Advertisement

Malik Willis Continues To Own The AFC South As He Leads a Game-Winning Drive Against The Jags To Get The Packers To 6-2

Rich Storry. Getty Images.

I had a feeling this game was going to be weird today. Vegas setting the spread at just 4.5 despite the Packers playing good football at 5-2 and the Jaguars being well, the Jaguars? A high power was destined to make this game a mess and that it was. 

The Packers racked up some important injuries in this one, headlined by Jordan Love who left the game in the 2nd half with a groin injury. Hey, at least it's not the knee, right? Love labored while he was out there but eventually the Packers training staff pulled the plug. MLF after the game said they didn't feel like he could protect himself out there. Not great, but again at least it isn't re-aggravated from his previous injury. The offense leaned on Josh Jacobs from there on out, which is what you got him for. What a beast. 

After a turnover forced by Cooper (stud), Willis found a wide open Tucker Kraft to celebrate National Tight Ends day and push the lead to two scores. 

Jacksonville would respond though, just as Vegas envisioned. Two scores in the final six minutes tied the game at 27 with 1:48 to go. That put the ball in Malik Willis' hands to try and go win it, and that he did. 

Outstanding protection and play design. Reed releases a little late and Watson blocked enough before releasing on his own route to cause just the perfect amount of confusion by the linebackers. The result? A wide open Jayden Reed who was hit in stride by Willis to set up the Pack for the game winning kick. McManus banged home his second game winner with the Pack, this one being a whole lot easier than the previous. Still, it's nice to have a real life kicker. You watch the Jets with Zuerlin and shake your head at how it's possible they've stayed with him. Narveson had to go and McManus was the perfect match. Huge by Gute to be aggressive there. 

Advertisement

Big, big game next week against the Lions. Gotta get healthy and see how Love's groin is, but 6-2 is really fucking nice to see. Willis is now 3-0 vs. the AFC South this year. Can't say enough how good of a job he's done when called upon. In an era of football where the backup QB is so important, he's been everything you can ask for and more. Good for him and good for LaFleur. This was the perfect distraction I needed with a day off in the World Series. Finally something good happened after a nightmare string of days. Now back to hell tomorrow.