Mina Kimes sends strong message on Packers’ Malik Willis

The Malik Willis hype continues to intensify beyond just the realm of the Green Bay Packers. 

Although the circumstance that led to Willis temporarily taking over the QB1 role in Green Bay is of an unfortunate nature, being the head injury suffered by star quarterback Jordan Love in Week 16’s loss to the Chicago Bears, Willis has seemingly seized the opportunity to shine under center.

Among those who have taken notice of Willis’ excellent play is none other than Mina Kimes of ESPN.

“This is not a backup quarterback you want to overlook because I just think he’s been increasingly impressive every time I’ve seen him in Green Bay,” Kimes said on NFL Live last week, before the Packers faced the Baltimore Ravens at Lambeau Field.

Willis is showing why he can be a QB1, too

Willis surely did not let down Kimes’ claim, as he put together another great showing on the field against the Ravens, albeit in a 41-24 loss. In that game, Willis recorded 288 passing yards and a touchdown on 18/21 pass completions. He also rushed for 60 yards and two touchdowns on nine carries.

On the season, the 26-year-old Willis has passed for 422 yards and three touchdowns with zero interceptions on an 85.7 percent completion rate.

He has also picked up 123 rushing yards and two scores on 22 carries through four games. Granted that the sample size is small, but Willis has looked impressive in the times he’s been given a chance to direct Green Bay’s offense on the field.