Malik Willis ripped off a new Dolphins franchise record for rushing yards by a quarterback this past Sunday, hitting 74 yards on the ground against the Bengals. That’s a legitimately wild number for a QB in a single game, and it tells you everything about the kind of season Miami is having. While Willis made history with his legs, the bigger story is that his team is now sitting at a brutal 0-5.
Willis’ Legs Are Carrying The Load, But The Arm Is A Problem
Look, the dude can run. Willis’ 74 rushing yards shattered the old Dolphins record for a quarterback, beating out Ryan Fitzpatrick’s 65 yards from a 2019 game against the Jets. Before that, Chad Henne held it with 59 yards way back in 2011. So, yeah, Willis’ legs have definitely been a positive for them. He is showing flashes of that dynamic ability. But here’s the kicker: while his rushing is a high point, his arm has been a real problem. On Sunday against the Bengals, he completed just 55.6% of his passes for 137 yards, with one touchdown and two interceptions. His passer rating for that game was a dismal 51.0, his lowest with the Dolphins so far.
Five Weeks In, And The Dolphins Are In A Deep Hole
Through his first five weeks in South Florida, Willis hasn’t exactly lit it up as a passer. He’s completed 56.2% of his throws for 849 yards, tossing two touchdowns against four interceptions. Those aren’t numbers that win you games, and Miami’s 0-5 record tells the whole story. Setting a rushing record is cool and all, but it’s hard to celebrate when your team is already staring down the barrel of a lost season.
The Dolphins are in a tough spot, and Willis’s unique skillset is a double-edged sword right now. You gotta wonder if those legs can bail them out enough to snag a win, or if the passing struggles are too big to overcome. We’ll see if he can find more balance in his game next week.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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