Two former Liberty Flames found themselves on opposite sides of the field Sunday as Malik Willis and the Miami Dolphins hosted Demario Douglas and the New England Patriots in an AFC East showdown. Willis and the Dolphins got off to a strong start, but Douglas delivered one of the biggest plays of the afternoon as New England rallied from a 10-point halftime deficit to secure a 24-19 victory.
QB MALIK WILLIS
This week: New England 24, Miami 19
Willis put together another productive performance as Miami’s starting quarterback, completing 21 of 32 passes for 211 yards and two touchdowns with one interception. The former Liberty standout helped Miami build a 13-3 halftime advantage, throwing a one-yard touchdown pass to Malik Washington late in the second quarter. However, the Patriots completely flipped the momentum after halftime, scoring 21 unanswered points to take control of the game.
Willis finished with two touchdown passes, including a 35-yard strike to Kevin Coleman Jr. with just over two minutes remaining. The touchdown pulled Miami within five, but the Dolphins failed to convert the ensuing two-point attempt. Miami attempted an onside kick following the score, but New England recovered to secure the victory.
Despite the loss, Willis continued to demonstrate his ability to move the Dolphins’ offense. He has now thrown multiple touchdown passes in consecutive games after leading Miami to its first win of the season last week.
Game stats: 21-of-32 passing, 211 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT; 5 sacks
WR DEMARIO DOUGLAS
This week: New England 24, Miami 19
Douglas delivered the biggest offensive play of the afternoon for New England, catching three passes for 76 yards and a touchdown. The former Liberty receiver came up with a spectacular 48-yard touchdown reception from Drake Maye early in the fourth quarter, extending the Patriots’ lead to 24-13. Douglas caught the pass and made his way through the Miami secondary for the long touchdown, providing New England with some much-needed breathing room after the Patriots had scored 14 unanswered points in the third quarter. The touchdown marked Douglas’ fourth of the season, establishing a new career high for touchdown receptions in a single NFL season. The Patriots ultimately held on for the five-point victory, improving to 5-3 on the season and extending their winning streak against Miami to three games.
Game stats: 3 receptions, 76 yards, 25.3 yards per reception, 1 TD
The matchup provided another memorable moment for Liberty fans, with Willis continuing to establish himself as Miami’s starting quarterback and Douglas making a critical contribution to New England’s comeback victory. The Patriots improved to 5-3 with the win, while Miami fell to 1-6 despite another solid performance from Willis.
