The Packers started off their 2024 journey with their star quarterback, Jordan Love. But little did the Wisconsin team know, they had to part ways with Love for some time due to his MCL injury. Now, as obvious, the question and pressure was on for coach Matt LaFleur. Everyone wondered whom he was giving the opportunity to hold the fort next until Love returned. But having a sharp eye, LaFleur decided to go with his other ace, backup QB, Malik Willis, and the result was in front of all!

Joining The Rich Eisen Show on Monday, September 16, Tom Pelissero highlighted Matt LaFleur’s faith in his backup quarterback Jordan Love, and how he attacked Willis’ former coach, Mike Vrabel, by doing so. During the discussion, the NFL Insider emphasized that before the Packers Week 2 game, LaFleur showed his trust in Malik Willis, and “it helped build the confidence.”

Explaining the point, Pelissero said, “Matt LaFleur told him [Willis] all week, you can do this, you can. Hey whatever was happening in Tennessee whatever you might have heard from Mike Vrabel over the last couple years when you were falling down the depth chart and they’re acquiring Josh Dobbs to start a must-win game at the end of the season, you’re being demoted the number three, hey you can do this. We’re going to find a way.”

Not only this! According to Pelissero, Willis, who was coming from a completely different college system, performed well in his Packers’ debut game on Sunday, resulting in a 16-10 win against the Colts. And all this is because of Matt LaFleur’s support, who reinforced the message in the locker room that everyone had Willis’ back. So, it was pretty obvious that this boosted confidence and strength in Willis–the faith, that was allegedly never shown by his former coach Mike Vrabel in the Titans.

Hence, now, as Love will probably be out for a few more weeks due to his MCL struggle, the Packers’ coach is ready with another star–Malik Willis.

Matt LaFleur is on the safer side despite losing Jordan Love

The Green Bay Packers drafted Malik Willis from the Titans (his 2022 NFL draft team) on August 26 in exchange for a 2025 seventh-round draft pick this year. Although he was selected to work as a backup behind Jordan Love, as destiny played, he is now the starter – at least until QB 1 returns.

Malik Willis stepped in when the Packers needed him most. With Jordan Love sidelined by a knee injury, Willis led Green Bay to a 16-10 victory over the Colts. And that’s why he has made his place in the team now. Talking about him, coach Matt LaFleur straightway mentioned, “If he’s [Love] ready, he’ll be ready. If he’s not, we’ll proceed with Malik.” Hence, it clearly shows LaFleur is happy with Willis’ performance, and thinks that he is a great backup behind Jordan Love whom the team can easily rely on.

And Willis knows this too! That’s the reason he was thankful for the chance and gave credit to his coaches for instilling confidence in him. He said, “the Packers coaches put me in an environment where they can help me not only get ready for the game but just instill confidence in me and help me be the best that I can be.” While his performance-completing 12 of 14 passes for 122 yards and a touchdown was impressive, Willis kept things grounded. He claimed, “I don’t get proud. We’ve got a lot to work on, obviously, and we’ve just got to continue to get better and work hard….”

So, this means, for Willis, it’s all about getting better, working harder, and being there for his teammates. Well, that is how a teammate or backup should be!