3 weeks ago, many Packers fans were in a state of panic as star quarterback Jordan Love went down with an injury that looked to be potentially serious at the end of their Week 1 game against the Philadelphia Eagles. Their expected backup was unproven quarterback Malik Willis, who was acquired just a couple of weeks prior after struggling in the Tennessee Titans system.
Packers fans are nowhere near as worried now.
So, who is this guy?
Two years ago, Malik Willis was considered to be one of the top prospects in the NFL draft coming out of Liberty University, where he passed for nearly 3,000 yards with his rocket arm and ran for almost 900 yards with his blazing speed. Most thought he was a sure lock for the first round or at worst, the high second round. However, in a shocking twist, he ended up falling all the way to the late third round of the 2022 NFL Draft, even though he was only the third quarterback selected.
Once drafted, he struggled mightily on the field for the Titans, and couldn’t seem to process the game at the NFL level. Willis seemed to be trying to win games on talent alone, like he was able to do at the college level. At that point in his career, he seemed unable to make the big jump to the NFL. Now, 2 years later, he’s been traded to the Green Bay Packers after losing the Titans’ backup quarterback battle to newcomer Mason Rudolph. However, his tenure as backup on the sidelines in Green Bay was short-lived; he was quickly thrust into the fire as a starter after the injury to Jordan Love.
Jordan Love was diagnosed with an MCL sprain in the season opener, which kept him out for the next 2 games. Malik played a great game for a backup in Week 2, leading the team to a steady 16-10 win over the Indianapolis Colts, throwing for 122 yards on a completion percentage of 85% passing (12/14). He threw his first NFL touchdown to wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks. “All I’m concerned about is continuing to work hard and be ready if another opportunity comes,” Willis commented.
Week 3 was even better. Malik dazzled, throwing for 202 yards, rushing for 73 yards, and scoring a total of 2 touchdowns: one on the ground, and one through the air. After the Packers 30-14 routing of Willis’ former team, the Tennessee Titans, Packers head coach Matt Lafleur presented him with his 2nd game ball in 2 weeks. “I’ve never seen something like this,” Lafleur remarked when asked about his backup’s performance.
“When you look around the NFL, you see QBs he’s definitely better than: for example, Daniel Jones,” West Seattle student Kellan Beckwith commented.
“He’s done a great job filling in for Jordan Love,” Noah Beins replied when asked about Malik Willis’ performance this season.
Overall, in his short time as the Packers starting quarterback, it’s safe to say that Malik “The Freak” Willis showed over his 2 starts that he is not the same guy he was back in Tennessee.
