A week after winning what could have been a landslide victory over the Indianapolis Colts in Malik Willis’ debut, the Green Bay Packers demolished their AFC South rival, using two touchdowns from Willis and a smothering defensive effort to beat the Tennessee Titans 30-14 on Sunday in Nashville.
The Packers are currently 2-1 and will return home next Sunday for an crucial game against the Minnesota Vikings, and perhaps the return of Jordan Love to the lineup.
Here’s what went right, what went wrong and what it means for the Packers going forward:
What went well?
— The Packers started swift offensively, scoring on the opening two possessions and three of their first four in the first half. Malik Willis made substantial plays with his arm and legs, especially on third down. Green Bay led 7-0 on its first possession, 17-7 after the first quarter and 20-7 at the half. Matt LaFleur said the explosive play to Jayden Reed on the first play from scrimmage really set the tone for the day.
— The defense stifled and swarmed, producing eight sacks and three interceptions, including two more interceptions. Jaire Alexander’s touchdown gave the Packers a 10-point lead in the first quarter.
— Seven different Packers pass-rush players have recorded at least a half-sack, and the Packers have recorded 12 sacks on Will Levis. Unleashed after facing Jalen Hurts and Anthony Richardson in the first two weeks, the defensive front has shown its true potential as a disruptive force.
— Willis completed nearly 70 percent of his passes, averaged nearly 11 yards per attempt, ran for 73 yards, scored two touchdowns and didn’t lose the ball. He threw the ball to Christian Watson twice for substantial plays on third down, extending the scoring. Compared to other backup quarterbacks, Willis was nearly perfect.
— The Packers restricted the Titans to just 33 rushing yards, including just 14 by starter Tony Pollard. Without a running game and trailing on the scoreboard, the Titans became one-dimensional. And the Packers went to play Will Levis and a shaky offensive line.
— Emanuel Wilson turned 14 touchdowns into a record-tying 85 yards and his first NFL touchdown. He broke the game with a 35-yard touchdown on a third-quarter catch-and-run. He’s looking more and more like a real weapon behind Josh Jacobs.
— Four different players have rushed for 10-plus yards and four different players have caught for 20-plus yards. The Packers are deep and vigorous and capable of making an explosive play on every touchdown, regardless of who is playing quarterback.
— The Packers won the possession battle 3-0. Xavier McKinney had an interception for his third straight game early in his Packers career.
— Although Brayden Narveson missed a field goal attempt due to a penalty, he did make 3-of-3 field goals, including a 47-yarder in the fourth quarter, and 3-of-3 on extra points.
What went wrong?
— The Packers were penalized 10 more times Sunday. The offense was sloppy at times on offense, and officials called the play too close along the line of scrimmage. Rasheed Walker was assessed two more penalties.
— The Packers struggled at times to get their running game going inside. Josh Jacobs converted 14 plays for 43 yards, many of them hard-fought between the tackles.
— The Titans failed to score on nine of 11 possessions, but had two relatively stress-free touchdowns. Of the Titans’ 237 yards, 138 came from two touchdowns. Tennessee twice reached the red zone and scored.
— Daniel Whelan had two touchbacks and a penniless net kickoff average on five kicks. He saved the game behind schedule with a 63-yard kickoff return. The kick coverage team allowed two fumble recoveries and was penalized.
— The offense went 1-for-3 on touchdowns in the red zone. It can be tough to drive inside the 20-yard line, especially with a backup quarterback.
— Tucker Kraft had a fall on what was supposed to be his first pass of the fourth quarter. Dontayvion Wicks was targeted twice but had no catches.
— The Titans completed five passes of 20-plus yards, and Will Levis completed 26 of 34 passes.
What does it mean
The Packers are 2-1 and are growing in confidence after winning two straight games with their backup quarterback under center. If the Packers make the postseason later this year, this two-game series will likely be key in that process. After losing in Week 1 and missing Jordan Love in the next two games, the Packers could enter Week 4 as a winless team. Instead, they are just under .500 and increasingly confident in their ability to win in multiple ways. The Packers ran for 188 yards and dominated the defense, especially against the quarterback. Add Jordan Love to the mix, and the Packers may have the ingredients for a championship.
Overview of the most crucial events
What’s next?
A huge clash in the NFC North. Who would have expected that? The Packers, who have been without Jordan Love for two games, are 2-1 and playing, while the Minnesota Vikings, in Kirk Cousins’ first year, are 3-0 and coming off an impressive victory over the Houston Texans. The winner next Sunday at Lambeau Field will take a substantial step forward in the early stages of the NFC North race. This game marks Aaron Jones’ homecoming to Lambeau Field.
