Jordan Love harm: Who’s Malik Willis? Get to know Packers backup QB who may step in as starter
Malik Willis’ common season debut for the Inexperienced Bay Packers got here earlier than simply about anybody anticipated. It got here within the closing seconds of Friday evening’s Week 1 showdown in opposition to the Philadelphia Eagles after beginning quarterback Jordan Love reportedly sustained an MCL sprain and is predicted to overlook a while.
Willis was unable to steer the Packers to victory, as Inexperienced Bay was on the unsuitable facet of a 34-29 closing rating. However he could also be referred to as upon to steer the Packers’ offense since he’s at present the backup QB.
Whereas we proceed to await extra information on Love’s harm, listed below are 5 quick info about Inexperienced Bay’s different quarterback.
New Packer on the town
Willis has been with the group for simply a few weeks. On Aug. 26, he was traded from the Titans to the Packers for a seventh-round choose within the 2025 NFL Draft. Willis grew to become the odd man out in Nashville after the Titans elected to go along with former Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph as Will Levis’ major backup.
Through the preseason with the Titans, Willis went 20 of 27 (a 74.1 completion proportion) for 205 yards with two touchdowns and a choose. 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 principally discovered himself on the bench throughout his closing yr with the Titans, as he spent the yr as Levis’ backup. He appeared in simply three video games, and his solely cross makes an attempt occurred throughout a Week 6 loss to Baltimore. Willis went 4 of 5 for 74 yards in that sport. He was sacked 4 occasions and ran for 17 yards on three carries.
A quick rookie starter
Willis made three begins as a rookie in 2022. The Titans went 1-2 in these video games as Willis struggled together 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’ sport wanted extra work.
Not the very best scenario
Willis’ arrival in Nashville wasn’t welcomed with open arms by then-Titans beginning quarterback Ryan Tannehill, who did not seem overly keen to assist his younger teammate. Whereas Tannehill was proper when he mentioned it wasn’t his job to mentor Willis, it is secure to say that Willis would have benefitted from having a veteran quarterback who was extra open to serving to him.
Prolific school QB
Willis loved a extremely profitable finish to his school profession after transferring from Auburn to Liberty. Throughout his two years because the Flames’ beginning quarterback, Willis threw 47 touchdowns in opposition to 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 yr’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 potential, Willis would probably wrestle to adapt the the pace and expertise stage of NFL defenses. His underwhelming completion proportion in school 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 in opposition to beginning NFL defenses. However an excellent 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 isn’t devoid of expertise.