WASHINGTON, D.C. ― The Miami Dolphins lost 20-7 in their presason debut at the Washington Commanders.
But the score is irrelevant. Quarterback Malik Willis shined and Miami's first-team offensive line looked solid.
Reasons for hope entering Giants preseason week.
No time like the present for an Overreaction Saturday.
Let’s overreact … or not?
Malik Willis is Miami's quarterback of the future
Overreaction? Yes. Willis looked great, albeit on one drive. Willis has steadily improved throughout the offseason, which is encouraging. Strong arm. Mobile. Confident. He's give Dolphins fans a good reason to watch. But it's way to early to know exactly what the Dolphins do and do not have.
The Dolphins' offensive line will be dominant
Overreaction? Yes. Rookie Kadyn Proctor looks good at left guard. Second-year player Jonah Savaiianaea looked good at right guard. The Dolphins run game looked good with Achane. And Willis had a pretty nice pocket. But let's remember Washington held out their top 10 defensive players. And the o-line had some issues in a joint practice earlier in the week.
Caleb Douglas will lead the Dolphins in receptions
Overreaction? Yes. The excitement for the rookie receiver is exciting and warranted. But we have no idea if he'll have more catches than Achane, Malik Washington, Greg Dulcich or even Chris Bell, when he returns from knee injury. Douglas has size and radius and body control and speed. How consistent will be be in the NFL? We have many games to play before we can make that conclusion.
The Dolphins have a backup quarterback concern
Overreaction? No. Quinn Ewers and Cam Miller were 4-for-19 with no touchdowns and three interceptions. It has not been a great spring or summer for either backup quarterback. It's perhaps a bit too early to start thinking about other options. Anthony Richardson? They need to find their confidence because at the moment the Dolphins are probably not privately too confidence in the backup situation.
The Dolphins have a pass coverage concern
Overreaction? No. JuJu Brents and Dante Trader did not practice or play this week. It was good to see rookie Chris Johnson return after missing joint practice due to a minor injury. Look, the Dolphin defense is probably going to give up a lot of passing yards and passing touchdowns this year. It is what it is. If Miami focuses heavily on not getting trounced on the ground, they still have the issue of a questionable pass rush. This will be no reflection on the coaching of Hafley and defensive coordinator Sean Duggan. Miami is very young and very thing and will be very out-manned in many games this season.
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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 Instagram and on X @schadjoe. Sign up for Joe's free weekly Dolphins Pulse Newsletter. Help support our work by subscribing today.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Miami Dolphins overreaction Saturday: Malik Willis is QB of future?