Commanders News: Magic Johnson, Ron Rivera, Sam Howell and Week 13

Which Washington Commanders news stories are hitting the headlines ahead of this afternoon's game against the Miami Dolphins at FedEx Field?

Another Washington Commanders game day has arrived. It's also the last one before the bye week, so nothing less than maximum effort will do against the Miami Dolphins, who look more than capable of going on a deep postseason run this season.

Before the big kick-off, the stories causing conversation include Magic Johnson's support for Josh Harris' recent comments surrounding patience, Sam Howell coming in for glowing praise from one of the league's most respected defensive minds, Ron Rivera's plan to limit wide receiver Tyreek Hill's influence, and everything you need to know heading into Week 13.

Let's delve into each topic in more detail.

Magic Johnson rallies around Josh Harris

Josh Harris' recent comments about needing to have plenty of patience to turn the Washington Commanders back into contenders became a hot discussion among fans on social media. We live in a world where instant gratification is preferred, but this was always going to be a long-term project considering the mess the new ownership group inherited from Dan Snyder.

These sentiments were echoed by Magic Johnson in support of Harris. The minority stakeholder knows what it takes to win in the sports and business world, so this vote of confidence is something that should also receive the support of Washington's long-suffering fanbase.

Landmark changes are coming for the Commanders once the campaign reaches its conclusion. That is obvious looking at how things are currently unfolding, so it promises to be one of the most important offseasons in franchise history as a new era dawns.

Commanders plan for Tyreek Hill

Stopping stud wide receiver Tyreek Hill from making plays is almost impossible. The electrifying pass-catcher is well on course for 2,000 receiving yards after a memorable campaign up to now, so the task couldn't be greater for a Washington Commanders secondary renowned for conceding significant yardage downfield.

Hill is a conundrum most cannot solve thanks to his elusiveness and incomparable speed. When discussing what the Commanders could do in pursuit of limiting the wideout's influence, head coach Ron Rivera stated that plenty of help would be coming for the cornerbacks throughout another sold-out affair at FedEx Field via Sports Illustrated.

"Stay deep. I mean, you have to make sure there's somebody over the top of him. I think it also tells you that you’ve also got to make sure that you are playing to your leverage. You have to understand where your safety help is, where the linebacker help is, or where the corner’s helping if he's inside. I mean, you have to know those things going in if you're the one that's over the top of him or inside of him, or outside of him."

Ron Rivera via Sports Illustrated

The Commanders must also account for Jaylen Waddle in addition to the running back tandem of Raheem Mostert and De'Von Achane. Not exactly the easiest proposition, but defensive improvements could potentially arrive now that Rivera is calling the shots following his decision to fire coordinator Jack Del Rio.

Commanders vs. Dolphins odds, how to watch

According to the latest odds from FanDuel Sportsbook, the Washington Commanders are 9.5-point underdogs at home against the Miami Dolphins. This is a fair reflection of where the two teams stand currently and is available at -110 depending on which side of the points spread takes your fancy (bet $110 to win $100).

Anyone feeling brave enough to bet the Commanders' money line can get whopping odds of +350 attached (bet $100 to win $350). Unsurprisingly, the Dolphins are heavily favored to pick up their ninth triumph of the campaign at -460 (bet $460 to win $100).

FanDuel Sportsbook is expecting a high-scoring game in front of another sold-out audience at FedEx Field. The over/under has been set at 49.5 points, which is available at -110 in both directions.

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.

How to watch:

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The game is also being broadcast live on FOX.

Sam Howell gets glowing praise

Sam Howell has another complex riddle to solve before the Washington Commanders have the benefit of their long-awaited bye week. The Miami Dolphins' defense often gets overlooked thanks in no small part to their offensive excellence, but they are a significant hurdle to overcome with playmakers at all three levels capable of doing damage.

Miami's defense is also led by prolific coordinator Vic Fangio. When discussing Howell during his media availability recently, the respected figure liked what he saw when examining the former fifth-round pick based on comments via USA Today Sports.

"Yeah, he’s been impressive on tape. Good passer. Can make all the throws. His scrambling and running ability is really worrisome for us. He’s a good runner when he’s scrambling. He’s hurt people that way, and we have to be mindful of that playing against him. I think he’s done a really nice job."

Vic Fangio via USA Today Sports

This might turn into a shootout, so Howell needs to be at his best for the Commanders to stand any chance of remaining competitive. If Washington falls behind early - which has often been the case this season - expect Eric Bieniemy to rely heavily on the signal-caller's gunslinging mentality in a bid to keep up.

A strong showing versus Fangio's defense would be another feather in Howell's cap as he looks to cement his status as the Commanders' starting quarterback beyond 2023.