Malik Willis stats today: Packers backup QB shines in relief after Jordan Love suffers concussion vs. Bears

David Suggs

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Malik Willis stats today: Packers backup QB shines in relief after Jordan Love suffers concussion vs. Bears image

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The Packers were dealt a cruel blow midway through their Week 16 matchup with the Bears. Star quarterback Jordan Love exited the game with an injury, an unwelcome sight even in the most routine contests.

Love's injury carried extra weight given the stakes of Saturday's matchup. Green Bay entered with a 9-4-1 record — one win behind Chicago's 10-4 mark — making a victory essential. An NFC North title hung in the balance.

Enter Love's backup, Malik Willis, who impressed despite eventually suffering a crushing overtime loss. The former third-round pick has had an up-and-down career through his first four seasons, but he showed flashes of brilliance last year when stepping in for Love, leading Green Bay to two wins.

In Saturday's loss, Willis delivered perhaps the best performance of his career, moving efficiently against the Bears' highly regarded defense. Here's a look at his numbers from the game.

MORE: Injury updates on Packers QB Jordan Love

Malik Willis stats today

Final score:  Bears 22, Packers 16

  • Completions/Attempts:  9/11
  • Passing Yards:  121
  • AVG:  11.0
  • Passing TDs:  1
  • INTs:  0
  • Rating:  142.8
  • Rushing Yards:  44
  • Rushing TDs:  0

Willis looked a cut above his opponents when he stepped onto the field Saturday night. The Packers backup had seen limited action in Green Bay's first 15 games of the season. Perhaps that caught the Bears off guard — they were undone by his lively passing and nimble feet.

Willis found the end zone with a deft toss to Romeo Doubs in the third quarter. By that point, he had already worn down Chicago's defense with a series of impressive scrambles. Despite the Bears’ defensive accolades, they struggled to contain Willis in open space.

It wasn't always perfect. Willis missed a few reads, and a muffed snap in overtime set the stage for a Caleb Williams' walk-off touchdown pass to D.J. Moore.

Still, Willis’ best moments were crucial. He was arguably the biggest contributor to Green Bay’s success Saturday night. With Love’s status uncertain, LaFleur and the Packers can be confident they have a capable option ready to step in.

MORE: Meet Jordan Love’s volleyball-player wife and the rest of his family

What happened to Jordan Love?

Love enjoyed a solid if unspectacular start on Saturday night, completing 8-of-13 passes for 77 yards through the opening two quarters. He was affected by the windy conditions — a throw to Christian Watson in the back of the end zone was diverted from its target due to wintery gales. Still, Love was steady.

But at the end of the second, Love was caught under the force of Bears linebacker Austin Booker. While attempting to drop back, Love took a helmet-to-helmet shot from the Chicago defender. The force of the collision displaced his helmet and left him careening on the grass for some time.

Love summarily exited the contest, disappearing into the blue medical tent, then the locker room. He was ruled out for the remainder of the contest with a concussion, springing Willis into the limelight. It's unclear how long Love will be out, although players who suffer concussions often miss more than one week under the league's protocol.

MORE: NFC North standings and playoff picture

Malik Willis college

Willis attended Liberty, transferring to the Virginia-based school after failing to establish himself at Auburn. In two seasons with the Flames, Willis tallied more than 5,100 passing yards and 47 passing scores. He tacked on more than 1,800 yards and 27 touchdowns on the ground.

The Titans summarily selected him in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft. After two underwhelming campaigns in Tennessee, the Titans dumped him, sending him to the Packers in exchange for seventh-round pick.

How old is Malik Willis?

Willis is 26 years old. He'll turn 27 on May 25.

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