The Green Bay Packers faced a tough 41-24 defeat against the Baltimore Ravens at Lambeau Field recently. Despite the loss, there were some notable individual performances from a few Packers players. Here’s a look at some of the standouts from the game:
Malik Willis, Quarterback
Willis had a remarkable game, demonstrating his skills as both a passer and a runner. He completed 18 of 21 passes for 288 yards, with an impressive average of 13.7 yards per attempt. Seven of his passes resulted in gains of at least 22 yards, and four different players caught passes for 30 yards or more. Willis also contributed 60 rushing yards, including two touchdowns on designed runs of 22 and 11 yards. He displayed agility with a 12-yard scramble on a critical 3rd-and-9 situation. In total, Willis accounted for 348 yards and three touchdowns. Unfortunately, a bad snap, defensive struggles, and an injury to Willis in the fourth quarter prevented what could have been a truly special night for the Packers’ backup quarterback.
Christian Watson, Wide Receiver
Watson’s comeback from an ACL injury continued with a strong performance, catching five passes for 113 yards and a 39-yard touchdown. He became the first Packers receiver to exceed 100 receiving yards this season and recorded his third touchdown of at least 30 yards. Watson achieved these numbers despite running only 19 routes, showcasing his speed and ability to create explosive plays. His speed was a major factor, especially on outside routes. He also played a key role in the Packers’ opening score, running up the seam from the slot and adjusting well during a scramble, resulting in a significant play downfield when Willis avoided a sack.
Lukas Van Ness, Defensive End
On a night where the Packers’ defense struggled, Van Ness stood out as a positive performer. He recorded three pressures, including a dominant play on the edge that led to a third-down stop. He also pressured the quarterback by beating a double team inside, contributing to an incomplete pass in the red zone. Van Ness was active and physical against the run, making a notable play where he tackled Derrick Henry after a short gain. He also took down Tyler Huntley on a designed run. Van Ness led the team with five run stops, preventing the offense from gaining significant yardage.
Jordan Morgan, Right Tackle
Morgan, a first-round pick in 2024, delivered another encouraging performance at right tackle. The game might have been his best in the NFL so far. He allowed only one hurry in 34 pass-blocking snaps and contributed effectively as a run blocker. Morgan’s performance at offensive tackle, his natural position, was noticeably better compared to his time playing inside at guard. There’s a possibility Morgan might get the opportunity to play left tackle in the season’s final game in Minnesota.
