Willis has limited experience as a starter, having played for the Tennessee Titans in 2022. Even though he hasn’t had many reps, the Green Bay Packers shouldn’t make things too easy for him.
When a backup quarterback steps in, the last thing a head coach wants to do is make the game plan overly complicated. However, simplifying it too much can send the wrong message, implying a lack of trust in the quarterback’s ability to perform. LaFleur faces the challenge of crafting a game plan for Willis that reflects confidence without overwhelming him.
In Willis’s first NFL start against the Houston Texans in 2022, the Titans won 17-10, but the game plan showed a clear lack of trust in him. Willis threw just 10 passes, while the team ran the ball 45 times. That kind of imbalance isn’t normal for modern NFL offenses. The next week against Kansas City, Willis attempted only 17 passes compared to 29 rushing plays, showing a strategy that likely hurt his confidence.
The goal is always to win, but Tennessee’s overly cautious approach likely took a mental toll on Willis. It was obvious to everyone that the coaching staff didn’t fully trust him.
LaFleur can’t repeat that mistake. While the Packers shouldn’t expect Willis to throw 40 times in Sunday’s game against the Colts, they need a more balanced approach to help him build confidence.
The Packers traded a draft pick for Willis just a few weeks ago, signaling they see potential in him as a future backup. To assess that potential, they’ll need to give him some freedom during this stretch without Love.
Leaning heavily on running back Josh Jacobs might produce short-term success, but it could also damage Willis’s long-term confidence. LaFleur’s challenge will be finding the right mix of plays to help Willis succeed. He excelled at Liberty by using his legs, so incorporating read-option or speed-option plays could be effective.
While the game plan will need adjustments compared to what they would use for Love, it shouldn’t be simplified to the point of undermining Willis’s abilities. The two quarterbacks have different styles and strengths, and the offense will need to adapt to that reality.
LaFleur has already expressed confidence in Willis, noting his dedication to learning the system. With a full week of practice, LaFleur believes Willis can perform well.
If the Packers can strike the right balance—leaning on the run but also showing trust in Willis to make plays—most fans will be on board. Willis will need to step up, whether with his arm or legs, as opponents like the Colts are likely to focus on stopping the run until Willis proves he can be a playmaker.
Willis has the tools and supporting cast to succeed. Tennessee didn’t give him the same opportunity, choosing to run the ball instead of trusting Willis to throw. Green Bay should take note and avoid repeating that approach.
