Miami Dolphins quarterback Malik Willis showed that he is plenty ready to lead the team.
Miami Dolphins quarterback Malik Willis was more than ready for the moment, and he put together an impressive performance in his first time under center as the starting quarterback for the organization.
Willis took full command of the offense, throwing 43 yards going 4-for-5 on this throws, and added nine rushing yards on two attempts.
As it has been in training camp, Willis dished the ball out to wide receivers Malik Washington and Caleb Douglas. Washington hauled in 15 yards on three receptions, while Douglas had one catch for 28 yards.
Douglas became the talk of the town with his highlight reel one-handed grab.
The rookie receiver is clearly the favorite target for Willis, and it is Willis who took full advantage of Douglas' size and catching capabilities.
Willis read coverage well and picked up solid yardage with his legs when the pocket collapsed. Head coach Jeff Hafley and the coaching staff made it a point to prevent the quarterback from using his legs too much in training camp, but Willis utilized his rushing capabilities when it mattered.
Following the end of the game, Willis again showcased his leadership by taking a more reserved approach to his answers about locking in and simply playing ball, and his performance not being a number.
"I think it's cool. I don't know if you put a number on that type of stuff. I think you just go out there and play ball. You throw it to the guys to get open, and that's all it is," Willis said.
Willis was the outlier in terms of how the quarterbacks performed collectively.
Backup passer Quinn Ewers struggled mightily, going 1-for-8 for 17 yards and one interception. Additionally, Cam Miller threw two interceptions.
Willis was asked what he said to the quarterbacks following their lackluster performances.
"That's all I told him is just stay confident. I mean, it takes all 11 every play. We're going to go and look at the film and we're going to have more people than them getting coached up on any play. Just like when I was in, we're going to have more people getting coached up than myself on that play. Takes all 11. It's a game. It's a team sport," Willis said.
Miami's lack of depth was on full display, as the second- and third-stringers could not get much going once the starters left the field. To be fair, the Washington Commanders also did not have their starters on the field, and quarterback Jayden Daniels could have theoretically carved up the secondary.
Willis' performance was similar to what he put together in relief for the injured Jordan Love during the 2025 season. Hafley and general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan worked with the quarterback on the Green Bay Packers and were intent on getting him to the Dolphins.
Despite it only being preseason and now being a regular season game, Willis showcased poise in the pocket and capabilities that the Dolphins have not had in a quarterback in years.
How that translates when the Dolphins are playing against starters will be the true litmus test, and that may be the case during the third preseason game, which usually serves as the "dress rehearsal" for teams.
Miami will be taking on the Atlanta Falcons, and if Willis can put together an impressive performance throughout the preseason, he will prove the investment is well worth it for the team.
