NFL Game Set to Make History in Spain
This Sunday brings a notable event in the NFL calendar. The Washington Commanders are set to take on the Miami Dolphins at Santiago Bernabéu Stadium in Madrid, Spain, with the game kicking off at 9:30 a.m. ET. This is quite significant, as it marks the first time an NFL regular season game will be held in Spain.
Fans can catch the action on NFL Network, featuring Kenny Albert in the play-by-play role, alongside analyst Jonathan Burma and sideline reporter Jamie Erdahl.
This matchup will be the seventh international game of the current NFL season. Interestingly, it’s also the Dolphins’ eighth outing overseas, second only to the Jacksonville Jaguars in terms of international games played. However, the Dolphins have struggled a bit abroad, tallying just two victories against five defeats in their international history.
Despite their overall record of 3-7 this season, the Dolphins recently celebrated a standout victory: a 30-13 win against the Buffalo Bills. Running back Devon Ashen really shone that day, rushing for 174 yards and scoring two touchdowns. He also contributed in the passing game with six receptions for 51 yards.
On the other hand, the Commanders are facing challenges of their own. They come into this game after a disappointing five-game losing streak and are doing so without starting quarterback Jaden Daniels, who’s nursing an elbow injury. The team’s most recent setback was a 44-22 loss to the Detroit Lions, who are coached by Marcus Mariota. In an effort to shake things up, head coach Dan Quinn announced that he would take over defensive play-calling duties from Joe Witt Jr.
Historically speaking, the Commanders have only played one game outside the U.S.; back in 2016, they faced the Cincinnati Bengals, resulting in a tie. So, this matchup against the Dolphins carries a heavy weight, especially for those hoping to finally see a victory on international turf.
As the teams get ready to take the field, fans here and abroad will undoubtedly be watching closely. Whether your loyalties lie with the Commanders or the Dolphins, it promises to be an exciting game in a beautiful setting.
