Willis Delivers Instant Spark, Mariota Sidelined: Commanders Ground Dolphins 20-7

LANDOVER, Md. -- The Malik Willis era in Miami started with a lightning bolt. Then reality hit hard.

The Dolphins' new QB1 led a flawless 14-play, 93-yard touchdown march in his only series Friday night, but Miami's offense cratered after that in a 20-7 preseason loss to the Washington Commanders.

Willis Shows Why Miami Made Him The Guy

Willis was sharp from the jump, completing 4 of 5 passes for 43 yards and adding 9 yards on two scrambles. His signature moment? A one-handed, 28-yard laser to rookie Caleb Douglas over cornerback Antonio Hamilton Sr. that had the sidelines buzzing. De'Von Achane capped the drive with a 1-yard plunge after churning out 39 yards on seven carries.

But here's the catch: almost none of Washington's defensive starters played. Still, for one drive, Willis looked like everything the Dolphins hoped when they signed him to replace Tua Tagovailoa.

Mariota's Night Ends In An Instant

On the other sideline, Marcus Mariota's night was over before it really started. The veteran backup lasted just four plays before suffering a non-contact leg injury on a handoff to Kaytron Allen. He dropped, the training staff swarmed, and though he walked off on his own power, the medical tent and a quiet locker-room exit told the story.

Before the injury, Mariota had connected with Dyami Brown on a 22-yard strike, but he took a hit from Tyrel Dodson on the throw and was slow to get up. His status moving forward is now a major question for Washington's QB room.

Backup QB Play Was Rough All Around

Sam Hartman took over for the Commanders and was shaky: 8-of-15 for 80 yards and an interception. Miami's Quinn Ewers was worse, going 1-of-8 for 27 yards with a pick. Third-stringer Cam Miller also threw two interceptions while completing just 3 of 11 passes.

It was ugly, folks. The kind of preseason football that makes you appreciate starters.

Commanders Run Wild

Washington controlled the game once the regulars hit the benches. Rookie Kaytron Allen rumbled for 85 yards and a touchdown, and fellow rookie Robert Henry Jr. added 75 yards and a score. The Commanders' ground game was the difference in a game that was tied at 7-0 in the first half before Washington scored 17 unanswered points.

What's Next

The Dolphins host the Giants on Aug. 22. The Commanders travel to Detroit the same day.

Willis will get more chances to prove himself. But Friday's glimpse? That was a strong first pitch.