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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – MARCH 02: Liberty quarterback Malik Willis answers questions from the media during the NFL Scouting Combine on March 2, 2022, at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, IN. (Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/a8tocmic5jjbgdwd7ag8.jpg?width=600)
via Getty
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – MARCH 02: Liberty quarterback Malik Willis answers questions from the media during the NFL Scouting Combine on March 2, 2022, at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, IN. (Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
After trading away Malik Willis to Green Bay this summer, the Titans never thought it would backfire on them this Sunday. Starting his first game for the Packers at his former home in Tennessee, Willis led his new franchise to a 30-14 victory on the night. His 202 passing yards, one TD and 13-of-19 passes ensured the Packers got their second win of the season.
Well, Willis was visibly ecstatic about the results as he spoke about offering money to his teammates who kept Will Levis quiet on the day. “Oh my goodness, that was crazy 8 sacks, right? Oh my goodness, that was super. I mean, they won the game for us. The guys did great; everybody deserves it. I will pay any how much money in my pocket there, so they keep doing that. I add to their salaries. Oh my goodness,” Willis shared.
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How could you not love Malik Willis? 😊🧀🏈
🎥 Packers | #GoPackGo #Packers pic.twitter.com/AaBhagQ8p9
— Locked on Packers (@lockedonpackers) September 23, 2024
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Is Malik Willis the ultimate team player for sacrificing his paycheck? React!
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Although we don’t know whether Willis would have really agreed to sacrifice his $1.1 paycheck, he was indeed impressed with the Packers’ defense. For the Packers, it was one of their most dominating performance, as the last time they recorded eight sacks was back in 2005. Will Levis, who was starting his 12th game for the Titans, had a dreadful day on the field, as he absorbed a whopping eight sacks to end the night. Well, his game didn’t even finish there, as Levis only managed to complete 26-of-34 passes for 260 yards. Even though he scored two touchdowns, his two interceptions overshadowed those numbers.
Among those interceptions, Levis gave away his second pick-six of the season. As Will tried to find DeAndre Hopkins from the pocket, Packers CB Jaire Alexander latched on to that pass. This led to him running away for a 35-yard rushing TD that brought the Packers a 10-point lead over the Titans.
For Titans QB Levis, this was his eighth interception, which in itself is an astonishing stat only after three games into the season. Elsewhere, the man Titans let go to offer Will the starting position in Tennessee showed the mistake they have committed.
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Malik Willis sacrificing his paycheck—Is this the kind of dedication the Titans need to turn things around?
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Malik Willis finally gets his flowers in Tennessee
Going into the clash, some of the Packers players were talking about a revenge storyline brewing at Nissan Stadium. As Packers WR Christian Watson shared, “I don’t care if he doesn’t think it’s revenge game. I’m going out there and playing for him.” And boy, he did as Watson finished with 67 receiving yards on two catches. But after leading his team to a convincing victory, Willis said, “All wins count the same.”
Although Willis is not eager to disrespect his former team, Packers head coach Matt LaFleur spoke about the impact he has presented in Green Bay. “I just cannot articulate the job that he’s done in this short period of time. People can’t fathom it. I promise you, you guys don’t get it. What he’s been able to do, I’ve never seen something like this,” LaFleur shared.
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Well, Willis wasn’t the outright starter in Green Bay, as Jordan Love was supposed to lead the team this season. But his unfortunate MCL sprain suffered in the opening week led to Willis getting promoted into the starting position. And on his back, the Packers have managed to record consecutive wins against the Colts and the Titans.
Although we are yet to know Love’s return date to the team, Willis has been sensational in his absence. But it remains to be seen whether LaFleur will continue to start the 25-year-old when Love eventually makes a full recovery.
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Malik Willis sacrificing his paycheck—Is this the kind of dedication the Titans need to turn things around?