Miami Dolphins coach Jeff Hafley is not considering a quarterback change heading into the team's Week 6 bye, and he said Malik Willis will remain the starter. Hafley also made clear that backup Kyle McCord is not under consideration.
After Sunday's loss to the Cincinnati Bengals, however, Hafley acknowledged the team must pass the ball more effectively. "Malik needs to be better, OK? And that's not the headline," Hafley said. "The headline is we all need to be better, and I mean that." He noted the team ran for 200 yards against a strong opponent, but said everything in the passing game, from receivers and tight ends to protection, has to improve.
Willis ranks 31st in the NFL with a 56.2% completion percentage and 23rd in quarterback rating at 43.9. Through five games he has thrown for 849 yards, two touchdowns and four interceptions. He has also rushed for 186 yards and two touchdowns, but has five fumbles and has lost a fumble in each of his past three games. Hafley said ball security will be a major focus during the bye.
The Dolphins have the youngest offense in the NFL, and their offensive line ranks mid-pack with a 50.8% pass block win rate. Willis is the fifth-most contacted quarterback and the fourth-most sacked in the league. Miami enters the bye on a five-game losing streak and has not won since Dec. 28. Willis said the week needs to focus on self-reflection and accountability.
Source: ESPN NFL · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing