The Green Bay Packers are off to a 6-2 start to the 2024 NFL season. While the team was expected to contend this season, the way they accomplished this fast start was not exactly as expected. Some players have stepped up to surprise people and contributed more than expected. These two young Packers players have made a big impact on the team’s success so far, this year. Last week one was noticeable by their performance in the second half of the game while the other was noticeable by their absence.
These Two Young Packers Players Have Made a Big Impact: QB Malik Willis
When you consider that quarterback Malik Willis didn’t join the Packers until after the preseason was over, his contributions this season have been even more impressive.
Willis was acquired from the Tennessee Titans on August 26th in exchange for a seventh-round pick. Willis had started just three games in his first two NFL campaigns with the Titans. He had yet to throw a touchdown pass and had just 276 yards passing in 61 attempts.
But when starting quarterback Jordan Love suffered a knee injury during the final minute of the season opener, Willis was thrust into action. He started the next two games and led the Packers to a pair of victories.
Head coach Matt LaFleur changed his game plan to emphasize Willis’ strengths including his strong arm and his ability to run with the football. In those two games, Willis completed 25-of-34 passes for 324 yards and two touchdowns. He also ran 12 times for 114 yards and a touchdown.
Willis’ Contributions in Week 8
Last Sunday against the Jaguars, Love suffered a groin injury. First it just slowed him down, but eventually he had to leave the game with 5:10 left in the third quarter.
Willis led the Packers to a touchdown on his first drive which lasted eight plays and covered 80 yards. It ended with Josh Jacobs impressive long touchdown run.
The second drive under Willis was a short one, lasting just two plays and covering five yards. Willis found Tucker Kraft for a three-yard touchdown pass and the Packers led 27-17.
The Jaguars tied the game 27-27. The Packers got the ball back with 1:48 left in the game. Willis led the Packers downfield quickly. The key play was a 51-yard completion to Jayden Reed that put the Pack in field goal range at the Jacksonville 15.
The play was not even in the game plan for this week, but Willis executed it perfectly. Willis only got scout team reps in preparation for this game, but he still came through and was ready when the moment arose. The Packers won when Brandon McManus kicked a field goal on the game’s final play.
Willis stepped up and came through when the game was on the line. He is now 3-0 in games he either started or helped decide. You can’t ask for much more from a backup quarterback.
These Two Young Packers Players Have Made a Big Impact: S Evan Williams
The Packers selected safety Evan Williams in the fourth round of this year’s draft. The former Oregon star made an immediate impression in training camp. He made plays and got noticed despite the fact that the Packers drafted Javon Bullard ahead of him at safety. They also added Xavier McKinney as a free agent.
Williams didn’t start right away, but he started to make plays when he got on the field. His interception in Week 2 clinched the Packers win over the Colts.
By Week 5, Williams was starting at safety and seeing a lot of action. The move allowed defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley to move Bullard to the slot and Keisean Nixon moved from the slot to the perimeter in place of the struggling Eric Stokes.
Williams was making plays on a consistent basis. In fact, Pro Football Focus has Williams ranks in the top five of all qualified safeties in the league this season based on his early performance.
Williams’ Absence in Week 8
Unfortunately for the Packers, Williams left the Packers Week 8 game in Jacksonville early due to a hamstring injury late in the second quarter. He did not return.
Bullard then had to shift to safety and Nixon back to the slot. Bullard and Stokes were both burned repeatedly in the second half and Trevor Lawrence led Jacksonville back into the game by scoring 17 points. Lawrence threw for just 117 yards in the first half when Williams was in the game but threw for 191 yards and two touchdowns in the second half when Williams was unavailable. This clearly illustrates the importance of Williams to the defense.
Clearly both Willis and Williams have made a big and unexpected impact on the Packers so far this season. The amazing thing is both players still have the potential to get better.
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