In a thrilling finish, the Green Bay Packers secured a victory against the Jacksonville Jaguars with a late-game strategy shift that proved pivotal. With just 1:13 left in a tie game, the Packers faced a 2nd & 6 from their own 34-yard line, with backup quarterback Malik Willis at the helm.
Rewind to the third quarter, where the Packers were trailing 17-13 with 1:13 remaining. They found themselves at 1st & 10 on their own 42-yard line. Under similar personnel, Willis ran a play that displayed a well-known “PA Boot” concept. The setup featured a fake handoff to the left with Willis rolling out to the right, seeking to connect with a primary receiver downfield. As pressure built, Willis opted to scramble rather than throw, gaining 20 yards.
What stood out was Willis’s unique approach to his boot action, as he chose not to extend the play toward the sideline, which is commonly executed in such situations. This adjustment hinted at a deeper strategy to come.
Fast forward to the game’s final moments: The Packers replicated the earlier formation, showing a tight offensive setup once again, with Willis booting to the right. However, this time, rather than the expected play, the Packers executed a variation that surprised the Jaguars’ defense. Tight end Tucker Kraft offered protection instead of a flat route, while Jayden Reed broke free on the opposite side of the field.
With the Jaguars momentarily caught off guard, Willis delivered a perfect pass to Reed, who sprinted down the right sideline for a stunning 51-yard gain, setting the Packers up at the Jaguars’ 17-yard line. Following this, the Packers quickly moved downfield, allowing time to wind down before kneeling the clock and winning the game as time expired.
Head coach Matt LaFleur later explained that the big play was not pre-planned but devised on-the-fly after analyzing the Jaguars’ defensive formation. The “Can” mechanics utilized allowed Willis to adapt based on real-time observations, leading to a successful execution that ultimately clinched the game for the Packers. The victory highlighted the effectiveness of in-game adjustments and keen recognition of defensive schemes.