Miami Dolphins QB Malik Willis Still a Work in Progress Ahead of Chiefs Clash
Miami Dolphins quarterback Malik Willis will make just his third start for the team—and the ninth of his career—when the Dolphins host the Kansas City Chiefs at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday. Despite being in the NFL for four-plus seasons, Willis remains inexperienced as a starter, and his early performances have highlighted the growing pains of a young, rebuilding roster.
Through two weeks, Willis has completed only 58% of his passes (29 of 50), a mark that ranks near the bottom among starting quarterbacks. His 77-yard touchdown pass to journeyman Ryan Miller in the final minutes of a blowout loss to the San Francisco 49ers provided a rare highlight, but it came with the game already decided. Head coach Jeff Hafley has emphasized that Willis needs more reps to develop, which is why he remained in the game late despite the lopsided score.
"It's, who is it? Do they need work? Do they need more experience?" Hafley said. "We felt it was best for Malik to continue to get the experience, to continue to grow and get the reps."
Consistency Is the Focus
Hafley pointed to consistency as the primary area for improvement. "It's just getting comfortable with the guys around him and getting in rhythm," he said. "The drop back pass, going through the progression, being on time—those are the things early in the year there's a lot of quarterbacks working on."
The Dolphins' offensive line has struggled, making it difficult to evaluate Willis fairly. Right tackle Austin Jackson has been isolated against elite pass rushers, and the receiving corps is the least experienced in the NFL. As a result, Willis's supporting cast has done him few favors.
Context: A Young Roster Searching for Identity
Miami enters Week 3 as the only NFL team not to have held a lead at any point this season. The Dolphins are 0-2 and have been uncompetitive in both games, raising questions about the offense's ability to keep pace in a tough AFC. The Chiefs, meanwhile, arrive at 2-0 and are favored by 10.5 points, according to sportsbooks.
Willis signed with Miami in free agency after spending time with the Green Bay Packers, brought in to replace Tua Tagovailoa. The Dolphins' coaching staff, heavily influenced by former Packers assistants, also acquired backup quarterback Kyle McCord, who spent time in Green Bay. McCord, a former Ohio State and Syracuse starter, beat out Quinn Ewers for the backup job after Ewers was traded to Jacksonville.
While Willis has shown flashes as a runner—he scored a rushing touchdown in Week 1—he hasn't been asked to run as much as some expected. His development is considered one of the Dolphins' biggest priorities this season, even if it means exposing him to risk in blowout losses. The team is balancing his growth with the need to protect him, a delicate equation for a franchise searching for stability at the game's most important position.
Evaluating Willis Amid Team Struggles
The Dolphins' offensive woes have made it hard to judge individual players. The offensive line has been overwhelmed, and the young receivers have struggled to get open. Willis's low completion percentage is concerning, but it comes with the caveat that he's often playing from behind and forcing throws into tight windows.
Perspective: A Defining Stretch for Willis and the Dolphins
Sunday's game against Kansas City represents a significant test for Willis. The Chiefs boast a disciplined defense led by Steve Spagnuolo, and they are unlikely to overlook a winless opponent. If Miami is to keep the game close, Willis must limit mistakes and make plays when opportunities arise.
Beyond Week 3, Willis's development will shape the Dolphins' long-term plans. If he can show progress over the next several games, Miami may avoid using a high draft pick on a quarterback in 2027. If he struggles, the organization could face another offseason of uncertainty at the position.
For now, the Dolphins are committed to giving Willis every chance to succeed. As Hafley noted, the decision to keep him in late-game situations is about growth, not results. "Could that change down the road? Certainly," Hafley said. "But I think it's all based on the individual player."
With the Chiefs coming to town, Willis has another opportunity to prove he can be the franchise quarterback Miami hopes he can become. The learning curve remains steep, but the Dolphins are betting that experience will eventually pay off.
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