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Evaluating Malik Willis's Week 7 Performance and Future Role as Miami Dolphins Quarterback

Just How Good Was Dolphins QB Malik Willis' Work in Week 7? And How Long Does It Quiet QB Talk? Willis had by far his best performance of the season against the New York Jets; in fact, it was one of the Dolphins' best quarterback performances in a long, long time

By Priya SharmaPublished 3 Min Read
Evaluating Malik Willis's Week 7 Performance and Future Role as Miami Dolphins Quarterback
Evaluating Malik Willis's Week 7 Performance and Future Role as Miami Dolphins Quarterback
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{ "articleTitle": "Malik Willis Records Historic QBR in Dolphins' Win Over Jets", "articleDescription": "Miami Dolphins quarterback Malik Willis posted a 99.5 QBR in Week 7, marking the highest single-game score for a Dolphins quarterback since tracking began in 2006.", "articleBody": "

Willis Achieves Highest Quarterback Rating in Franchise History

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Miami Dolphins quarterback Malik Willis delivered the highest-quality performance by a Dolphins passer since the start of the QBR tracking era in 2006 during the team's 28-25 victory over the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on Sunday.

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Willis finished the Week 7 contest with a QBR of 99.5, according to ESPN. The score tied for the highest total recorded by any quarterback in the NFL during that week, matching San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy’s performance in Week 2 against the Dolphins.

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The achievement marks a significant statistical milestone for the franchise. According to Sports Illustrated, Willis' 99.5 QBR surpasses the previous single-game record held by Ryan Fitzpatrick, who recorded a 99.2 in 2020.

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Willis’ performance also eclipsed the highest marks posted by Dolphins starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. Tagovailoa’s top single-game QBR was 95.1 against the Cleveland Browns in 2022. He recorded a 90.2 in a 70-20 win over the Denver Broncos in 2023.

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Season Rankings and Coaching Confidence

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Willis currently holds a season QBR of 63.7, which ranks him 15th in the NFL. This ranking places him behind Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young but ahead of Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff and Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love.

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Despite his season-long ranking, Willis’ Week 7 performance stood out against other league leaders. Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow earned a PFF grade of 93.7 against the Baltimore Ravens and ranked third in QBR for Week 7 with a score of 91.5.

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Pro Football Focus gave Willis a grade of 77.3 for his work against the Jets. This score ranked him 33rd among 36 qualifying quarterbacks for the season, according to Pro Football Focus data cited by Sports Illustrated.

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Dolphins coach Jeff Hafley expressed strong confidence in Willis prior to the game. During production meetings ahead of the Jets matchup, Hafley stated, \"I love the guy, I trust the guy,\" according to CBS/Spero/Adam Archuleta.

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Future Outlook and Draft Speculation

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The Dolphins' quarterback situation remains a subject of external speculation. Mock drafts frequently project Notre Dame quarterback Drew Mestemaker to be selected by Miami with one of the first picks in the upcoming draft, according to Sports Illustrated.

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Willis is effectively in his rookie year as a starter. The article references a \"QB Class of 2027\" in its analysis of the team's long-term planning.