The Miami Dolphins are gearing up for a crucial matchup against the Washington Commanders at FedEx Field this weekend. With a record of 8-3, the Dolphins are eager to further solidify their position as a dominant force in the AFC. On the other hand, the struggling Commanders, who are currently 4-8, are desperate for a win to break their three-game losing streak.

Miami has displayed flashes of brilliance on both offense and defense throughout the season. However, their inability to consistently perform at their best on both sides of the ball has been a recurring issue. The upcoming game presents an opportunity for the Dolphins to synchronize their offense and defense and showcase their full potential.

Meanwhile, the Commanders have been dealing with their own set of challenges. Following a series of disappointing performances, the team made the decision to fire their defensive coordinator, Jack Del Rio. Head coach Ron Rivera will now take on the responsibility of leading the defensive unit, which raises questions about the potential changes that will be implemented.

To gain more insights into the Commanders' current state, Commanders Wire managing editor, Bryan Manning, was interviewed. When asked about quarterback Sam Howell, Manning expressed a strong sense of enthusiasm surrounding the young player. Despite experiencing the typical ups and downs of a rookie quarterback, Howell has shown significant improvement as the season has progressed. Manning also highlighted Howell's ability to reduce his mistakes and adapt to the game. Manning believes Howell has already proven himself as an NFL starter, and his trajectory continues to be promising.

When discussing the struggles of the Commanders' defense under Del Rio, Manning revealed serious concerns regarding the unit's performance. He attributed the team's struggles to Del Rio's coverage concepts, which often caused confusion and lapses in judgment among the players. Manning also pointed out the absence of former defensive backs coach Chris Harris, who played a crucial role in the team's success in the previous season. Manning suggested that fixing the defense this year might prove to be a challenging task, emphasizing coaching as a major issue.

The interview also touched upon the pressure mounting on Ron Rivera, with Manning stating that the head coach's seat is "beyond hot." Manning highlighted the failures in Rivera's decision-making regarding draft picks and free agency acquisitions, resulting in poor on-field performances. While acknowledging Rivera's leadership during the previous seasons, Manning believes that the coach's shortcomings in coaching the team have become increasingly evident and will likely lead to his departure.

In an interesting hypothetical scenario, Manning was asked to choose any former player from Washington's history who could provide the team with the best chance of victory in the upcoming game against the Dolphins. Manning's choice was legendary safety Sean Taylor, known for his physicality and range on the field. Manning believes that Taylor's intimidating presence and exceptional skills would greatly benefit the Commanders' defense, particularly against a talented Miami squad.

As for the outcome of the game, Manning predicts that the Dolphins will emerge victorious. He cites Miami's superior performance throughout the season and their pursuit of a championship as factors that will tip the scales in their favor. Manning predicts a decisive win for the Dolphins, with a projected score of 38-17.

The clash between the Miami Dolphins and the Washington Commanders promises to be an intriguing battle. While the Dolphins aim to demonstrate their dominance and move closer to their championship aspirations, the Commanders are in desperate need of a morale-boosting victory. As both teams hit the field on Sunday, football fans will be eagerly watching to see which side will come out on top.