The Miami Dolphins had a promising opening drive to begin the 2025 preseason against the Chicago Bears. But one player in particular dominated the field from start to end, and that player is second-year receiver Malik Washington.
Washington got to work before the offense even took the field. Miami’s defense forced a punt after making the Bears go three and out in their first possession, and back deep to return was Washington. The receiver fielded the punt 50 yards down field at the Phins 23, a burst of speed and a broken arm tackle saw Washington gain 19 yards to give his team excellent field position in it’s first drive of the contest.
Now on offense and aligned to the outside of the formation, Washington caught each and every one of starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s first four pass attempts.
Tagovailoa found the second year wide out on second-and-ten, then once again on third-and-seven to bring the down and distance to a manageable fourth-and-three. On fourth down, at mid field in a got to have it play, Tagovailoa once again looked Washington’s way, trusting the young wideouts hands on a short out. Washington toe tapped the sideline a few yards north of the marker to reset the chains.
After finally attempting to target a receiver not named Malik Washington and failing, Tua went back to his security blanket for a gain of five. It was Washington’s fourth catch of the opening drive.
Then, to put the cherry on top of an impressive outing, Washington received a hand off on an end around rushing attempt. A gain of eight on the creative call solidified what we had already inferred from the opening drive, Mike McDaniels has unlocked a new weapon in the Dolphins’ receiving room.
Tyreek Hill Eats His Words
Tyreek Hill once again made headlines last week when he publicly joked with his teammate De’Von Achane. Hill said the key to the Dolphins offense having more success would be to stop giving Achane the ball at the goal line.
Fast forward to the team’s first drive, after 15 plays and 54 yards gained, the unit was stymied at the goal line. On first and goal, running back Jaylen Wright took the handoff six yards to the two yard line. Wright then received three straight handoffs from inside the two yard line.
The second year back was stuffed on three straight plays. A turn over on downs ensued after the back was unable to cross the goal line.
Perhaps getting De’Von Achane involved could have yielded better results, Tyreek.
Zach Wilson Leads Touchdown Drive
Tua Tagovailoa’s first drive looked a lot like what fans have come to expect. He completed five of six passes, for 27 yards. He mostly opted for the short pass, putting his accuracy on display and taking the yards where he could get them.
His lone incompletion came on a deep shot over the middle, sound familiar?
Regardless of the quick work and productive drive, head coach Mike McDaniels had seen all he needed to from his gunslinger. Tagovailoa was pulled after the first drive and in came newcomer Zach Wilson in relief.
Wilson looked decent in teal, leading a touchdown drive his first time out. The drive took seven plays and spanned 51 yards, aided by a pass interference call in Bears territory. Wilson missed a wide open receiver in the end zone, and eventually capped off the drive with a hand off to veteran Alexander Mattison who scored from one yard out.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Dolphins’ Newest Weapon Revealed In 15 Play Opening Drive appeared first on Heavy Sports.