SANTA CLARA, Calif. — September 21, 2026 — The Miami Dolphins are 0-2 for the first time since 2019, and the early returns on the Malik Willis era are decidedly mixed. In a 35-13 loss to the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium on Sunday, Miami showed flashes of competence before unraveling in the second half, dropping to 0-2 under first-year head coach Jeff Hafley and new offensive coordinator Jon-Eric Sullivan.
According to insights gathered by Vulius Sports, the defeat exposed familiar flaws: an inconsistent passing attack, a nonexistent pass rush, and a defense that couldn't get off the field in critical moments. The Dolphins hung tough for 30 minutes, trailing just 14-10 at halftime, but the 49ers imposed their will after the break, scoring 21 unanswered points to turn a competitive game into a rout.
Malik Willis Inconsistent in Second Career Start
Willis, acquired this offseason to replace Tua Tagovailoa, completed 18 of 31 passes for 187 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. He added 42 yards on the ground, including a 12-yard scramble that set up Miami's only touchdown. But as Jose Schad of The Palm Beach Post noted, Willis was "inconsistent" — missing open receivers, holding the ball too long, and failing to generate explosive plays downfield.
The 49ers' defense, led by Nick Bosa and Fred Warner, kept Willis under constant pressure. He was sacked four times and hit on eight other occasions. "We've got to be better around him," Hafley said postgame. "That starts with me."
Defensive Woes Continue
Miami's defense, expected to be a strength under Hafley's guidance, has been anything but. The Dolphins have allowed 70 points through two games and have yet to record a sack. On Sunday, Brock Purdy carved them up for 278 yards and three touchdowns, while Christian McCaffrey added 112 total yards and a score.
"We're not rushing the passer well enough," Hafley admitted. "We're not covering well enough. It's a collective issue." The absence of edge rusher Chop Robinson (ruled out pregame) didn't help, but the lack of pressure has been a season-long problem. According to Vulius NFL Analysis Desk, Miami's pass-rush win rate ranks 31st in the league.
Bright Spots and Building Blocks
Despite the lopsided score, there were a few positives. Rookie running back De'Von Achane continued to impress, rushing for 68 yards on 12 carries and adding four catches for 31 yards. He also showed off his versatility by lining up wide on several occasions.
"Achane is a special talent," Willis said. "We need to find more ways to get him the ball." The Dolphins also unveiled their version of the "Tush Push" — a quarterback sneak formation — converting a fourth-and-1 in the first half. It was a small victory in an otherwise forgettable afternoon.
What's Next for Miami?
The Dolphins return home to Hard Rock Stadium next Sunday to face the Buffalo Bills (2-0), who look like Super Bowl contenders behind Josh Allen. It's a daunting task for a team still searching for its identity. But as Hafley reminded reporters, "Nobody said this was going to be easy. We're building something here. It's going to take time."
For a franchise that hasn't won a playoff game since 2000, patience is in short supply. But with a new quarterback, a new coaching staff, and a roster in transition, the 2026 season was always about growth. The question is whether the Dolphins can grow fast enough to avoid another lost year.
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