Dynamic, athletic QB Malik Willis excites Dolphins offensive coaches

Patullo has the experience of working with a mobile quarterback in Philadelphia, Jalen Hurts. Patullo was let go from the Eagles after one season in charge of the entire offense, but he had a successful run through four seasons as pass game coordinator there, while also being associate head coach for two of those.

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“I was with (Hurts) for five years and through different phases of it,” Patullo said. “So I think just going forward from it, just seeing what you can do with a guy like that and how successful you can be brings a lot.”

Slowik can let his imagination run wild with things he can do in the run game with Willis at quarterback. The threat of him receiving the snap with speedy running back De’Von Achane next to him could form a formidable read option or run-pass option.

Slowik, who has only scratched the surface on discussing scheme with Willis to this point in the offseason, pumps the brakes on those ideas, though, while he sees the value in the conflict it creates for opposing defenses.

“Anytime you have a quarterback who has the ability to run, it’s not something that you are going to do down in, down out in the NFL, but the threat of it makes it 11 versus 11, as opposed to 11 on 10,” Slowik said. “And I think that’s what can get tough sometimes when you get a guy that maybe isn’t as mobile at quarterback, is they have 11 guys and, aside from throwing the ball, you’re really playing with 10. So it just lets you equalize some advantageous situations. Outside of that, really the mobility these days shows up more in off-schedule situations than it does anything.”

Slowik did note there will be similarities in the offense to what Willis did with the Packers.

But beyond how dynamic Willis can be in the offense, Slowik just appreciates his new quarterback’s work ethic.

“I was excited about the player, and as I’ve gotten to know the person, I’ve been very excited about the person,” he said.

New Dolphins quarterbacks coach Bush Hamdan said Willis is the first one into the building and last one to leave daily through the offseason workout program.

“I think he’s got this natural knack of knowing exactly who he is and his ability to bring people together,” Hamdan said. “So I’ve been extremely impressed with that, the preparation piece. And certainly he’s got the skill set to be a really, really good player.”

Now, it’s about maximizing Willis’ opportunity as a starter after four years of backup play between the Packers and Tennessee Titans.

“He realizes you don’t get these opportunities often,” Hamdan said, “and so I think he’s done a tremendous job of rallying the guys, all the guys, regardless of where they’re from, what position they play. And that’s been a big thing for us as we start in this new year.”