5 Dolphins players to watch vs. the Commanders in Week 11

After securing their biggest win of the season, the Miami Dolphins have the opportunity to win back-to-back games for the first time this season.

Miami is set to play the Washington Commanders in Madrid, and with both teams sitting at 3-7, each team has the chance to feel a little better about a disappointing season.

Washington had been hampered by injuries to key players this season, much like Miami, and neither team is expecting a playoff push at this point. But getting a second-straight win might raise the Dolphins’ spirits heading into the bye week.

Here are five players that will be crucial for the Dolphins in their Week 11 game against the Commanders:

QB Tua Tagovailoa

Outside of his two interceptions, Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa had a solid game against the Buffalo Bills last Sunday. But arm punts or not, those two interceptions came at terrible times.

The first was into double coverage on the first drive of the game, and the second was thrown into double coverage in the fourth quarter of a 10-point game. Those mistakes have to get better, but Tagovailoa was fairly efficient otherwise.

He completed 15 of his other 19 pass attempts for 173 yards and two touchdowns. Washington has a solid defensive front and a weak secondary; if he can get the ball out quickly and avoid putting the ball in harm’s way, the passing attack could thrive.

TE Greg Dulcich

While tight end Greg Dulcich certainly wasn’t a part of the offensive plan going into this season, he’s become an intriguing player in the Miami offense.

With Darren Waller on injured reserve and Julian Hill sidelined, Dulcich was given an opportunity to work into the offense. He has six catches for 71 yards on nine targets across the past two games.

If Hill returns, it’s possible Dulcich hardly sees the field. But if coach Mike McDaniel and the offense are intrigued by how Dulcich has looked, he could be worked into the offense more frequently.

C Aaron Brewer

While Aaron Brewer didn’t miss any snaps in Sunday’s win over the Bills, he popped up on the injury report yesterday and did not practice. His involvement this Sunday is crucial to the team’s success.

If Brewer’s ankle keeps him out of the Madrid game, Miami would be going against a well-equipped defensive front without the consistent center. While Daron Payne is missing the game due to suspension, Washington still has Javon Kinlaw and Jer’Zhan Newton on the interior.

If Miami is without Brewer, the already depleted Miami offensive line will need some big performances.

LB Tyrel Dodson

While Jordyn Brooks had the better linebacker performance last week, Tyrel Dodson has the opportunity to have a strong game Sunday. Washington is down to its backup quarterback, Marcus Mariota, and rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt is starting at running back.

The biggest issue Dodson will face is trying to stop tight end Zach Ertz in the passing game. While his best years came in Philadelphia, Ertz is still an efficient player, sitting at 35 receptions for 345 yards and four touchdowns this season.

If Dodson does his part in working Ertz out of the game, he’ll be on track to have a strong game.

S Minkah Fitzpatrick

With wide receiver Terry McLaurin not returning from injury this week, Fitzpatrick has the opportunity to give the Washington offense serious trouble.

Without McLaurin, the Commanders are left with Deebo Samuel as the only other real threat at receiver. Samuel lives in the slot, with Ertz being the second-most frequent player in that spot.

Fitzpatrick is the Dolphins’ main guy to line up in the slot. If he gives Samuel, and maybe Ertz, headaches, the Washington passing attack won’t move the ball easily.

This article originally appeared on Dolphins Wire: Dolphins vs. Commanders: 5 Miami players to watch in Week 11