Quarterback Malik Willis didn’t just make noise with his performance in Week 17 at Lambeau Field against the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday. The Green Bay Packers player kept the spotlight on himself long after the final whistle. In a blunt take, he called out the Tennessee Titans’ leadership under owner Amy Adams Strunk. He pointed out the exact challenges he endured while playing two seasons for the franchise. 

“More than anything, in Tennessee, I kind of got thrown into the fire,” he said during the post-game press conference. “I wasn’t ready. I hadn’t seen it much. It was my first time being under center every single play, almost. 

“I didn’t do that in college, and just understanding the different types of defenses that you receive in the league versus college. I just wasn’t ready at that time.”

To understand the QB’s perspective, we need to backtrack a little.

The player began his college career at Auburn, but transferred after just two seasons because he didn’t get much playing time. He committed to Liberty, where he recorded 47 touchdowns and 18 interceptions with 27 scores on the ground. Soon, he entered the 2022 NFL Draft and was selected by Tennessee in the third round.

There was a ton of hype surrounding his NFL career, but his two years with the Titans barely lived up to that excitement. The transition demanded patience, and it likely weighed heavily on the young quarterback. Further, Willis found himself stuck inside an offense that couldn’t find its footing. In the 2022 season, the unit struggled with poor production and eventually collapsed under former then-offensive coordinator Todd Downing. That year, the Titans ranked 30th in the league in yards and 28th in points per game.

Their problems peaked in January 2023, leading the Titans to do multiple sackings. They fired offensive coordinator Todd Downing, offensive line coach Keith Carter, secondary coach Anthony Midget, and offensive skill assistant Erik Frazier. As if Willis wasn’t struggling enough, he now had to adapt to an entirely new offensive group and its schemes. 

His struggles translated into his stats.

In his rookie year, Willis recorded just 276 yards with no touchdowns and three interceptions in eight games. He barely played the following year, managing just 74 yards while taking four sacks in three games.  

As he mentioned, he didn’t have much experience under center, and by the time he started improving, he needed to pack his bags. Soon, he was traded to Green Bay, and though he wasn’t expected to have any major contributions, he got the opportunity to showcase his skills in Weeks 2 and 3 of last season after Jordan Love was injured.

Willis didn’t make a start this season until Week 17 against the Ravens. 

Malik Willis turns heads with his Week 17 performance

On Saturday, Malik Willis stepped onto the field with Jordan Love sidelined because of a concussion. The moment never seemed too big for him as he nailed his starting role with an effective and convincing performance. The 26-year-old completed 18 of his 21 passes for 288 yards, a passing touchdown, and even led the Packers on the ground. He also punched in two rushing scores to keep the offense alive.

With that, he became the first player in NFL history with 275-plus passing yards, a completion rate of 85-plus percent, one touchdown pass, 60-plus rushing yards, and multiple rushing touchdowns.

It has become his best showing of the entire season.

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Unfortunately, Willis’ breakthrough night ended late in the fourth quarter while attempting a routine throw. The crowd saw him clutching his shoulder and grimacing in pain. There was no hit or collision, implying it was a non-contact injury.

It is important to note that the signal-caller played despite an injury to his throwing shoulder. His shoulder injury most likely got aggravated. But it doesn’t end there.

The team was sure that Love would play the Week 17 game, and so, Willis didn’t practice on Wednesday due to illness, and Love took the No. 1 reps on Thursday. But when Love didn’t clear the concussion protocol, the team depended on Willis to make his first start of the season. Clearly, he didn’t disappoint. How he dominated without taking any reps with the No. 1 offense is still a wonder.

Next, the training staff arrived at Willis’ rescue before he eventually jogged off to the locker room.

Consequently, the Packers turned to Clayton Tune, who immediately threw an interception on his first pass attempt. But the game soon swung against them as the Ravens dominated the clock and won 41-24. Ultimately, it was their ground attack that helped seal the 17-point win. It was led by running back Derrick Henry, who had a career-high 36 carries for 216 yards and four touchdowns

In the end, the Packers’ loss dropped them to 9-6-1 and officially handed the NFC North crown to the Chicago Bears.