Paul Bretl | 9/15/2024
GREEN BAY, Wis. — No, Packers’ quarterback Malik Willis did not attempt many passes in the team’s win against the Colts. However, made sure the come through when he did, and like any quarterback, Willis had plenty on his plate, especially given the circumstances of only being in Green Bay for less than three weeks.
“I don’t think you guys can appreciate or even comprehend the task that Malik Willis–I mean, this guy got here three weeks ago and for him to be able to go out there and command our offense,” said Matt LaFleur post-game.
This was a game that called for a heavy dose of Josh Jacobs and the Packers running game, with the offense rushing the ball 53 times against the Colts. In part, this was a product of Willis just arriving in Green Bay and still learning the offense. But in addition to that, this was a Colts’ defense that struggled mightily against the run in Week 1 as well.
Matchup-wise, it very much made sense for the Packers to run the ball. Even with Jordan Love at quarterback, although not to the extent that it was Sunday, the run game was going to be a factor against a Colts defense that has shown they have little answers to stopping it. So, as Willis mentioned after the game, if the game plan dictates a run-heavy approach, and most importantly, it’s working, why go away from it?
Although a run-heavy game plan, what this wasn’t, however, was a game-plan where Willis simply turned around and handed the ball off. The Packers threw a lot at the Colts defense, from the personnel they utilized the mixing of outside zone and gap running schemes. This, in turn, then put a lot on Willis.
“We had a lot of long calls,” added LaFleur. “We had shifts, motions, a ton of different run schemes. There was a lot put on his plate and for him to be able to go out there and do what he did today, I think that speaks volumes of who he is as a person and the work that he’s put in.”
When Willis was asked to throw the ball, he was efficient, completing 12 of his 14 passes for 122 yards with a touchdown. The end result was a passer rating of 126.8.
While, for the most part, the Packers didn’t ask Willis to push the ball downfield, he did come up with two big throws on the day. The first came on his touchdown pass, a tight window throw to Dontayvion Wicks that he was able to turn up field and take into the end zone.
The second big throw came with the Packers facing a 3rd-and-five in the fourth quarter, where Willis connected with Romeo Doubs down the right sideline for a 39-yard gain. This then set up a Packers field goal to make it 16-3, a crucial set of points following a late touchdown by the Colts.
“I just think Romeo made a great play,” said Willis. “He went up and got it. It was awesome to see. This organization has done a great job getting receivers here. They have a great receiver room right now, all throughout.
“It’s not just Romeo. It’s all those guys. They go out and make plays. When they’re given an opportunity, you see, they make a play, like Wicks, that was a quick throw, and he turns it into a touchdown.”
No, the game didn’t look like it would have if Jordan Love were under center, but that was never going to be the expectation either. Perhaps it was Josh Jacobs who said it best after the game saying, Willis did what he needed to do to get the win. He led the offense, was seemingly in complete control from start to finish–again, another feat given the circumstances–and made the key throws when it was required.
It was a crash course in getting to this point with a lot of questions, additional studying and tape review, meetings with coaches, and practice sessions with the receivers. But Willis aced the exam.
“Just super proud of him,” said LaFleur. “I think our coaches did a great job preparing him and yeah, just really happy and proud of our football team.”