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.
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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.
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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.
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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.