Miami Dolphins QB Malik Willis grades: Key INT in loss to Lions

MIAMI GARDENS ― Miami Dolphins ' Malik Willis was in search of a second win as starting quarterback in a home game against the Detroit Lions on Sunday, Nov. 8. It did not happen. The Dolphins lost to the Lions , 19-9. Miami is 1-7. Detroit is 6-2. Malik Willis Miami Dolphins Report Card vs. Detroit Lions Arm strength: C+ A holding penalty on rookie tight end Will Kacmarek negated a deep completion from Malik Willis to Kevin Coleman that would have gone for 51 yards. Accuracy: C Malik Willis could not complete a third-down attempt on a quick out for tight end Greg Dulcich in the first quarter. Willis helped Miami out when backed up near their end zone in the second quarter by rolling right off a play-action to convert a first down with an 11-yard completion to Greg Dulcich. Willis hit Caleb Douglas with a quick crosser to create an 11-yard gain and first down in the third quarter. Poise/Leadership: C+ Malik Willis missed an opportunity to make a quick pass touchdown to Ollie Gordon II at the start of the fourth quarter. Instead, he was sacked. Decision-making: C- Once again, Malik Willis operated the two-minute drill with patience and ease before halftime. Willis is comfortable in this situation as he showed in the previous week, as well. Sadly, it resulted in only a short missed field goal by Zane Gonzalez. Willis threw a poor interception into double coverage when trying to reach Caleb Douglas in the third quarter. Lions safety Chuck Clark read the play the whole way. This was a key play as Miami trailed only 6-3. Mobility: C+ Willis was on Miami's injury report with a groin injury for a second consecutive week and did not appear eager to run for a second consecutive week. Willis did scramble for an apparent first down in the third quarter but Aaron Brewer was called for a holding to negate the play. Overall: C Malik Willis had a key interception with his team trailing only 6-3 at he tried to force a pass down the field to Caleb Douglas. Willis missed on a chance to complete a quick touchdown pass to Ollie Gordon. Willis did not create much on the ground with his legs. Willis' completion percentage and pass rating were below average. Joe Schad: Dolphins' Ollie Gordon II agrees NFL taunting rules 'random and vague' Joe Schad: Why Lamar Jackson to Miami only works under perfect conditions Key play: After viral missed sack, Dolphins CB Chris Johnson discusses new plan Joe Schad is a journalist covering the  Miami Dolphins  and the NFL at  The Palm Beach Post . You can reach him at  jschad@pbpost.com  and follow him on  Threads  and  Instagram   and  X  at @sc hadjoe