The Green Bay Packers had a wild start of the regular season in 2024. Jordan Love got hurt in Week 1, and Malik Willis had to start two games, against the Indianapolis Colts and Tennessee Titans, just weeks after being acquired for a seventh-round pick—exactly from the Titans.
When Love returned in Week 4 against the Minnesota Vikings, he was clearly not fully healthy yet. It took some time for the starting quarterback to be better from his knee, and multiple other injuries followed. During that time, even head coach Matt LaFleur considered using both QBs during the game for different plays.
"Yeah, potentially," LaFleur said at the time when asked if he could have packages of plays for two quarterbacks in the same game. "Everything is up in the air."
At that point, though, it didn't happen. Willis played when Love wasn't available, but the starting quarterback was on the field whenever it was possible.
The exception came in the first quarter of the final game of the regular season, against the Chicago Bears. Before Jordan Love left the game with an elbow injury, LaFleur not only called a special play for Malik Willis, but he kept Jordan Love on the field at the same time.
Why did we line Jordan Love up at WR1 pic.twitter.com/fro5gedEFG
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The play was a read option between Malik Willis and backup running back Emanuel Wilson, with Love lined up out wide. On a 1st & 5, the quarterback kept the ball and advanced three yards through the middle.
Why didn't the Packers do this when Love was injured and did it when he was healthier by the end of the season? The answer also tells us why it could happen again, and more frequently, in 2025.
Malik Willis is a full part of the offense now
The Packers traded for Malik Willis on August 26 and had to start a game 20 days later. Matt LaFleur had no option if not to adjust the gameplan and create a run-heavier style against the Colts. It evolved in the following week versus the Titans, but it was still limited to a certain degree.
"There were definitely some wrinkles added," LaFleur said after the Colts game. "We have a variety of schemes. You have to give credit to (offensive coordinator) Adam Stenavich and all our coaches that came up with that run plan. The ability to put guys in certain positions, using our receivers in the running game, our tight ends blocking their butts off."
Now, though, the circumstances are different. Willis will have his first full training camp with the Packers, within LaFleur's scheme. Usually and rightfully so, coaches struggle to take their starting quarterbacks off the field. But Willis is such an intriguing runner, an area where Jordan Love lacks elite ability, that it can become a positive situational experience.
Matt LaFleur is one of the most creative playdesigners in football. And while Love is a great thrower and a good athlete, giving some chances for Willis to do what he's capable of as a versatile weapon may be enticing to keep defenses guessing.
