Rex Ryan trashes Malik Willis pre-game on Sunday. Social media didn't let him off the hook after Packers win over Colts.

Christopher Kuhagen, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Rex Ryan owes Malik Willis an apology.

Yes, it's his job to give his analysis for ESPN but he pretty much trashed the Packers quarterback ahead of his first start with Jordan Love sidelined with an MCL injury.

"Well, unfortunately, I've seen this Malik Willis play in the NFL," said Ryan on "Sunday NFL Countdown" as the panel was making their predictions for the Packers' Week 2 game against the Indianapolis Colts. "And no way in hell am I taking him. I'm gonna take the Colts."

Wow, tell us how you really feel, Rex.

Ryan, of course, was wrong on his pick — the Packers won 16-10 in their home opener to improve to 1-1. And Willis, whose start comes less than three weeks after he joined the team in a late training camp trade, was cool, calm and collected in his mistake-free quarterback play.

Sure, the 25-year-old Willis hadn't done much prior to Sunday (three starts for a 39.0 rating, zero touchdowns and three interceptions in two seasons with the Tennessee Titans) to ooze confidence from the outside. But Ryan, a former NFL coach, should know that football is a team game. And Willis and the Packers delivered a team win on Sunday, executing Matt LaFleur's game plan to perfection.

Packers Twitter doesn't let Rex Ryan off hook with his take on Malik Willis, Packers

Malik Willis stats vs the Colts

Willis was an efficient 12 of 14 passing for 122 yards (8.7 yards per pass) with one touchdown and a 126.8 rating. And most importantly, he didn't turn the ball over. It was his first game with over 100 yards passing in his career.

Willis showed off his scrambling abilities as he evaded defenders to rush six times for 41 yards. His longest run went for 19 yards.

LaFleur didn’t ask Willis to be the hero and the offense relied more than ever on its run game, but he could make a play when his number was called.

Willis delivered a throw right on the money to Dontayvion Wicks and just out of the reach of a diving Colts defender for a 14-yard touchdown in the first quarter. It was his first passing touchdown of his career.

Standout players: Josh Jacobs and three others who starred in the Packers' win over the Colts

Malik Willis highlights vs Colts

Here's video of the touchdown pass to Wicks that gave the Packers an early two-score lead. The Packers scored on their first two possessions.

The touchdown was a successful third-down play. Overall, the Packers were an effective 10 of 17 on third downs in the game.

The most memorable conversion besides the TD throw was when Willis went deep to Romeo Doubs early in the fourth quarter for a 39-yard gain to get to the Colts 16-yard line on a third and 5.

Yes, Willis can thank Doubs for the amazing catch but it was another highlight on the day that Willis was a part of. The wide receiver came back and over his defender for the highlight reel. The play set up a Brayden Narvson field goal.

Willis' reaction was the best.

Malik Willis post-game press conference

Packers Twitter reacts to Malik Willis' start

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Rex Ryan trashes Malik Willis before Packers game; Twitter reacts

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