Chig Okonkwo throughout the afternoon. Among the standout plays was a 70-yard deep ball touchdown pass from Daniels to Burks after a faked handoff.
As reps and time go on, you get more of a grasp and a feel for who can run what route, how Blough is supposed to call it,
Daniels noted to Yahoo Sports. This is what practice is for. Day by day, I try to come in and have control of the offense and get 1% better.
Roster Outlook and Preseason Preparation
The arrival of Diggs instantly stabilizes Washington’s wide receiver room by filling the lingering question mark at the WR2 position opposite McLaurin. While veterans like Burks, Jefferson, and rookie Antonio Williams provide quality depth, the presence of Diggs alleviates immediate pressure on the younger wideouts.
Meanwhile, the Commanders’ offensive line held up largely well in pass protection despite absorbing a major blow with star left tackle Laremy Tunsil sidelined by a left arm injury requiring surgery.
Defensively, Washington kept the Dolphins stymied for most of the day, highlighted by an interception returned for a touchdown by Mike Sainristil and strong pressure from edge rushers.
The Commanders and Dolphins will face each other next in their preseason opener at Northwest Stadium on Friday, though head coach Dan Quinn has not yet revealed whether starters will see playing time.
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