Aug. 13, 2026, 7:03 a.m.
ET
The Washington Commanders’ offense dominated the Miami Dolphins in their joint practice on Wednesday. Washington’s offensive line, which has undergone some massive changes recently due to injuries, had some issues, but it didn’t prevent the Commanders from moving the football. Why?
Washington had a healthy Jayden Daniels back under center. Daniels has had an excellent training camp with new offensive coordinator David Blough. He looks like he’s played in this offense for a decade.
When he was under pressure, Daniels would use his elite athleticism to buy time and make a play with his arm. Another reason for optimism regarding Daniels is the weapons around him.
A healthy Terry McLaurin, Chig Okonkwo, Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Rachaad White and the recently signed Stefon Diggs are just some of Washington’s offensive weapons. Diggs, signed last week, was only in his fifth practice with Washington when the Dolphins arrived for the joint practice. The 32-year-old looked like he just picked up where he left off last season. Diggs had no trouble beating Miami defenders, and Daniels often looked his way.
Ralph Vacchiano of . Sports was in Ashburn on Wednesday and came away impressed with Daniels and Diggs. He believes Diggs will have a big year for the Commanders. Diggs showed last season in New England that he could still be a No. 1 receiver in this league, though he’s getting to an age where he needs to prove it every year.
He sure looked the part on Wednesday, when he dominated the Dolphins’ defensive backs in one-on-one drills. He beat them with speed, with moves, and caught plenty of balls in traffic, too.
Diggs is going to have to prove his durability at age 32, but his skills and reliability seem as good as ever. It also looks like he could be a high-volume receiver for the Commanders.
Yes, they still have Terry McLaurin, too. But Diggs could be a Daniels favorite, running a lot of underneath routes that he could potentially turn into big plays. Diggs is already making his presence felt. He was recently asked why he’s such a good target for young quarterbacks. “Inside this brain of mine, just communication, transparency,” Diggs said. “I try not to go into things aggressively.
That’s not this game. This game is aggressive enough. Quarterbacks got a lot on their plate, so I kinda just bring it down a notch and talk to them in a way in a way as if brother to brother. It’s football.”
It hasn’t taken him and Daniels long to get on the same page. Even better, Terry McLaurin has completely embraced Diggs. It’s the best receiver he’s ever played with, which could help him put up even bigger numbers in what is also a big year for McLaurin. Laremy Tunsil’s recent injury was unfortunate for Washington.
But the show must go on. As long as the Commanders have a healthy Daniels, Diggs and McLaurin, this offense has a chance to be special in 2026.
