The QB Malik Willis was supposed to fill in for Jordan Love, who is injured at the moment. And he made this responsibility an opportunity to prove his skills. Willis’s first game as a starting quarterback with the Packers can be considered his success with a 16-10 win over the Colts.
The Starter QB expressed his gratitude after the game, saying, “I’m more blessed than anything.” Thanking god for providing him another opportunity at a different place. Malik did not stop here and called this victory a team play after his fellas supported him in the past 3 weeks. And why would he not? Willis knows it is not only done by him and Josh Jacobs’ 151 out of 261, Evan Williams’ onside kick to recover Anthony Richardson’s 4-yard touchdown pass was a great help to him.
#Packers QB Malik Willis talks about how helpful his teammates were over the last 3 weeks👇
“I’m more blessed than anything.” pic.twitter.com/ZUU7FgAMse
— 97.3 The Game (@TheGameMKE) September 15, 2024
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The starter QB had a perfect start in the first 18 minutes, with 4 of 4 passes for 25, including his first career touchdown pass to Wicks. He finished the game 192 yards on 24 carries including 164 only in the first quarter. And finished his game with 122 yards on 12 of 14 passing without being sacked even a single time. And because of this, the team finished the game with 262 yards with 53 carries. However, it wasn’t always like this.
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The 2022 NFL Draft had a rough career start. Willis was a third-round pick by the Titans, who hoped he would be the QB of the future. But Willis started three times in his rookie year with titles and had a 1-2 record. He played a total of 11 and ran for exactly one TD with 3 interceptions in only 66 attempts.
And his game history is the reason people were doubtful about him replacing Jordan Love. And Broncos former guard, Mark Schlereth, was very sure this would lead to a loss for Packers.
What did Mark Schlereth say about Malik Willis starting the Packers vs the Colts?
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On the Stinkin’ Truth Podcast with Schlereth, when the radio sportscaster emphasized on Packers‘ plan about Malik Willis to replace Love in Packers vs Colts. Mark raised an eyebrow at the QB’s potential saying, “So not only do you get a guy that has not proven that he can have success in this league, but you got a guy that just has been there for a couple of weeks.” Expressing his concern about this plan for the future game. But the team knows they did and HC Matt LaFleur was confident of him without caring about outside noises.
After the Packers signed Willis via trade from the Titans on Aug. 26. HC mentioned. “He’s got to communicate to us and let us know where he’s at.” Telling the QB will be able to live up to expectations if he is confident that he has been heard. After the Packers won, HC stated, “There was a lot put on his plate, and for him to be able to go out there and do what he did today, I think that speaks volumes of who he is as a person,” praising Malik and his team for the wonderful performance.