It took everyone.
From rushing for 261 yards to forcing three turnovers to Daniel Whelan pinning the Indianapolis Colts inside the 20-yard line on all three punts, the Green Bay Packers needed big performances in every phase.
That included Malik Willis, who made his first Packers start only 20 days after the team traded for him. It gave him limited time to learn the playbook and get ready to lead the offense without Jordan Love. Willis did everything he could, completing 85.1 percent of his passes for 122 yards and a touchdown.
Matt LaFleur was bursting with pride in his postgame press conference, saying nobody could "comprehend the task" Willis was handed. While the Packers leaned on their ground game, Willis commanded the offense and made crucial plays in critical moments.
His performance didn't go unnoticed by his teammates, who celebrated the victory with him in the locker room.
Packers players celebrate with Malik Willis after he receives game ball in Week 2
The Packers had to overcome adversity without their franchise quarterback. They knew they had to win a game or two to keep their playoff hopes alive without Love. Willis stepped up and played his part in an outstanding team performance. After the game, LaFleur handed Willis a game ball, giving his teammates an opportunity to celebrate with him.
It's a brotherhood pic.twitter.com/e2ePjTvqBJ
— Green Bay Packers (@packers) September 15, 2024
"We've got to give it up for this guy. This guy was here three weeks ago, man," LaFleur told the locker room. "He was 12 of 14 for 112 and a tud."
Xavier McKinney led the way in the celebrations with Willis.
It was such a cool moment to watch. Willis' NFL journey hasn't gone as he had hoped. A third-round pick only two years ago, Willis struggled in his three starts as a rookie before falling out of favor in Tennessee. He failed to win the Titans' backup job this summer and ended up getting traded to Green Bay.
Willis lands in the perfect spot, where he gets to play in an excellent offense with a chance to develop his game. His command and knowledge of the system will grow over time, and the Packers believe in his potential.
With his first touchdown pass and Packers victory in the bag, Willis could get the chance to lead Green Bay into Tennessee in Week 3 against the team that gave up on him.