The Tennessee Titans are preparing to face the Green Bay Packers in Week 3 action on Sunday at Nissan Stadium. The Titans (0-2) again failed to get over the hump and fell to the Jets in a competitive game that they could have easily won.
The Packers (1-1) rallied around backup quarterback Malik Willis and got their first win against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 2.
There is a lot on the line and this should be an interesting game the Titans have three reasons to be optimistic that they can finally get into the win column.
The defense is better than advertised
The Titans’ defense again answered the bell and did a good job holding the Jets in check. It wasn’t quite the dominant performance from Week 1, but the Jets have a better offense than the Chicago Bears. The Titans’ defense is ranked first in total defense after Week 2 and should present a challenge to the Packers, regardless of who takes the snaps. The Packers do have a strong running game, but they haven’t faced a tandem like Jeffery Simmons and T’Vondre Sweat in 2024.
Green Bay’s quarterback situation
With starter Jordan Love battling a knee injury, the Packers may again turn to Willis. For the Titans, that shouldn’t matter. If Love plays, he will be limited from a mobility perspective, which could impact play-calling. If Willis is the man, the former Titans quarterback has only been in the system for a few weeks and will face a defense that understands his tendencies. Yes, he does add a mobility element that Love doesn’t have at the moment, but he is nowhere near as accomplished as a passer. This has to favor the Titans.
The kicking game
Not the punting unit, that’s a whole other topic, but Nick Folk vs. Brayden Narveson. Narveson, who was also in training camp for the Titans, is young and inexperienced and a return to Tennessee should add a little tension during his attempts. In a game that is likely going to be a low-scoring affair, a missed field goal or extra point could change the entire complexion of the game. Folk may not have the biggest leg, but his experience could pay dividends in this match-up.
The Titans have many reasons to be optimistic, but we will have to wait until Sunday to find out if that optimism was warranted.
