2 Things ‘Bout the Packers
As far as arm talent goes, Jordan Love is one of the best in the biz.
Recently, the country has witnessed that Packers backup QB and formerly written off Titans “project” Malik Willis has evolved into a dangerously good thrower, as well, and his athleticism was always a plus.
Get this: In two seasons of sparse snaps for Green Bay, Willis, a 2022 third-round pick, is 70-for-89 passing (78.7%) with 972 yards, six TDs and zero picks. His rating is 134.6. His yards per attempt is 10.9. He’s rushed 42 times for 261 yards (6.2 avg.) and three scores. And he may be used in the playoffs, even with Love clearing concussion protocol, because he gives the green and gold serious big-play potential.
Objectively, both players are fun to watch. But for Minnesota’s sake it is nice neither will play Sunday.
Green Bay is opting to change tunes to Clayton Tune for Week 18 to ensure health at the most critical position going into the postseason tournament. Don’t worry if you don’t recognize the tune — er, Tune.
The 26-year-old put up gaudy numbers at the University of Houston — 334 completions, 4,074 pass yards and 45 total TDs as a senior — and was drafted in the fifth round in 2023 by Arizona and spent 2023-24 with the Cardinals. Tune ranks 50th in career passing yards at the FBS level; for perspective former Vikings QB Case Keenum is the all-time leader, with 19,217 (at Houston), and Tune had 11,996.
As a pro, Tune has made 14 appearances and one start. He was 11-for-20 with 58 yards and a pair of interceptions as Arizona’s QB1 at Cleveland in Week 9 of his rookie slate. The Cardinals lost that game 27-0. In relief of Willis last weekend, Tune connected on 1 of 4 attempts for 8 yards and was intercepted on a pass that zipped right through Packers WR Bo Melton’s hands. He was sacked once on eight snaps.
Here’s a unique footnote: Tune’s great-granduncle Jimmy Lawrence was a first-round selection and the first-ever draft pick of the Chicago Cardinals (same franchise as Arizona now) in 1936. He was eventually traded to Green Bay of all places and he was on the 1939 NFL Champion Packers team that walloped the Giants 27-0. Lawrence was a wing/halfback and he scored thrice on the ground for the Cardinals in 1938.
