Having a starting quarterback go down during a game is a problem not many teams can overcome. Proven to the beat of this season, of the 8 teams currently sitting in last place in the NFL 7 of them have lost their starting quarterback to injury at some point this season. In week 11, the Packers were similarly faced with the daunting challenge of losing quarterback Jordan Love. Trailing 7-0 in the 1st quarter at MetLife Stadium vs a desperate New York Giants football team. Like last year, Green Bay backup quarterback Malik Willis would be up for the challenge.
Willis would only take part in 1 drive but would revitalize Green Bay’s offense in doing so. Completing two of two passes, one a more than impressive on the run throw to Christian Watson for a touchdown to get Green Bay on the board. Willis indisputably adds an element to Green Bay’s offense in the use of his mobility. A more than needed added arsenal to an at times stagnant Matt LaFleur offense as of late.
Unsure of what Love’s injury was or how long he would be out of the game, Green Bay would convert what at the time was a huge play during the TD drive, in a 3rd and 8 rush by Willis. Utilizing a run-pass option, Willis, a once reported 4.37 40-yard dash runner would outrun the Giants defense and keep the drive going on a day where field goals would be few and far between due to wind. To have a next man up at such a key position, and not have the drop off be significant, can certainly take a toll on any opposition.
Not only the teams at the bottom of divisions, but many highly anticipated top teams have also seen their seasons thrown off due to injury and must claw back for a bid to the playoffs. From the 3-7 Bengals losing Joe Burrow, 5-5 Ravens without Lamar Jackson, to the 3-8 Commanders continually missing Jayden Daniels. The luxury in having a more than capable replacement for the leader of the huddle is rare, and the Packers have continually been proven to have that and more in Malik Willis.
Coming off a year where Willis would lead Green Bay to a 2-0 record during Jordan Love’s early season knee injury. Willis finished with a Rating above 120 in each game, a passing touchdown, while also rushing for 40 or more yards. Commanding the huddle, Willis’s ability to get off his initials reads and find open space is a trait you see increasingly utilized in today’s NFL landscape.
In a year where Green Bay has seen their offensive line cave in, and a passing game run into serious issue through injury and lacking in rhythm. Perhaps seeing your back-up quarterback come in unfazed and lead a touchdown drive can provide an impact beyond just the scoreboard. Malik Willis once again provided a necessary spark, and reminder why Green Bay not giving up an asset like Willis for draft picks, pays dividends in a league where things can change at any given moment.
Despite being a top 3 converting team on 3rd downs this year in the NFL, Green Bay in short yardage situations has seemed to run into repetitive, and non-creative plays such as an inside zone rushing attempt out of the shotgun. Losing Tucker Kraft’s ability to do his own version of a QB sneak, Green Bay may have another element to this down and distance in Willis. Keeping Love away from the mess of a sneak, why not trot Willis on for some sort of tush-push, RPO, or anything Matt LaFleur’s extensive playbook can produce.
Only 26 years-old and an unrestricted free agent following this season, it will be interesting to see what Green Bay does with Willis. You would expect him to garner serious interest in a league that faces inevitable injury, and misfortunes to arguably the most important position in football. If one thing is for certain, it is that as long as Malik Willis is a Green Bay Packer, the panic button can refrain from being hit, and belief can remain.
Every Malik Willis snap against the Giants.
What a luxury it is to have a backup QB who you feel confident in coming on the field. pic.twitter.com/QJRAdMCUZA
— TitletownTalks (@TitleTownTalks) November 18, 2025
Malik Willis hasn’t played all season. Promptly leads the #Packers on a TD drive. pic.twitter.com/zymA6dCifQ
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 16, 2025
Malik Willis has been the perfect backup for the past two seasons. The guy has done his job every time he's been called on.
— Michael Rodney (@PackersNotes) November 16, 2025