LANDOVER, MARYLAND ― Miami Dolphins quarterback Malik Willis made his debut in a preseason game at the Washington Commanders on Friday night, Aug. 14.
Willis, 27, is in his fifth NFL season and has 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.
First-year head coach Jeff Hafley and general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan are banking on the talents of a quarterback who they worked with in Green Bay.
Here is a report card on Willis' debut:
Malik Willis Miami Dolphins Report Card at Washington
Arm strength: B+
Willis demonstrated a strong arm on a deep out route to Caleb Douglas, which was incomplete only because Douglas, who was wide open, failed to get two feet in bounds.
Douglas fired a deep pass to Douglas hauled
in for 28 yards, despite pass interference. It was a circus catch, tipping it into the air with his left hand and hauling it in.
Accuracy: B+
Willis was 4-for-5 for 43 yards on his first drive as a Miami Dolphin, leading the Dolphins to a 14-play, 93-yard touchdown drive and a 7-0 lead. Miami held the ball for seven minutes.
First-year offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik could not have asked for more.
Poise/Leadership: B+
Willis saw action for only one series, but he used play-action with ease and confidence.
Willis appeared to be calm and in complete control.
Decision-making: B+
Willis demonstrated a quick release, which will benefit him and help Miami avoid sacks.
Mobility: B+
Willis scrambled up the middle and ran for a gain of six yards on his first drive.
Willis later scrambled toward the Washington end zone for a short gain.
Willis rolled out to his right to complete a pass to Malik Washington for a first down.
Overall: B+
Malik Willis' debut could not have gone any better. He left the game with a passer rating of 102.5. Willis was 4-for-5 for 43 yards and had two rushes for 9 yards. This performance should give Dolphins players and fans a boost of hope entering Week 2 of the preseason.
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: Miami Dolphins QB Malik Willis after preseason opener
