Questions surrounded Malik Willis’ first game as the starter for the Green Bay Packers against the Indianapolis Colts. The former third-round selection of the Tennessee Titans didn’t have a great run during his two-year stint with the team, so it’s understandable why pockets of fans were doubtful about his abilities ahead of the game.
However, he put on an impressive display on his first start as a Packer, leading the team to a 16-10 victory over the Colts. He had a clean game, not forcing errors that would have cost the squad the win.
While Matt LaFleur and the rest of the Packers fandom sang Willis the highest of praises, there was one moment where his decision made the coaching staff raise their eyebrows.
In Malik’s defense, the reason he gave for his actions would make anyone chuckle.
Malik Willis reasons why he didn’t pass the ball once during the Green Bay Packers’ Week 2 win
It was third down during the third quarter when WIllis was supposed to throw the football. However, he decided to carry the ball and rush for a measly three yards.
One would think that it’s interesting for the backup QB to make the audible when the run was clearly a nonsencial play under that context. However, LaFleur revealed the reason why the 25-year-old didn’t throw the ball.
“I asked Malik why he didn’t throw the ball on that third down, and he told me that Josh (Myers, the Packers’ center) threw up on the ball,” LaFleur said. “I was like, ‘That’s the first time I’ve ever heard that.'”
Gutsy? Even more gross? Undoubtedly, it was a veteran move, one that LaFleur completely understood.
“I’ve never heard of a throw with vomit on the football,” said LaFleur, who clearly did not watch Josh McDaniel’s Las Vegas Raiders offense last season. “I don’t think Malik probably didn’t appreciate that.”
It’s commendable that Willis had the presence of mind to just run with the ball even if it was smothered with his teammate’s lunch. Throwing a ball covered in puke would make the trajectory go weird, so it’s understandable that he wanted to keep his performance straight.
Willis had a strong outing for the Green Bay Packers in his first start, finishing the game with 122 passing yards for one touchdown while also running for 41 yards over six carries. If he can continue this run of form, it’s not strange to see his stock as an NFL QB rise in the near future.
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