The Miami Dolphins practiced in Hard Rock Stadium on Saturday morning, and quarterback Malik Willis continued his progress and improvement. He also spoke with South Florida media members and discussed topics like his developing connection with a rookie wide receiver, as well as addressing the offense, showcasing his leadership ability.
Willis was asked about the importance of speaking with his unit and what his teammates can take away and learn from his speech. Willis answered, “I just wanted to talk to the offense and just have a man-to-man conversation. Like we got to understand this is a business and we got to take what we do personal. We got to take pride in it, and we got to do it to the best of our ability, regardless if we’re calling plays to beat the defense or not.”
He added, “We’re not calling plays to beat the defense. We’re calling plays that we want to use throughout the year, and we’re trying to get better at those plays. And whether we win the down or not, are we doing everything that we can do to execute the play call? Are we doing our job on the o-line? Are we doing our job at the receiver? Are you at the right depth regardless if I have to check it down or it’s a touchdown? Is everybody doing the right thing?
Finishing his answer, he said, “That’s what it’s about, building confidence in those things. So when we get in those moments, and we need them, we just revert to our training.”
Speaking of confidence, Willis was asked about his chemistry with rookie target and third-round pick Caleb Douglas, and if the Texas Tech product has already become his safety valve. Willis said, “I think he’s a great player. I wouldn’t even say even a safety valve yet. I’m still trying to figure everybody out. Everybody’s trying to figure me out. We’re trying to figure this out together and obviously do whatever the play call that Bobby (Slowik) brings in to the best of our ability.”
He continued to say, “He’s been making nice grabs in the times where he’s the option, where he’s the read. So I’m excited for him. I think he’s doing a great job getting open. I think he’s attacking the mental side of it. It’s been great.”
The 6-foot-4, speedy wideout has been impressive in camp, and one of the talks of the town so far. He is working his way into being an opening week starter and could be Miami’s top target to begin the season.
Moving to discussing his own game, Willis was asked about his dual-threat ability as well as being able to throw on the move. He kept his answer rather general regarding the comfort level of that mobility.
“I feel like I just try to continue to work on everything, taking it one day, one play, one practice at a time and figuring out where I can keep getting better, and nobody’s perfect so we always got stuff to get better at,” he said.
When asked about if it is more difficult to be accurate while mobile over in pocket, Willis said, “I don’t think it’s comparable. I think they’re two different things. I try to do the best I can to get it to our guys regardless.”
In terms of the distribution and percentage breakdown of his game with passing and running, he said, “No. 1, I wouldn’t say a percentage. You try to just take what the defense gives you really and try to do the best to, like I said, execute the play. And whenever an opportunity arises to go and get a first down, you want to try to do that.”
He then said, “The more first downs you stack, the closer you get to the end zone. And No. 2, I’m not sure. I don’t think so. Not until you play real games, then you got to protect yourself and obviously play football. That’s what we’re here to do.”
Willis is in Miami to prove he can be a franchise quarterback, not just a bridge to one. So far, he is showing arm strength, clear running ability, and that welcomed trait of leadership. That level of comfort to get in front of his teammates is needed with this young team, as he described, “It’s just a conversation more than anything. I don’t know if you need some super courage or anything else. These are the people I work with every day, that I go to war with. We’re in the weight room. We’ve been together six months already, so it’s just talking to the guys.”
Willis and the Dolphins will now set their sights on a joint practice next week when traveling to the Washington Commanders, and the teams will open up their preseason schedules on August 14.
This article originally appeared on Dolphins Wire: Dolphins QB Malik Willis is showing exemplary leadership traits
Reporting by Jason Sarney, Dolphins Wire / Dolphins Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Jason Sarney, Dolphins Wire | USA TODAY Network
