Backup quarterback Malik Willis played pretty well in Jordan’s Love absence over the last couple of weeks.
Willis threw for 121 yards and a touchdown against the Chicago Bears in Week 16 and bested that against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 17 by throwing for 288 yards and another touchdown. He also added 60 yards and two more TDs on the ground against Baltimore.
Matt LaFleur makes it clear that Jordan Love will continue to start for Packers
But, despite how well Willis has looked, Packers coach Matt LaFleur slammed the door on any potential quarterback controversy in Green Bay.
"I want to pump the brakes on all that stuff," LaFleur said. "I think Jordan Love is playing some pretty high-level football, and it's great that we feel the same about Malik in his ability to go in there. I thought he's had two really back-to-back outstanding performances.
“So we're in a good spot with that position, certainly have a lot of confidence in both of those guys, but it's clear that Jordan is our franchise quarterback, and when he is healthy, he's going to be our starter. So, just want to squash all that."
While the Packers aren’t about to bail on Love that quickly, Willis’ productive play is great news for the franchise. Having a backup quarterback that you trust is a luxury In the league today and provides the team with a Plan B should Love suffer any injury issues. Plus, he could be a valuable trade asset over the offseason.
There’s a chance that Willis will be the starter for Green Bay again in Week 18, as LeFleur might opt not to play his starters in a game that won’t have any impact on the team’s playoff positioning. But when the Wild Card Round rolls around in a couple of weeks, Love will be the guy out on the field.