Bengals safety Jordan Battle said Miami quarterback Malik Willis gives defenders a possible cue before passing: a slight tap on the ball or taking his hand off it. Battle said the movement could help the defense time its reaction.
Battle described the habit after Cincinnati’s Thursday practice. He said defensive backs could use the brief movement as a signal to break toward a receiver or the ball. The Bengals are due to face the Dolphins in Week 5, with several days remaining before the game.
Sharing the observation publicly carries a risk because Willis could adjust his mechanics before kickoff. CBS Sports noted, however, that he had only a few practice days to change a familiar movement if he had not already identified it through self-scouting.
Cincinnati’s defense could use any edge. Through the first four weeks, the team ranked in the lower half of the league in several passing metrics. CBS Sports listed it 17th in EPA per pass (-0.03), tied for 25th with one interception, 25th in time to throw allowed (2.95 seconds), 26th in passing yards allowed per game (233.8) and 27th in average receiver separation (3.8 yards).
On paper, Willis offered a more manageable matchup than the quarterbacks Cincinnati had faced: Trevor Lawrence, Aaron Rodgers, C.J. Stroud and Baker Mayfield. Willis had 712 passing yards after four games, the fewest among quarterbacks with four appearances. His passer rating was fourth-lowest among qualified players.
Battle also cautioned that Willis is a mobile quarterback. He can run on long third downs and extend plays before looking for a receiver, the safety said. Cincinnati’s defensive backs will need to stay alert and keep covering receivers downfield.