By admin 
The Miami Dolphins enter their Week 6 bye at 0-5, then return Oct. 25 for a road game against the New York Jets. Their largest question is no longer whether they can run the football. It is whether Jeff Hafley and his staff can make the passing game functional enough to complement it.
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Malik Willis’ athletic ability was obvious against Cincinnati. He rushed for 74 yards, scored on a one-yard run and helped Miami reach a season-high 24 points. But his passing line — 15 completions in 27 attempts for 137 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions — told the more important story. He also lost a fumble, giving him three turnovers in a seven-point defeat.
The errors were not isolated. Jordan Battle intercepted Willis on consecutive second-quarter possessions. One pass was tipped, but the second came when Willis rolled right and threw back across his body. He also missed open receivers, held the ball too long on several plays and took a damaging sack after Miami reached the Cincinnati 1.
The bye gives Hafley time to decide how much of the offense should remain on Willis’ shoulders. Miami’s 217-yard rushing performance suggests one answer: lean harder into Gordon, quarterback runs, motion and play-action while cutting the number of obvious passing situations. The coaching staff also should evaluate every protection and route concept that contributed to delayed decisions.
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The Jets game will test whether Miami can turn that adjustment into a sustainable plan. New York will have two weeks of film showing Willis’ hesitation, his tendency to extend plays and the ball-security problems that have followed him. If the Dolphins cannot punish aggressive fronts with efficient throws, opponents will crowd the line and reduce the rushing lanes that carried Sunday’s offense.
There are related questions. Jonah Savaiinaea’s ankle must be evaluated. Kevin Coleman Jr. may have earned more targets. Miami’s defense must rediscover a pass rush after failing to sack Joe Burrow. Special teams cannot again surrender instant field position.
Yet every issue circles back to the quarterback. Miami does not need Willis to become a high-volume passer before facing the Jets. It needs him to make timely throws, protect the football and finish promising drives. If Hafley cannot produce that improvement during the bye, the Dolphins’ best offensive development may continue to be wasted.
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Next game: Miami Dolphins at New York Jets, Sunday, Oct. 25, at MetLife Stadium.
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This story was originally published October 11, 2026 at 3:28 PM.