MIAMI GARDENS — Malik Willisdidn’t just face a matchup with Patrick Mahomes in his third start for the Miami Dolphins.
He also looked around his backfield and found dwindling help.
Running back De’Von Achane exited the game against the Kansas City Chiefs
after just three carries because of a knee injury. His backup, Jaylen Wright, was inactive with injuries. And his backup, Ollie Gordon, even left the game briefly because of cramps.Willis and the Dolphins lost 24-10 Sunday at Hard Rock Stadium, but they showed they weren’t going down without a fight. On the same possession in which Achane went down, Miami drove 91 yards in 17 plays, eating up 9:27. Along the way, Willis found Malik Washington for a 30-yard gain. He then made connections with tight
end Greg Dulcich, Ryan Miller and Washington in the methodical drive to a 7-7 tie.
That was the first suggestion that the Chiefs being favored by about two touchdowns might be a bit generous.
Later in the first half, Willis found Chris Bell coming across the middle. Much like the long pass to Washington, this was another catch-and-run through the Chiefs’ secondary, this one gobbling up 44 yards. Unfortunately for Miami, it didn’t lead to points. Willis fumbled on a scramble. The Chiefs took possession, but only after coach Andy Reid threw the challenge flag.
Once again, Willis faced down the problem.
Willis took one of several shots at the Chiefs’ defense early in the second half, targeting Dulcich even though he was sandwiched between two defenders. Dulcich rewarded the confidence by making the grab for a 42-yard gain, setting up a field goal to come within 14-10.
Even though Miami’s next possession didn’t produce points, there were encouraging signs as Willis hit Miller and Washington on third downs to move the chains.
Willis hurt the Chiefs with his arm. He hurt them with his legs, rushing for more than 40 yards. And he hurt them with his leadership of this young team.
Grade: B-plus
Hal Habib covers the Miami Dolphins for The Palm Beach Post. He can be reached at HHabib@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Dolphins' Malik Willis loses Achane, still shines in loss to Chiefs
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