Can the Packers win with Malik Willis at QB?
With the status of Jordan Love up in the air, our Bob McGinn opens up his notebook. Some saw a bust from the get-go. Others, a "cannon" of an arm. Here's how scouts across the NFL view the QB.
By Bob McGinn
This is the continuation of a 2023 series looking at active players and their current situation vis a vis what it was entering the NFL draft. The comments from personnel men were made in the months leading up to the draft for my NFL Draft Series, which dates to 1985. Scouting football prospects is an inexact science, especially when it comes of off-the-field considerations. It has been said that no two evaluators view a player exactly the same way.
Here’s how the NFL views Malik Willis… and whether or not the Packers could win with the quarterback if required.
GM Brian Gutekunst and coach Matt LaFleur have lived a charmed existence during their winning tenures with the Green Bay Packers when it comes to injuries at the NFL’s most vital position.
In the 107 games since Gutekunst replaced Ted Thompson in 2018 and the 91 games since LaFleur succeeded Mike McCarthy a year later the Packers have had to play without their starting quarterback just one time.
That was in November 2021 when Aaron Rodgers was sidelined due to Covid-19 and the Packers lost in Kansas City, 13-7, behind his ineffective backup, Jordan Love. Stability at quarterback has helped LaFleur to a 59-32 record (.649) and Gutekunst to a 65-41-1 mark (.612).