MINNEAPOLIS ― Miami Dolphins' Malik Willis was seeking his first win of the season as starting quarterback in a road game at the Minnesota Vikings.
In part due to many inexperienced players around him, Willis' statistics in the early part of the season have not been impressive.
A season-ending knee injury to De'Von Achane
is devastating. And the absence of rookie receiver Caleb Douglas for at least two weeks is damaging.The Dolphins defense kept them in this game, but they eventually fell to the Vikings, 15-10.
The Dolphins are 0-4. The Vikings are 4-0.
Here is a report card for Willis' Week 4 performance at Minnesota
Malik Willis Miami Dolphins Report Card at Minnesota
Arm strength: B
Malik Willis got it down the field for an apparent 68-yard touchdown, but the play was reversed because Chris Bell was ruled to go out
of bounds before re-entering the field of play.
Arm strength is never, ever going to be an issue for Willis.
Accuracy: C+
Malik Willis threw high for Chris Bell on a third-down attempt in the first quarter.
Willis did not complete a high percentage of passes, overall.
Willis ran out to the left and whipped a laser to Malik Washington after he had completed a 17-yarder to Washington earlier in a third-quarter drive.
Poise/Leadership: B
Willis is a fighter. He is not going to get down. He is not going to get discouraged.
He is never-say-die and that is perfect for this 2026 Dolphins team.
Decision-making: C
Willis made a good decision to take off for a first down on a run in the first quarter.
Willis was ruled to have lost a fumble on a pass attempt in the second quarter. Dallas Turner caused the pressure, working against Miami right tackle Austin Jackson.
Mobility: B
Malik Willis rolled out to his right for a short completion to Kevin Coleman, Jr.
The Dolphins NEED Willis moving and throwing and moving and running.
Willis ran up the middle for a first down on third-and-5 late in the first quarter.
Willis' ability to escape pressure and extend plays is a massive plus for Miami.
Overall: C
Willis was 9-for-17 for only 85 passing yards and a passer rating of 67.0.
It has to be better.
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 Threads and Instagram and X at @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: Miami Dolphins QB Malik Willis grades: Ups and downs vs. Vikings
