The Green Bay Packers secured an unexpected Week 2 victory at home, improving to 1-1 with a 16-10 win over the Indianapolis Colts. While a Packers win over the Colts wouldn’t have raised many eyebrows before the season started, the circumstances surrounding this game made it quite surprising. Packers fans were anticipating Jordan Love as their starting quarterback, but instead, it was Malik Willis who took the reins after Love suffered a knee injury during the season opener in Brazil.
Willis, who was a late addition to the Packers after joining just before the season, was thrust into the starting role with little preparation. The young quarterback had shown flashes of potential during his time with the Tennessee Titans, but his limited opportunities didn’t give him much time to develop. Despite the pressure, Willis showed promising game management on Sunday, completing 12 of 14 passes for 122 yards and a touchdown.
He kept the game simple, avoiding risky throws and allowing the Packers defense to control the tempo, effectively stifling Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson and his offense.
However, the most memorable decision of the game for Willis wasn’t a pass he made, but rather one he didn’t. During a third-down play, Packers head coach Matt LaFleur noticed Willis choosing not to throw the ball in what initially seemed like a questionable choice. When Willis returned to the sideline, LaFleur asked him what had happened.
The explanation? Packers center Josh Myers had vomited on the ball just before snapping it.
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As Willis explained, and the officials later confirmed, Myers turned his head to the side and threw up moments before the snap, sending a slick, vomit-covered ball to Willis. Recognizing the messy situation, Willis made a smart, split-second decision not to throw the slippery football, which could have easily led to a turnover.
Instead, he wisely stepped up in the pocket, took what yards he could on the ground, and set the Packers up for a punt, allowing the defense to continue dominating the game.
While the play left fans and LaFleur initially puzzled, it quickly became a moment of admiration for Willis’ composure and quick thinking. By managing the situation effectively, he helped keep the game in the Packers’ favor, avoiding what could have been a costly mistake.
Thanks to their defense and Willis’ steady play, the Packers were able to hold off the Colts for the win. Willis’ decision to avoid the “puke ball” may have been unorthodox, but it was the kind of heads-up game management that helped the Packers secure a much-needed victory.
Going forward, the Packers will hope to avoid any more stomach-turning incidents—but Willis’ quick thinking proved he’s ready to handle whatever comes his way.
