The Green Bay Packers haven't looked like themselves over the last few weeks, especially on offense. After a 35-point showing in a win against the Pittsburgh Steelers, they've scored just 20 total points on their two-game losing streak that they rode into Sunday's matchup with the New York Giants.
To begin the game, the Packers' offense was stagnant once again. After a strong start to their opening drive, they stalled and ended up punting. On their second possession, Jordan Love got injured on a scramble, and backup quarterback Malik Willis was forced to enter the game.
Obviously, it's never good when the second-stringers have to come in, but Willis is no ordinary reserve. He played incredibly well at the beginning of last season during Love's hiatus, as well as in a few cameo appearances. Willis was up to his usual tricks in his short showing in Week 11 as well.
Malik Willis just revived the Packers' offense in one simple drive
Willis entered the game with the ball on the New York 40-yard line and Green Bay facing a 2nd-and-16. After a trio of strong runs from Willis, Josh Jacobs and Chris Brooks, Willis completed his first pass to tight end John Fitzpatrick, a fellow backup.
After two more Jacobs runs took the Packers down to the 1-yard line, Willis found Christian Watson in the end zone, in a tight window, no less, to put Green Bay on the board for the first time in the contest. This was also just their second scoring drive in the last 12 offensive possessions.
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Love is the team's undisputed starter, but Willis brings an additional element to the game with his legs. While Matt LaFleur has taken the bulk of the criticism for the offense's recent struggles, Love has not exactly been absolved of blame either.
It didn't take long for Love to re-enter the game, as he checked back in on the Packers' following drive. He then orchestrated a 10-play, 84-yard masterclass that resulted in a touchdown and further cemented the return of the Green Bay offense.
But it was Willis who pulled this group up by their bootstraps and put them back in the all-too-familiar scoring column. There's still a long way to go until this unit is firing the way that it is capable of, but Willis practically resurrected them.
Willis' playing well is a double-edged sword, as the fan base needs him to perform when he is called on in a bind. By that same token, the more opportunities he gets, the more other teams will covet him this offseason when his contract is up. But for now, let's just enjoy him reviving the Packers' offense.