MIAMI GARDENS ― Miami Dolphins quarterback Malik Willis ranks 27th in the NFL in passer rating and 28th in ESPN's Quarterback Rating.
It's only been two games, but Willis seems to be his own toughest critic.
"I've got to keep getting better, just like everybody else on our offense," Willis said before a Week 3 game against the Kansas City Chiefs. "I hold myself to the same standard I will hold them, and I think that's fair. If not more probably... Sometimes... I'm tripping because I'm a little too hard on myself. But at the same time, if you don't hold yourself to a standard, how will you continue to get better?"
Willis is 28th in the NFL in time to throw. While extending plays can be a super power, he'll need to limit sacks. He's already been
sacked twice in nine games.
"Sometime I think, twice, I should have probably thrown it away because there was nothing there," Willis said.
Willis 29th in the NFL in completion percentage above or below expectation, according to NFL Next Gen statistics.
Certainly there have been times when a young receiver was not on the same page with Willis.
"It's continuous communication with guys, and I wouldn't put anybody on the spot," Willis said. "But just continuing to keep them positive and keep them understanding that we have 15 more games and that's a lot of games in this league. It's a lot different than a lot of guys who are just coming from college where they play at most 12 and then go to the playoffs a couple more. But just continuing to stay positive and focusing on what's important."
Coach Jeff Hafley has been pleased with Willis' growth as a leader since their time together in Green Bay.
Hafley has been largely pleased with the on-field performance. As for what to work on...
"The drop back pass, which unfortunately we've been in two games where we've needed to drop back and pass for the latter half of the second half, and when they know you're going to drop back, it's going through the progression, it's being on time, it's having the receivers be on time," Hafley said. "I think those are the things early in the year there's a lot of quarterbacks working on."
Jeff Hafley explains what Malik Willis, receivers, working on
Asked what he saw in Week 2 film relative to seeing the field and progressions, Willis did not answer specifically.
More generally, he responded: "I think it's always a continuous cycle. I think it was cool to, you know, sustain a couple more drives than we did the first week and a lot seeing guys go out and execute and doing things they might have messed up in the first week. I think that's what this is about. It's about continuing to gain confidence and grow and keep getting better as a unit."
Willis was listed on Miami's injury report with a toe injury last week.
Willis had two carries for six yards in the loss to the 49ers.
Asked if he is experiencing any pain, Willis said: "I don't know. I played, didn't I? I appreciate that, looking out."
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 Threads 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: Dolphins' Malik Willis may be his own toughest critic right now
