The Green Bay Packers defeated the Indianapolis Colts 16-10 on Sunday afternoon to earn their first win of the 2024 NFL regular season. Not only was it their first win of the year, but it was also their 800th win all-time, making them the first NFL team to achieve that mark.
Green Bay earned the win without the on-field services of Jordan Love, who was held out of the game due to a sprained MCL that he suffered against the Philadelphia Eagles in Sao Paolo, Brazil in Week One. Malik Willis, who was acquired via trade with the Tennessee Titans (the Packers’ opponent next week) just a few short weeks ago led the team to victory.
Green Bay Packers Quarterback Malik Willis Did Everything Asked of Him
Prior to being acquired by the Packers, Willis was just 1-2 in his three career starts in Tennessee. He had a 53.0% completion percentage, 350 yards, no touchdowns, three interceptions, and a 49.4 passer rating in the 11 total games he played for the Titans.
In his first start with the Packers, Willis completed 12 of his 14 passes for 122 yards, a touchdown, no interceptions, and a passer rating of 126.8.
Willis also ran the ball six times for 41 yards against the Colts.
After the game, Willis was asked about how he was able to lead the Packers to victory despite the hot conditions and his only having been on the team for three weeks. He said, “They rallied behind me and I rallied behind them. We did this thing together.”
Of Willis’ performance, head coach Matt LaFleur said, “I don’t think you guys can appreciate or even comprehend the task that Malik Willis — I mean, this guy got here three weeks ago and for him to be able to go out there and command our offense, we had a lot of long calls. We had shifts, motions, a ton of different run schemes. 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 and the work that he’s put in. Just super proud of him.”
As it turns out, Willis’ game was even more impressive because Love was a lot closer to playing than fans were led to believe.
Green Bay Packers Insider Reveals Jordan Love Almost Played Against the Indianapolis Colts
Speaking on ESPN Milwaukee this morning, Packers insider Rob Demovsky said, “I was told Jordan Love was really close to playing and that was not some charade.”
Love was doubtful for most of the week and did not participate in practice as he had treatment done on his injured knee. However, Green Bay’s final injury report on Friday saw him upgraded to questionable, leading many to believe that he might play.
Of course, Love was officially ruled out on Saturday and Willis was named the starter for the week.
If Love was really that close to playing in Week Two, it bodes well for his availability in Week Three.
