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Miami Dolphins QB Malik Willis isn’t interested in excuses
Sep 20, 2026; Santa Clara, California, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Malik Willis (2) throws against San Francisco 49ers defensive line Nick Bosa (97) during the first half of the game at Levi’s Stadium. Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

Miami Dolphins quarterback Malik Willis is young and inexperienced — but he sees no excuses in his situation.

One of the biggest questions entering this season for the Miami Dolphins was whether or not quarterback Malik Willis had enough around him to “properly” evaluate his play. General manager Jon-Eric Sullivan took the guesswork out of that question in the summer, saying he felt the team did.

But evaluating a young quarterback on a young roster isn’t easy. There’s plenty of growing pains to work through. But to Willis’ credit, he isn’t interested in any kind of special treatment or excuses. He simply wants to get as good as he can, as fast as he can — no matter the situation.

Miami Dolphins QB Malik Willis isn’t interested in any excuses


Sep 20, 2026; Santa Clara, California, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Malik Willis (2) throws.Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

“I got to keep getting better just like everybody else on our offense. I hold myself to the same standard I will hold them, and I think that’s fair. And even if not more, probably. Sometimes (he) be saying I’ll be tripping because I’ll be a little too hard on myself. But at the same time, if you don’t hold yourself to a standard, how will you continue to get better? And I just want everybody in that locker room to feel that way. And that’s when we’ll continue to get something going and continue to build towards success.”

— Miami Dolphins QB Malik Willis

Look, no matter how Willis’ play grows and evolves, he feels like an easy guy to root for. His journey to this moment has not been easy. There’s been adversity in high school, college, and early in his NFL career. But the gifts are there and the mentality is great. Willis isn’t interested in making any excuses for why his play is or isn’t up to standard. So, frankly, neither should we. Just like with every other player on the offense (and the roster).

We’re just two games into this season. But the opportunity is there for the taking. Whoever can properly capture Willis’ mindset and bring it to life will be well positioned to stay in Miami for the long haul. The standard is the standard — and all that matters for Willis and his teammates is trying to meet it every week.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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