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Malik Willis‘ common season debut for the Green Bay Packers got here earlier than simply about anybody anticipated. It got here within the closing seconds of Friday night time’s Week 1 showdown towards the Philadelphia Eagles after beginning quarterback Jordan Love reportedly sustained an MCL sprain and is expected to miss 3 to 6 weeks.
Willis was unable to steer the Packers to victory, as Inexperienced Bay was on the fallacious facet of a 34-29 ultimate rating. However he could also be referred to as upon to steer the Packers’ offense since he’s presently the backup QB.
Whereas we proceed to await extra information on Love’s damage, listed here are 5 quick info about Inexperienced Bay’s different quarterback.
New Packer on the town
Willis has been with the workforce for simply a few weeks. On Aug. 26, he was traded from the Titans to the Packers for a seventh-round decide within the 2025 NFL Draft. Willis grew to become the odd man out in Nashville after the Titans elected to go together with former Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph as Will Levis‘ major backup.
Throughout the preseason with the Titans, Willis went 20 of 27 (a 74.1 completion proportion) for 205 yards with two touchdowns and a decide. Whereas these numbers had been just like those Rudolph and Levis compiled, his 5 sacks stood out as Rudolph was sacked simply as soon as and Levis was not sacked. Willis did lead the Titans in dashing 101 yards on 11 carries that included a 28-yard run.
Seldomly utilized in 2024
Willis largely discovered himself on the bench throughout his ultimate 12 months with the Titans, as he spent the 12 months as Levis’ backup. He appeared in simply three video games, and his solely move makes an attempt befell throughout a Week 6 loss to Baltimore. Willis went 4 of 5 for 74 yards in that recreation. He was sacked 4 occasions and ran for 17 yards on three carries.
A short rookie starter
Willis made three begins as a rookie in 2022. The Titans went 1-2 in these video games as Willis struggled along with his accuracy. He additionally continued to take sacks at an alarming fee.
That season, Willis accomplished 50.8% of his throws, with no touchdowns and three picks. He was additionally sacked 10 occasions. He did have success on the bottom, although, with 123 yards and a landing on 27 carries. However that season confirmed that Willis’ recreation wanted extra work.
Not the perfect scenario
Willis’ arrival in Nashville wasn’t welcomed with open arms by then-Titans beginning quarterback Ryan Tannehill, who didn’t appear overly eager to assist his younger teammate. Whereas Tannehill was proper when he mentioned it wasn’t his job to mentor Willis, it is protected to say that Willis would have benefitted from having a veteran quarterback who was extra open to serving to him.
Prolific faculty QB
Willis loved a extremely profitable finish to his faculty profession after transferring from Auburn to Liberty. Throughout his two years because the Flames’ beginning quarterback, Willis threw 47 touchdowns towards 18 picks whereas finishing 62.4% of his passes. He was particularly harmful on the bottom with 1,822 yards and 27 touchdowns with a 5.4 yards-per-carry common.
Like the opposite high quarterbacks in that 12 months’s draft, there have been huge opinions on Willis’ potential as an NFL participant previous to the draft. Many felt that, whereas he had simple athletic means, Willis would possible battle to adapt the the velocity and expertise stage of NFL defenses. His underwhelming completion proportion in faculty was typically highlighted by his detractors.
At this level, these pre-draft evaluations of Willis have come to fruition. Whereas he has potential, Willis has struggled to have success throwing the ball and avoiding strain towards beginning NFL defenses. However a superb scenario can go a good distance for a younger quarterback, and Willis has that in Inexperienced Bay with head coach Matt LaFleur and an offense that’s not devoid of expertise.
