Miami Dolphins rookie wide receiver Malik Washington took advantage of an opportunity to play extended action in Sunday's 20-12 Week 15 defeat to the Houston Texans. Washington posted a team-high 52 receiving yards via five receptions. Look for him to conclude the season as an emerging playmaker for the Dolphins’ offense down the stretch.
Washington was slated to play an expanded role in Mike McDaniel's offense after the Dolphins agreed to part ways with veteran receiver Odell Beckham Jr. earlier this week. He was further bumped up the depth chart after Jaylen Waddle, who went catch-less on two targets, exited the contest early with a knee injury. Washington became one of Tua Tagovailoa’s go-to options.
Waddle got rolled up on and immediately entered the medical tent before exiting. Only tight end Jonnu Smith recorded more receptions (nine) than Washington did. Washington was effective in a big-time spot as the slot receiver.
Despite being an unproven commodity, DeMeco Ryans' defense respected Washington's athleticism. In coverage, Texans defenders offered Washington an average cushion of 6.2 yards, according to data collected by Next Gen Stats. Naturally, the former Virginia playmaker exploited that space to be a QB-friendly target for Tagovailoa. He created an average separation distance of 3.6 yards on his intended targets, limiting Tagovailoa’s need to attempt tight-window throws.
For anyone who watched Washington in college, his ability to create post-catch yardage for himself was an extremely prominent part of his skill set. That was evident on Sunday. Washington averaged an explosive 8.3 yards after catch per reception, allowing McDaniel to manufacture touches for him. That was nearly two full yards more than his expected yards after catch per reception (xYAC/R) of 6.4.
Washington has now recorded 15 catches for 106 yards this season. Sunday's breakout performance marked the first time the sixth-round rookie has surpassed 50 receiving yards in a single-game showing. Additional impressive moments are surely on the way.
Washington has also been a weapon for Dolphins special teams coordinator Danny Crossman. Washington ranks 23rd in the league in kickoff return yards (276), averaging a 15th-best 27.6 yards per return. He's also returned the occasional punt, converting 14 of those opportunities into 99 yards. The versatile playmaker is making impacts on both offense and special teams.
Credit where credit is due.
— Bobby Shouse (@B_Shousejr) December 8, 2024
We do not win this game, if not for this return by Malik Washington. 🤝 pic.twitter.com/sBAzWfvchs
Washington was slept on throughout the pre-draft process despite shattering single-season records for the Cavaliers in receptions (110) and receiving yards (1,426) last season, adding nine touchdowns to his offensive totals. Washington went to the East-West Shrine Bowl as an uber-productive slot receiver who wins with quickness and separation ability. It made him a perfect fit for McDaniel's high-octane offense in Miami.
Sunday's defeat dropped the Dolphins to 6-8, effectively ending any lingering hopes of competing for a wild-card spot. There's no reason to rush Waddle back from his knee injury. Even Tyreek Hill is a shutdown candidate after playing through injuries for the majority of this campaign. The Dolphins should use their three remaining contests to offer Washington a starring role in the offense.
