NAPA, California ― Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane was telling quarterback Malik Willis during the season opener that he should run more.
Willis had 39 rushing yards in a loss at Las Vegas, only one fewer than Lamar Jackson's 40.
Could Willis hang in there with Jackson in a quarterback rushing yard race?
"Yeah, if you want to," Achane said. "I mean, that's kind of up to him. I was telling him, last game he could have used his legs a lot more for real, if you ask me."
Achane noted that he does not want to see Willis taking big hits.
Later in the day we learned Willis sustained a toe injury that could hinder his ability to run at San Francisco on Sunday, Sept. 20.
That said, Willis was a full practice participant on Wednesday, Sept. 16.
Malik Willis (toe) on Dolphins injury report
Willis
is a dynamic, explosive athlete. But he always seems a bit hesitant to expand on his running talents. Perhaps it's because he wants to be perceived as a complete quarterback.
Asked about if he could hang with Jackson in rushing yards, Willis dismissed the idea.
"I'm not really looking to compete for stats," Willis said. "I'm more trying to win games."
Of course, Willis' running abilities could help Miami win games.
In the opener Willis ran for a touchdown and scrambled for another first down.
His two rushing first downs are already more than Tua Tagovailoa had all of last season.
And yes, we all know, Tua is not a running quarterback. We're just making a point.
This is a different type of player. It's more exciting. And it can be impactful.
"You want to get him outside the pocket for some more (easier completions)," Miami coach Jeff Hafley said. "Then there's some, you know, in his progression, there's your first read, there's your second read. If it's open, take it. If not, hit the check down. If not, get going with your legs."
When should Dolphins' Malik Willis take off and run?
OK, so there are progressions to work through. But does Willis have a "clock" in his head, telling him when it's time to go?
"I feel like that's made up," Willis said. "There's no such thing as a clock. It's just what it is."
One thing nobody would argue with is when Willis decides it's time to go, he can... really go.
Is Willis the fastest quarterback Achane has ever played with?
"Yeah," Achane said, with a look of bemusement. "I mean, yeah."
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Miami Dolphins may need more of Malik Willis the runner
