Packers News, 9/23: Malik Willis and his game-winning defense impress in Tennessee

Who would have expected this from Malik Willis?

Be honest. Did you expect the Green Bay Packers to go 2-0 with Willis as the starter? Maybe that they'll win one of those two games against AFC South teams, but both? That's where the Packers stand right now, though: They're 2-1 and one game behind the 3-0 Vikings, who come to Lambeau Field next Sunday to face a team most likely led by Jordan Love.

The Packers beat the Tennessee Titans — Willis' old team — yesterday with a combination of Willis' arm, his legs and a stifling defense that delivered sack after sack and turnover after turnover. Jeff Hafey's unit has now forced three turnovers in each of three consecutive games, and they also scored their first defensive touchdown of the season.

All in all, it was an entertaining and exciting Sunday afternoon. Let's look back.

Key to the game: Packers defense attacks Titans with eight sacks in one day | Packers.com
Reports of the pass rush's decline were greatly exaggerated, and the numbers suggest that the team's lack of productivity in that area over the first two weeks was actually due to limited quarterback mobility.

Packers need just 3 weeks to reach 2023 interception total | Packers Wire
The team has now reached last season's total of 7 picks after just three weeks, with Jeff Hafley's aggressive approach paying off early on.

Packers QB Malik Willis impresses again against his former team and wins – ESPN
Willis also had a career day on Sunday: He covered a distance of 180 meters in the air and was an enormous threat with over 65 meters on the ground.

Malik Willis helps keep Packers season going: ‘I’ve never seen anything like this’ – The Athletic ($)
Willis actually ended up making his old team pay for the trade, and suddenly he not only looks like a viable backup quarterback, but perhaps also like one who could be in the starting lineup more regularly.

Matt LaFleur proves his coaching greatness by winning with Malik Willis | SI.com
Maybe LaFleur will finally get the Coach of the Year recognition he truly deserves.

Man died when he accidentally stabbed himself while trying to separate two frozen burger patties | GBNews
Here's your PSA for defrosting your meat in the refrigerator.