The Green Bay Packers managed to win their last two games despite not having their starting quarterback in the lineup. While Malik Willis has gotten the majority of the attention for the fine job he’s done, there are some important reasons the Packers were able to win the last two games that aren’t getting as much attention. Here are five under the radar reasons the Packers are winning without Jordan Love:
Under the Radar Reasons the Packers Are Winning Without Jordan Love, Number Five: Daniel Whelan
When you’re playing with your backup quarterback, field position becomes even more important. The Packers have been able to win the field position battle in part due to the strong play of punter Daniel Whelan.
Through three games, Whelan is averaging 45.7-yards per boot and four of his 10 kicks have placed the opposition inside their 20.
By setting up the opponents deep in their own territory, Whelan has given the defense an edge. That, in turn, has helped the offense get a short field which again helps make things easier for the offense.
Punters usually only get attention when they have a punt blocked or shank a kick at a key moment, but Whelan has been quietly helping the Packers win football games.
Number Four: Emanuel Wilson
Emanuel Wilson wasn’t sure if he would even make the roster this season after the team brought in Josh Jacobs, re-signed A.J. Dillon, and drafted MarShawn Lloyd. But injuries to Dillon and Lloyd combined with a strong preseason from Wilson landed him the number two running back spot.
Against the Colts, the Packers were extremely effective at running between the tackles and Jacobs was a dominant force. But the Titans were tougher to run against on the inside, so head coach Matt LaFleur designed more runs to the perimeter.
Wilson stepped up and ran effectively, leading all running backs with 50 yards on 12 carries. He also caught two passes for 35 yards and scored his first career NFL touchdown pass on a 30-yard screen pass.
For the season, Wilson is averaging 5.0-yards per carry and has given the Packers a strong change of pace back for Jacobs. His role may continue to grow as the season progresses.
Under the Radar Reasons the Packers Are Winning Without Jordan Love, Number Three: Wide Receiver Blocking
The Packers have scaled back their passing game with Willis under center. The team is throwing less often and running the ball more. As a result, the number of targets for each wideout has been reduced over the past two games.
But the wide receivers have been contributing in other ways. All the wide receivers have been blocking well for the running game. This isn’t glorious work that makes headlines, but it is the dirty work that helps teams win football games. It shows the unselfish attitude and dedication of this young Packers receiving corps.
Players like Christian Watson, Bo Melton, Jayden Reed, Dontayvion Wicks, Malik Heath, and Romeo Doubs have all done a good job of blocking for the run and on short passes where the receiver has to run after the catch.
This has helped the team find success despite the absence of their starting quarterback. It shows the dedication and unselfishness of the Packers receiving corps.
Number Two: Devonte Wyatt
Last season, Devonte Wyatt quietly had 5.5 sacks in 17 games. He was on the field for roughly half of the team’s defensive snaps.
This season, Wyatt has taken a step forward. He recorded two sacks against the Titans and now has three in three games this season.
But it’s not just getting to the quarterback. The former Georgia star already has five tackles for loss this season after recording six in all of 2023. He also has five quarterback hits in three games after recording 11 in 17 games a year ago.
Wyatt is taking playing time away from T.J. Slaton and appears to be taking his game to the next level in this his third season in the NFL.
Under the Radar Reasons the Packers Are Winning Without Jordan Love, Number One: The Play Calling of Matt LaFleur
LaFleur faced the challenge of preparing a quarterback who hadn’t even been with the team for three weeks to start a football game. The Packers head coach developed a game plan that fit Willis’ strengths and was also tailored to defeat the Colts and then the Titans.
LaFleur used Jacobs as the focal point of the offense in Week 2 and then gradually built-up Willis’ confidence and his teammates’ confidence in him.
In Week 3, LaFleur adjusted the game plan to the Titans who were tougher to run against up the middle. He also showed more confidence in Willis and allowed him to throw the ball downfield more often early in the game to open things up for the offense.
In both games, he utilized Willis’ ability to run the football which helped the offense continue to be productive.
LaFleur’s play calling and game plans have been a big reason for the Packers success over the past two games.
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