In a thrilling finish to their game, the Green Bay Packers, led by backup quarterback Malik Willis, found themselves in a tie situation with just 1:13 remaining. They faced a 2nd & 6 at their own 34-yard line. To understand the significance of this moment, we can look back to the previous quarter when the Packers trailed 17-13.
Late in the third quarter, with 1:13 seconds on the clock, the Packers were attempting to build momentum. On a 1st & 10 from their own 42-yard line, Willis executed a play from an 11 personnel grouping in a formation known as Deuce LT Off, which indicated strength to the left. With tight end Jayden Reed aligned off the ball on the right, the Packers faked a wide zone run to the left, allowing Willis to boot right. Though he initially looked for a deep pass, faced with pressure, he ended up scrambling for a crucial 20 yards.
This play was notable for how Willis executed the boot. Typically, quarterbacks roll to the sidelines to throw on the run. However, Willis pulled up short, which hinted at a designed throwback concept unexpected in that moment.
Fast-forward to the final moments of the game, the Packers found themselves once again in the same formation on 2nd & 6. Reed was once again lined up off the ball, away from the formation’s strength. The Packers attempted a similar play, showing a wide zone to the left before Willis booted right once more, this time pulling up short as he had previously done.
However, this play took an unexpected turn. Instead of following the earlier route, Reed initially pretended to down block before breaking free across the field. Meanwhile, tight end Tucker Kraft diverted his path to provide extra protection for Willis. As the Jaguars’ defense misread the situation, Reed emerged wide open up the right sideline.
Willis delivered a perfect pass, and Reed made an impressive catch, gaining 51 yards before being pushed out of bounds at the Jaguars’ 17-yard line. The Packers then advanced the ball an additional 11 yards on their following plays and ultimately ran out the clock to secure victory as time expired.
Head coach Matt LaFleur commented on the pivotal play, noting that it was a “can” call by Willis—an adjustment made during the game based on the Jaguars’ defensive setup. The Packers had initially considered this play during the week but had chosen not to implement it, resulting in effective execution when it mattered.
The “can” mechanism allows the quarterback to switch plays based on what he observes from the defense after the snap, and in this case, Willis brilliantly recognized the Jaguars’ safety movement and adjusted accordingly. The play reflects strong preparation and quick thinking from both the coaching staff and the players, culminating in a decisive moment for the Packers.