MIAMI GARDENS — The Miami Dolphins met the Washington Commanders in a preseason Week 2 clash at Hard Rock Stadium on Saturday night.

Tua Tagovailoa started at quarterback for the Dolphins and although many starters played, Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle did not.

In the first half, Dolphins owner Stephen Ross of Palm Beach went on CBS and expressed confidence in his roster. Ross said that, if healthy, "we're certainly a contender for the Super Bowl."

More: Miami Dolphins' Tua Tagovailoa perfect on night owner Stephen Ross sets bar high | Habib

The Dolphins beat the Commanders, 13-6, improving to 2-0 in the preseason.

Tua Tagovailoa shines in Dolphins preseason debut

Tagovailoa's first drive of the preseason resulted in a touchdown pass to River Cracraft on 4th-and-1 from the Commanders' 13-yard line.

Tua was 5-for-5 for 51 yards on the opening drive.

Tua led Miami 61 yards in 11 plays. This was a perfect way for Tua to pick up where he's left off with a strong training camp. And, of course, Tua is bolstered by a new long-term contract.

Besides Hill and Waddle not playing, left tackle Terron Armstead did not start.

But Tua was able to hit new tight end Jonnu Smith twice and Cracraft twice and tight end Julian Hill once.

That was Tua's only drive as he was relieved by Skylar Thompson.

The Dolphins were able to convert on 4th-and-1 (Mostert run behind left guard Robert Jones) and on another 4th-and-1 from Washington's 13-yard line (TD pass from Tua to Cracraft).

Miami will want to be better in short yardage in 2024 than it was in 2023.

Dolphins owner Stephen Ross says Dolphins can be Super Bowl contender

Dolphins owner Stephen Ross of Palm Beach spoke with CBS during the first half.

Ross said Tua "looked good" in leading a touchdown drive.

"We want to be best in class," Ross said of the organization's commitments to top facilities and events. "But we have to win on the field at the same time."

Ross seemed happy about the Tagovailoa and Waddle extensions.

"With Waddle and Tua and some of the important young guys, retaining them," Ross said, "you want to retain as many of your draft choices that really pan out. And that's a challenge in these times."

Ross is high on this roster.

"Right now, we have a great roster," Ross said. "And everyone has great expectations ... If we stay healthy, we're certainly a contender for the Super Bowl."

Ross is pleased with third-year coach Mike McDaniel.

"We took a chance (on McDaniel)," Ross said. "But I was impressed by his intelligence. He's a unique person. He's doing a great job. And everybody loves him."

Jonnu Smith and Miami Dolphins Noteworthy

TE Jonnu Smith, 28, suited up. He's about to be first FIU player rostered on the Dolphins' initial 53-man roster. If Smith is to make a major impact this season, it will likely be on third downs and in the red zone... Among the players who did not play play for Miami: Jaylen Wright, Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, Terron Armstead, Jalen Ramsey, Ethan Bonner and Jevon Holland... Dolphins punter Jake Bailey had basically the perfect kickoff. It was sort of a line drive that bounced in the landing area and then into the Commanders' end zone. This puts the ball at Washington's 20. If Bailey can consistently hit that kickoff, it's a weapon... Linebacker David Long walked off the field on his own after colliding with teammate Elijah Campbell in a possible helmet-to-helmet in the first quarter... Safety Marcus Maye (Melboune, University of Florida) had five tackles for the Dolphins in the first quarter.

Cam Smith, Chris Brooks and more Dolphins preseason notes

Second-year cornerback Cam Smith gave up a third-down completion as receiver Terry McLaurin spun away from a potential tackle for a long gain in the first quarter. But Smith later had a good tackle after a catch on a third down in the second quarter. On the sideline, defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver was seen giving Smith positive reinforcement. Later, Smith had an excellent breakup on a deep pass attempt... Cornerback Kendall Fuller started for Miami against his former team... The Dolphins' starting offensive line was Kendall Lamm-Robert Jones-Liam Eichenberg-Lester Cotton-Austin Jackson.... Backup quarterback Skylar Thompson began the game 4-for-10 for 46 yards. His day ended at 8-for-15 for 61 yards.... Core special teamer Elijah Campbell had a big special teams tackle. But officials said it was a hit on a defenseless player... Running back Chris Brooks broke a 59-yard run. Will that type of play force the Dolphins to keep him as a fifth back? It's entirely possible Miami could lose Brooks if they try to add him to their practice squad. Good problem to have. I guess.

Chop Robinson, Mo Kamara and Dolphins-Commanders thoughts

Rookie edge rusher Chop Robinson made his pro debut. Robinson and rookie edge Mo Kamara are the two Dolphins who recorded a tackle for loss in the first half... After Chris Brooks took on a possible helmet-to-helmet in the third quarter, undrafted rookie WR Je'Quan Burton of FAU was inserted at running back... Washington LB Jamin Davis sack-fumble of Dolphins QB Mike White. Davis beat rookie LT Patrick Paul to the inside. Although Paul is a massive man and intriguing prospect, there is a reason he is unlikely to enter ahead of veteran Kendall Lamm is something happens to Terron Armstead. He's raw. He's developing... Willie Snead of Winter Park, FL, whose Dad is a Palm Beach football coach, had a catch in the third quarter.

Joe Schad is a journalist covering the Miami Dolphins and the NFL at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach him at jschad@pbpost.com and follow him on Instagram and on X @schadjoe. Sign up for Joe's free weekly Dolphins Pulse Newsletter. Help support our work by subscribing today.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Instant Takeaways: Tua Tagovailoa and Miami Dolphins vs. Washington | Schad