Hours after Malik Washington’s costly muffed punt played a huge role in the Miami Dolphins losing to the Green Bay Packers on Thanksgiving, his teammates still had his back. Tyreek Hill said he told the rookie that he’s muffed five punts in his career and Raheem Mostert applauded Washington for keeping his head in the game.
A week later, Washington rewarded the Dolphins’ faith.
With only 52 seconds left to drive into field goal range and force overtime, Washington made arguably the play of the game by scooping up a kickoff and taking it 45 yards down the right sideline, freight-training the New York Jets’ kicker in the process.
“I was hoping they put it in play,” Washington told reporters. I wanted to call my shot on that one and try to take it to see what we could get.”
Rook comin’ through 😠@malik_w2‘s 45-yard kickoff return set us up for the final drive of regulation. #ProBowlVote pic.twitter.com/6GhTJMGg29
— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) December 9, 2024
Following the massive return, the Dolphins picked up 14 yards on a pass from Tua Tagovailoa to Hill and another six yards with a Jaylen Waddle reception. Just like that, Miami was set up for a 52-yard field goal from Jason Sanders to force overtime.
It’s hard to ask for a better way for the rookie to make amends.
“That’s something you’ve got to flush,” Washington said. “If you’re expecting everyone to play a perfect game, you’re going to always be disappointed. And I think you’ve got to learn from that, you’ve got to move on, you have to be better the next week.”
That mission was accomplished by Washington. Through 10 games this season, he’s averaging 6.3 yards per punt return and 29 yards per kickoff return.
