Cincinnati Bengals safety Jordan Battle has identified something the defense believes it can exploit against Miami Dolphins quarterback Malik Willis.
And interestingly, he felt the need to reveal this potentially critical information to the media.
Speaking ahead of Sunday’s Week 5 matchup, Battle said the Bengals noticed Willis has a tendency to tap the football shortly before throwing.
“He has a little slight little tap before every throw,” Battle said, via CLNS Media's Mike Petraglia. “So I feel like we could use that as a key to break on the ball. He likes to tap the ball before he throws it, or he takes his hand off, and that gives the read the break.”
Battle made clear that Willis has other elements Cincinnati will have to worry about.
“He’s
obviously dangerous with his feet,” Battle said, adding that Miami will use quarterback draws on third-and-long and that Willis can extend plays when his initial options are covered.
Jordan Battle on Malik Willis: “He has a little slight little tap before every throw though, so I feel like we could use that as a key to break on the ball. He likes to tap the ball before he throws it, or he takes his hand off, and that that gives the read the break. He's… pic.twitter.com/hI4hfjzm6t
— Mike Petraglia (@Trags) October 8, 2026
The Bengals’ own scouting report underscores the uneven start Willis has had as a passer. He has thrown for 712 yards while completing 56.3% of his passes through four games, according to NFL Next Gen Stats figures cited by Bengals.com.
Cincinnati could use the edge after losing two straight games.
Battle, meanwhile, appears on track to play. After being limited Wednesday because of a hamstring injury, he returned as a full participant Thursday.
This article originally appeared on Bengals Wire: Bengals’ Jordan Battle reveals QB tells ahead of Dolphins matchup
