Malik Willis knows exactly what kind of problem Maxx Crosby can create for the Miami Dolphins. The Las Vegas Raiders star has a reputation for making quarterbacks uncomfortable; however, Willis does not sound interested in letting that change how he approaches Sunday’s opener.
The Dolphins QB has a much simpler plan. Know where Crosby is, respect what he can do, and then keep playing. For Willis, spending the entire afternoon worrying about one defender could be just as damaging as losing track of him.
Malik Willis Refuses to Let Maxx Crosby Dictate Dolphins’ Opener
On September 10, Willis spoke ahead of the Dolphins‘ Week 1 matchup with the Raiders. The question centered on how a QB should handle a pass rusher like Crosby, and Willis made it clear that awareness cannot turn into panic.
Patrick Paul, the Dolphins’ left tackle, had already explained his own approach to the matchup. His plan is to beat Crosby to his spots, get his hands on him and play aggressively. Willis offered the quarterback’s version of that same idea.
“Beating him to the spot, getting your hands on him, getting him off his game, being aggressive.
You’ve got to be aware of him, know where he’s at. But at the same time, gotta play ball too.”
Patrick Paul on his preparation for Maxx Cosby Sunday:
“Beating him to the spot, getting your hands on him, getting him off his game, being aggressive.”
Malik Willis adds
“You’ve got to be aware of him, know where he’s at. But at the same time, gotta play ball too.”#PhinsUppic.twitter.com/aOj1aG6gsj
— The List – Dolphins Podcast (@TheListFinsPod) September 10, 2026
That last part is really what stood out. Willis was asked how much a player like Crosby can speed up a QB’s internal clock. His answer was not about changing the entire offense or getting rid of the ball simply because Crosby is lined up across from them.
Instead, Willis described it as something that comes with feeling. Every play has its own situation, and the quarterback still has to execute what is called. Crosby is obviously going to demand attention. Willis acknowledged that he himself, pointing out that the veteran has been one of the league’s top players for a long time, however, the Dolphins cannot allow that attention to turn into hesitation.
That could be especially important for Willis in his first season-opening start with Miami. He has started NFL games before; however, this is a different situation. He is entering the year as the Dolphins’ 1st QB and will be responsible for an offense that is expected to feature plenty of young players.
Willis has repeatedly leaned on preparation when discussing his approach to the opener. He said the goal is to get enough practice and mental reps during the week so situations do not feel completely new once they show up on Sunday.
That mindset also applies to Crosby. The Dolphins know where the danger is coming from. That was also reflected in another part of his availability. When asked about the possibility of defenses stacking the box because of the Dolphins’ running game and an unproven receiving group, Willis pushed back on trying to predict everything before the game began.
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The post ‘You’ve Got To Play Ball Too’ — Malik Willis Sends Blunt Message Ahead of Maxx Crosby Matchup appeared first on Gridiron Heroics.
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