On August 26, Brian Gutekunst surprised most with the signing of Malik Willis. The Packers backup quarterbacks did not do enough to win the job. Gutekunst knew that the Packers were ready to compete for a Super Bowl immediately. No one would predict that the signing of Malik Willis would not just save Willis’s career, but the signing also saves the Packers season.
Malik Willis was once again called upon on Sunday to lead the Packers to victory. This time in the third quarter as Jordan Love suffered a groin injury. Love never got into a consistent rhythm. As the game progressed, it became clear that Love could not navigate the pocket due to his injury. Malik Willis coming in the game became a quick necessity.
Willis did not miss a beat when he came in the game for Love. His ability to take command of the offense is beyond impressive. You can tell that he has belief in himself, and the team is right there behind him, willing to do whatever it takes to win. With the red-hot Detroit Lions coming to Lambeau on Sunday, it is looking like Malik Willis will get the start. However, I believe this team can win with Willis under center.
Recapping the Game with Malik Willis Under Center
Matt LaFleur’s ability to alter his game plan for a backup quarterback is nothing short of remarkable. When other teams in the league have their starting quarterback go down, many assume the game is over. However, when the Packers put in Malik Willis, they believe they are going to win. Willis is now 3-0 when replacing Jordan Love.
LaFleur simplifies his offense to fit Willis’s skill set. He opens up creative run plays to set up play-action passes. This puts Willis in a position to succeed, you can tell that he does not flinch when called upon. Josh Jacobs is a cheat code. The way he runs with such authority and jukes defenders is essential to the offense. When Josh Jacobs succeeds, everyone benefits.
Willis does not make many throws. However, when he has the chance to make a throw, he capitalizes on the opportunity. He threw to a wide-open Tucker Kraft on a touchdown, and then with the game on the line, delivers a 51-yard dime to Jayden Reed. Willis is exactly the kind of backup quarterback the Packers needed. Athletic enough to make plays outside of the pocket, and aware enough to know when he needs to protect the ball.
Recapping the Defense and Special Teams
The defense had an incredible first half, until the Jaguars made necessary adjustments in the second half. Normally, the defense has an underwhelming first half, and a standout second half. The Packers were back to generating takeaways, while having a lackluster pass rush. The pass rush is still a concern. While the defense has great stats, there is a struggle with consistency overall.
However, one of the biggest concerns is how the defense looked when Evan Williams went out with a hamstring injury. Even though Williams is only a rookie, he is making that much of a difference on the field right now. As soon as Williams left the game, the defense stalled. The health of Evan Williams is absolutely vital for the Packers upcoming stretch of games.
The special teams had no blunders. Honestly, that’s about the most you could ask for out of the special teams right now. The goal is to not have the Packers special teams lose you a game. Brandon McManus is making all of his kicks, and making it look effortless. Not having to hold your breath when your kicker goes up is a huge relief for all of the fans.
Daniel Whelan continues to be one of the most valuable players on this team. Turning around the field position has been crucial to the success of the defense. The Packers will need any little thing to go their way to face the Lions without Jordan Love. Whelan can be a key contributor to this.
Here Come the Lions: An NFC North Battle
The Lions are my pick for the best team in the league right now. They are playing complementary football when it comes to all three areas of the game. Detroit’s offense has been nearly flawless. Jared Goff is playing the best football of his career. Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery are the most dynamic running back duo the Packers will face all year.
There are some things that can be picked apart in Detroit’s defense. However, it has not mattered much when the offense has been playing as well as they have. Losing Aidan Hutchinson is devastating, but the Lions have not taken their foot off the gas.
So, what can the Packers do to achieve a win? My first key is the Packers have to establish their run game as much as possible. The Lions will expect them to run, so the offensive staff is going to have to continue to get creative with the run game. The run game will open up the pass game, Willis can make the passes he needs to get the Packers in position for scoring.
The Packers have to run as much clock as possible, keeping the Lions offense on the sidelines. If the Packers are down with injuries on defense as well, it is key to be effective on offense. My second key is the Packers have to address the penalties. If they win this game, I expect minimal penalties to be a part of the game script.
Overall, the Lions are extremely talented. However, the Packers also have the pieces in place to go head-to-head with the Lions, even if Jordan Love does not start. The worst that can happen is the Packers lose this game heading into a bye week and get injured players healthy. The best that can happen is the Packers win this game, showing that a game plan catered to Malik Willis can continue to lead this team into more success.
