SAN FRANCISCO ― The Miami Dolphins had their second game of the Malik Willis-Jeff Hafley-Jon-Eric-Sullivan era in a Week 2 contest at the San Francisco 49ers.
It did not go well.
Willis played OK in a Week 1 loss at the Raiders. He did sustain a toe injury.
Willis, 27, is in his fifth NFL season and entered the season with only six regular-season starts for the Packers and Titans.
Willis is succeeding Tua Tagovailoa and Ryan Tannehill as the next Dolphins franchise hope at quarterback.
Here is a report card for Willis' Week 2 performance after Miami's 35-13 loss at San Francisco.
Malik Willis Miami Dolphins Report Card at San Francisco
Arm strength: B
Wow. Malik Willis rolled out to left, escaping pressure from Nick Bosa, and fired a laser near the sideline to Malik Washington for a gain of 23 yards in the second quarter.
That was Malik's physical ability on display, converting a 3rd-and-9.
Later, Willis fired one to Caleb Douglas to convert a first down in the 49ers red zone in the second quarter, shortly before halftime.
With less than three minutes to play, Willis completed a 77-yard touchdown to wide receiver Ryan Miller.
Arm strength is never going to be a problem for Willis.
Accuracy: C+
Willis threw too high for Malik Washington on 2nd-and-13 near the end of the first drive of the game.
Willis was off target, under pressure, on a quick out to fullback DJ Herman.
Willis threw behind De'Von Achane on a short route then completed a similar one to Achane later in the game.
Willis' accuracy was fine in this one, but not elite.
Poise/Leadership: C+
Willis is shorthanded and may feel asked to do too much considering the talent around him.
Willis is calm and neutral by nature, which should benefit him in what very figures to be a long and painful season.
Decision-making: C
Willis took two sacks in the first half, giving him 7 in the first 1.5 quarters of his Miami career.
He took at least two sacks in the second half, bringing his total to at least nine sacks in two games.
That's something Willis is going to have to monitor in 2026.
Coaches say his "super power" is extending plays, but he'll need to think about finding a way to limiting sacks.
Mobility: C+
Malik Willis rolled to his right for a gain of four yards in the second quarter. There would not be much more in terms of running for first downs or any big gains.
The Dolphins do now have a QB capable of completing a successful QB sneak. Willis got it done on 4th and 1 near the end of the first quarter. It was Miami's first converted quarterback sneak in 4 years, 2 days, dating back to 2022.
Willis escaped a near sack in the second quarter, which prevented a key loss in the 49ers' red zone.
Overall: C+
The Dolphins were positioned to score points in their first three drives. They recorded two field goals and one missed field goal. And that was about it.
Willis showed the ability to extend some plays with his legs. He misfired at times. He had a memorable play or two.
Much is stacked against Willis this season. Very much. He is going to have to find a way to lift a poor team and it will be hard to blame him if he can not.
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 Grades: Dolphins QB Malik Willis inconsistent in 49ers loss
