There is a recent trend of quarterbacks, once considered to be “busts”, flourishing in a new setting. It is very common to point at a struggling, young quarterback and claim that he is not a good player. People do not realize that organizations and coaches are a decisive factor in a young quarterback’s development. Matt LaFleur and the Green Bay Packers are the top of the NFL when it comes to coaching, instilling confidence, and designing a game plan for young quarterbacks.
Malik Willis exceeded expectations for the Packers. Willis is not the only quarterback where a change of scenery has led to better play. Justin Fields has played well enough to lead the Pittsburgh Steelers to a 3-0 record. Vikings QB Sam Darnold, the Packers opponent this week, leads the NFL with 8 passing touchdowns. Baker Mayfield, who struggled in Carolina and had ups and downs in Cleveland, has the Buccaneers off to a 2-1 start this season. On top of that, Mayfield led Tampa Bay to the NFC Divisional Round in 2023. Willis, Fields, Darnold, and Mayfield have all played well in their new homes.
Matt LaFleur Instilled Confidence in Malik Willis
To many’s surprise, Green Bay has won their last two games without its star QB Jordan Love. Malik Willis led the Packers to back to back wins against the Indianapolis Colts and the Tennessee Titans. Willis was acquired by Green Bay from Tennessee on August 26th. On September 6th, in Green Bay’s Week 1 game in Brazil, Jordan Love sprained his MCL. On September 15th, 20 days after his arrival in Green Bay, Malik Willis steered the Packers to a 16-10 victory against the Colts. One week later, 27 days after the trade, Willis defeated his former team and won his second straight game.
Malik Willis started three games for the Tennessee Titans. He had a passer rating of 39.67, a 51% completion percentage, 234 passing yards, 3 INTs, and 0 touchdowns. Tennessee was set to release Willis before Packers GM Brian Gutekunst called and agreed to trade a 7th round pick for Willis. In 2 starts for Green Bay, Willis has tallied 324 passing yards, 2 passing touchdowns, a passer rating of 122.7, 114 rushing yards, and 1 rushing touchdown. Per PFF, Willis has 0 turnover worthy plays. A lot can happen when a player gets paired with a coach who preaches the importance of instilling confidence.
Packers Head Coach Matt LaFleur added design QB runs and read options to the game plan. By letting Willis use his legs, his confidence grew. LaFleur constantly put Willis in spots to execute early on. He opened the Titan game with a fake toss to the right with Reed crossing to the left. Willis had an easy 5 yard throw to a wide open Jayden Reed who ran for a 30 yard gain. Malik Willis executed plays early on in both the Colt and Titan game which went a long way to playing well.
The Green Bay Packers Just Get it
There are several organizations in the NFL who decide to prematurely play their young quarterbacks. Some guys are simply not ready. While other teams do not have a coach or the players to help the quarterback play well. Green Bay understands the importance of development. The Packers knew Willis could not run the offense like Jordan Love. What did they do? LaFleur tailored it to Malik Willis. On top of that, Green Bay has the offensive line and playmakers that eased the pressure on the new quarterback. LaFleur simplified it early, allowing Willis to execute, which resulted in a confident Malik Willis.
There are young quarterbacks in the NFL right now who have too much on their plate. Whether it is adjusting to the NFL, learning a new scheme, or poor play around them, quarterbacks like Caleb Williams and Bryce Young are struggling. The truth is their organizations are not understanding the delicacy of a quarterback’s development. Green Bay knows the margin of error when it comes to developing quarterbacks is razor thin. The Packers get it. Green Bay has mastered the process and that is why quarterbacks like Malik Willis and Jordan Love are flourishing in this system.
