The Green Bay Packers are headed to Nashville to play the Tennessee Titans for the first time since 2016. Like last week’s matchup with the Indianapolis Colts, the Titans represent an uncommon opponent from the AFC South — although there’s some familiar faces. Quarterback Malik Willis and kicker Brayden Narveson were with the Titans this summer, while coach Matt LaFleur was the offensive coordinator in Tennessee before coming to Green Bay.
To help preview Sunday’s clash with the Titans, we asked five questions of Dan Benton, the managing editor of Titans Wire. Here’s the Q and &:
1. The Packers have been a dominant running team to start 2024, and the run game will likely be a big focus Sunday regardless of who is playing quarterback. How have the Titans fared defending the run?
The Titans have been solid versus the run over the first two weeks, specifically against running backs. While that may seem like an odd statement, both the Bears and Jets got tricky with some designed wide receiver runs that have skewed the yards-per-carry average allowed by the defense. Without those, both the film and the analytics would look even more impressive. However, the real test comes on Sunday against a much more run-heavy offense. Iron versus iron. We’ll find out real quick just how legitimate this Titans run defense is.
From Titans Wire: “Jeffery Simmons: No one runs the ball on the Tennessee Titans.”
2. Explain the Will Levis experience for Packers fans. He gives off some Jay Cutler vibes. Are most of the problems offensive line-related?
“Rollercoaster” is an overused term but in this context, it fits. Will Levis flashes at times, breathing life into the offense and providing fans a reason for optimism. But that tends to fade quickly when he subsequently makes a decision that not only gives you pause but makes you wonder how the heck he’s a starting quarterback in the NFL. The boneheaded turnovers are so facepalm-worthy your hand hits the back of your skull. If he doesn’t get those issues under control, The Will Levis Experience will be shut down in short order.
Levis flips it backwards and its a Jets fumble recovery!
📺: #NYJvsTEN on CBS/Paramount+
📱: https://t.co/waVpO8ZBqG pic.twitter.com/nZ38jEOfOo— NFL (@NFL) September 15, 2024
3. How have newcomers Calvin Ridley and Tyler Boyd helped the offense, and what’s going on with DeAndre Hopkins?
DeAndre Hopkins is still working his way back from a knee injury but it’s difficult to continue blaming his vanishing act on rust. At some point or another, he needs to return to form if this team wishes to have any success this season. Luckily, the additions of Calvin Ridley and Tyler Boyd have helped combat what would otherwise be a major concern. Ridley once again looks like a star, more in line with what we saw from him in 2020, while Boyd is slowly finding his role. If Hopkins continues to struggle, Boyd will start getting more looks.
From Titans Wire: “Calvin Ridley’s impact transcends stat sheet”
4. Jeffrey Simmons is a monster inside. Who else should Packers fans know from the Titans defense, which leads the NFL in yards allowed per play?
Linebacker Ernest Jones, who came over from the Rams in an offseason trade, has played excellent ball despite the limited time he’s had to learn the system. He’s been especially solid in coverage, helping to limit running back and tight end production, while edge rusher Harold Landry is having a fantastic start to his season. He’s getting it done in a multitude of ways and just seems to show up in big moments. While those three players all stand out, the entire defense deserves a tip of the cap. From top to bottom, the unit has performed like a well-oiled machine with, maybe, the exception of cornerback L’Jarius Sneed, who you have to believe will round into shape eventually.
5. What must the Packers do to win? And are you picking the Titans to win?
This game is so tricky to pick because I think the outcome hinges entirely upon Jordan Love’s availability. If he plays, it adds an entirely different dynamic on offense and would potentially present a more difficult challenge for the Titans’ defense than either the Bears or Jets. The Packers will have to move the ball through the air and with no disrespect intended toward Malik Willis, Love gives them a much better chance for success. Assuming Willis starts, the Titans finally get into the win column, 23-16. If Love starts, the game will be tighter but I’ll still give it to the Titans, 23-21.
From Titans Wire: Who would Titans steal from Packers roster?
