Omar Kelly: Malik Willis has shown potential, now it's on rest of Dolphins offense

Omar Kelly, Miami Herald on Aug 13, 2026

Published in Football

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MIAMI — Malik Willis definitely got his cardio work in on Wednesday.

While it’s doubtful any member of the Washington Commanders defenders would hit the Miami Dolphins starting quarterback during Wednesday’s joint practice, Willis was forced to showcase his scrambling ability consistently to evade the pressure he was under.

Willis used his legs twice to convert first downs during Wednesday’s joint practice, showcasing legit 4.4 speed.

The Dolphins’ new starter, which Miami signed during free agency, guaranteeing $45 million during the next two seasons, was constantly on the move after being chased by Commanders defenders.

And that was the constant theme of Wednesday’s joint practice.

A perfect illustration of what Willis’ day was like came on Miami’s final situational period, a two-minute drill exercise where both offenses were put on the 30-yard line with 45 seconds left on the game clock and challenged to score a touchdown to potentially win a game.

Miami’s defense prevented the score when rookie safety Michael Taaffe deflected a pass to Commanders receiver Luke McCaffrey in the drive’s final seconds.

During Willis’ opportunity outside linebacker K’Lavon Chaisson, a nine-year veteran who was seemingly having his way with Miami’s offensive tackles all practice, flushed Willis out the pocket, making him roll to the right before throwing the football away.

Miami committed a penalty that lost yards on the play that followed, and then Commanders defensive end Charles Omenihu sacked Willis on third-and-5 with five seconds left.

That play ended practice because the refs determined the would-be tackle, which didn’t take place because quarterbacks are wearing red noncontact jerseys, would have extinguished the game clock.

Pair that with the pick-six interception Willis threw — while scrambling — earlier in practice on a pass intended for Malik Washington that Commanders cornerback Mike Sainristil intercepted, and you would understand why Miami’s offense failed Wednesday’s test.

Is that an indicator of what’s to come during the 2026 regular season?

It’s probably a stretch to say that considering how much progress Willis, and Miami’s offense, have made during training camp’s first three weeks.

But it’s clear the Dolphins have plenty of work to do before the offense is ready for the season opener.

“It was definitely physical. I don’t think that aspect is lacking. Execution is the word of the day,” Austin Jackson said, reviewing the offense’s performance during Wednesday’s scrimmage. “It’s the little thing that make a play [work].

“We have some stuff to work through.”

Stuff like tightening up the protection, finding a run game identity with this offensive line, developing chemistry with receivers and tight ends and turning up the volume on third-down and red zone execution, which are the downs and situations where football teams seize victories.

The positive about what we have seen so far in the first three weeks is that Willis has plenty to work with ability wise. The arm is phenomenal, and the scrambling ability is legit. He also throws the ball accurately on the run.

Right now, the concern should be about the talent that surrounds him on offense.

Willis, whom coach Jeff Hafley said will likely play in Friday’s preseason game, along with other starters, has stepped up as a leader, which has been an encouraging thing for the coaches to see.

“I know Malik pretty well. I spent a lot of time with him in my two years in Green Bay. The thing that I’m most proud [of] is in the last two weeks, really in the last week, the leadership [growth],” Hafley said. “I think it’s important that Malik gets comfortable playing his position. This is like his rookie year. A lot of times, if you try to be the leader, you try to be too vocal, and you focus on your position, all that you’re learning, the pressure and stress of being a quarterback, I think that’s hard to do.

“He’s been quiet, playing his role. Playing football,” Hafley said, referring to Willis’ OTA and minicamp periods. “I saw more leadership this week and not just with the wide receivers, but the whole offense. That’s a really big step, and I’m proud of that.”

Hopefully the work Willis and his unit show on Wednesday will provide an indication that the offense as a whole is ready to take a big step forward, sharpening the team’s level of execution.

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