Malik Willis shines for Dolphins despite loss to Commanders in preseason opener
2 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Aug 15, 2026, 2:39 AM
Last updated Aug 15, 2026
Malik Willis demonstrated strong performance as Miami's quarterback during a 20-7 loss to the Washington Commanders on August 14. He led a 14-play, 93-yard drive, completing 4 of 5 passes for 43 yards. Washington's Marcus Mariota, starting as quarterback, left the game after four plays due to a leg injury suffered on a non-contact play. De’Von Achane contributed with a 1-yard touchdown run. Washington controlled the game with backup Sam Hartman, who threw for 80 yards with an interception, while the Dolphins struggled with their remaining quarterbacks. Both teams plan to play again next week, with Miami hosting the New York Giants and Washington traveling to Detroit.
- •Dolphins lost 20-7 in their preseason opener against the Commanders.
- •Malik Willis completed 4 of 5 passes for 43 yards and rushed for 9 yards.
- •Marcus Mariota left the game after four plays due to a leg injury.
- •De’Von Achane scored on a 1-yard run following Willis' drive.
- •Next games: Dolphins vs. Giants, Commanders at Lions on August 22.
- 2:39 AMYahoo Sports — Commanders beat Dolphins 20-7 as Marcus Mariota leaves with a leg injury
- 2:27 AMYahoo Sports — Dolphins' Malik Willis has impressive start, Marcus Mariota injured as Commanders win 20-7
"Malik Willis got off to an impressive start as Miami’s new quarterback, leading a 14-play, 93-yard touchdown drive as the Dolphins lost 20-7 to the Washington Commanders Friday night in the preseason opener for both teams. Washington’s veteran backup quarterback, Marcus Mariota, got the start but lasted just four plays. Mariota suffered a leg injury on a non-contact play while handing the ball off to Kaytron Allen.
"Malik Willis got off to an impressive start as Miami's new quarterback, leading a 14-play, 93-yard touchdown drive as the Dolphins lost 20-7 to the Washington Commanders Friday night in the preseason opener for both teams. Washington's veteran backup quarterback, Marcus Mariota, got the start but lasted just four plays. Mariota suffered a leg injury on a non-contact play while handing the ball off to Kaytron Allen.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsAug 15, 2026, 2:39 AMCommanders beat Dolphins 20-7 as Marcus Mariota leaves with a leg injury
Malik Willis got off to an impressive start as Miami’s new quarterback, leading a 14-play, 93-yard touchdown drive as the Dolphins lost 20-7 to the Washington Commanders Friday night in the preseason opener for both teams. Washington’s veteran backup quarterback, Marcus Mariota, got the start but lasted just four plays. Mariota suffered a leg injury on a non-contact play while handing the ball off to Kaytron Allen.
- Yahoo SportsAug 15, 2026, 2:27 AMDolphins' Malik Willis has impressive start, Marcus Mariota injured as Commanders win 20-7
Malik Willis got off to an impressive start as Miami's new quarterback, leading a 14-play, 93-yard touchdown drive as the Dolphins lost 20-7 to the Washington Commanders Friday night in the preseason opener for both teams. Washington's veteran backup quarterback, Marcus Mariota, got the start but lasted just four plays. Mariota suffered a leg injury on a non-contact play while handing the ball off to Kaytron Allen.
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