Kadyn Proctor and Jonah Savaiinaea Bright Spots for Dolphins against Commanders
Although the Miami Dolphins lost to the Washington Commanders, 20-7, on Friday night, there were positives to take away. Particularly from the team’s opening drive.
Quarterback Malik Willis, running back De’Von Achane, and a solid offensive line, was essentially going up against Washington’s second-stringers. Still, the Dolphins marched 93 yards down the field on a 14-play drive that lasted a little over seven minutes. It was capped by a one-yard rushing touchdown from Achane.
Achane’s night was over after that drive, but he once again displayed his usual efficiency. He gained 39 yards on seven attempts, averaging 5.6 yards per carry, the exact mark of his career average.
Helping the offense move the ball efficiently was an offensive line that showed power, toughness, and promise. Led by center Aaron Brewer, left tackle Patrick Paul and right tackle Austin Jackson, the interior of the group was the most encouraging aspect.
Proctor Looks the Part
Rookie left guard Kadyn Proctor is simply a load. He played as advertised, showcasing his power and ability to get out in space and create running lanes. Following the game, Achane told reporters, “He went out there and played like a professional, and that’s what we need him to do. We need him to be out there playing amongst the guys and throw all that rookie stuff out the window. You’re in the league, and he did that.”
Proctor was able to show his physicality and athleticism. The 12th overall pick in April’s NFL Draft is already looking well worth the selection. He spoke to the media after the game and discussed the team’s opening drive.
“Just going out there and starting fast, that’s kind of what we’re kinda honed in on right now, just focusing on the little details and just going out there and executing at the high level,” Proctor told reporters.
Savaiinaea A Bright Spot in his Improvement
In addition to Proctor’s performance, one of the biggest positives from Friday night was the play of second-year guard Jonah Savaiinaea. Although he was graded as the worst interior lineman in the NFL last season, Savaiinaea was not playing on his natural side. Miami’s previous regime wrongfully experimented with moving him from the right side to the left. Savaiinaea was noticeably uncomfortable and ineffective throughout the season.
Back on the right side last night, he looked much more like the player Miami invested in. The Dolphins traded up to select him 37th overall in 2025. If he can be, at the very least, an adequate right guard, Miami’s offensive line as a whole has the potential to become one of the stronger units on the team. Savaiinaea opened running lanes, pass-protected and was physical doing both.
While depth in the room could remain a concern, a healthy starting five could help the offense immensely. Savaiinaea, in particular, deserves credit for taking an important first step toward proving he can be the player Miami envisioned when they traded up for him.
YouTube film analyst Ryder McConville had a great breakdown of Savaiinaea’s performance on his X.com account on Saturday morning.
It was only one preseason game, and there is still a long way to go before Savaiinaea can fully redeem himself. However, he took the necessary first steps in 2026 to improve his stock and begin making his second-round selection look worthwhile.
