Although the NFL may be buzzing around the trade deals of DeAndre Hopkins to the Chiefs and Davante Adams to the Jets, they might be missing out on something that happened in the summer. Yes, the one we are talking about is the Packers’ trade deal of then-Titans QB Malik Willis. Sending a seventh-round draft pick to Tennessee next season, the Packers may have pulled the greatest heist yet.
As Jordan Love left the game with a groin injury early into the second half, it was time for Willis to step in again. It was the second time Willis had to steer the Packers ship as Love also missed week 2 and 3 clashes, citing a knee injury. And leading the Packers to a narrow 3-point victory against the Jaguars in Jacksonville.
The ex-Packers VP Andrew Brandt was quick to call out the Titans as he took to X, “I know I have some Packers bias, but Matt LaFleur is 3- playing all or part of games with a quarterback who the Titans didn’t want and traded away two months ago for a ham sandwich.” Hearing Brandt criticize the Titans, they could argue that Willis didn’t really perform when he was in Tennessee. But Brandt also ensured he pointed out the difference that may have led to Willis hitting his strides this season. “Organizations and coaches matter #Malik Willis.”
As the Packers win their sixth game this season, head coach Matt LaFleur also chimed in to praise his backup QB, “You can’t say enough great things about Malik Willis, the job that he’s able to do to go in there. The moment’s never too big for him, and he made a lot of big-time plays in this game.” Well, one of those big plays came in the dying minutes with scores tied 27-27, and the game looked set to bring overtime.
I know I have some Packers bias, but Matt LaFleur is 3-0 playing all or part of games with a quarterback who the Titans didn’t want and traded away two months ago for a ham sandwich.
Organizations, and coaches, matter.#MalikWillis— Andrew Brandt (@AndrewBrandt) October 28, 2024
However, Willis didn’t let it happen, as he found Packers WR Jayden Reed, who gave a 51-yard gain. This and four plays later, the Packers kicker Brandon McManus found himself within a 24-yard distance to seal the game with a field goal. And he did as the Packers won 27-30, with Willis being grateful for the opportunity, “It doesn’t have nothing to do with me. I’m just grateful for the opportunity given to me by God. Jesus did way more than I do, so I just lean on that thought.”
Although God may have been on the side of Malik Willis, it wasn’t so kind to Jordan Love as he suffered yet another injury.
Jordan Love’s injury struggles rise as Packers QB heads to the treatment table
Jordan Love had already missed two games this season, which the Packers won due to Malik Willis’s brilliance at play. However, leading his team in Jacksonville on Sunday, injuries came back to haunt the 25-year-old yet again. Well, after exiting the field for a groin issue and not coming back, the Packers head coach gave a grim update on his status: “Obviously high level of concern. I think everybody could see him struggling to move around, and I just got to a point where we didn’t. He didn’t feel like he could protect himself.”
For the time he was on the pitch, Love was trying to make plays favoring his left leg. But eventually, it wasn’t enough, as he had to exit the game early in the second half. Some of the fans were even concerned that the Packers QB may have suffered a leg injury in the first quarter. Trying to make a throw, Love ended up falling on the ground, which led to the trainers checking him up for a possible issue. Although he managed to return, it wasn’t until the third quarter his eventual exit from the clash was confirmed.
Considering the injury happened yesterday, we are yet to have a timeline for his absence from Green Bay. While he recovers, the Packers may not have to worry, considering the way Willis is playing this season.