Malik Willis threw for 202 yards and a touchdown and ran for 73 yards and a score as the Green Bay Packers beat the Tennessee Titans 30-14. The Packers defense was strong, forcing three turnovers and recording eight sacks against the beleaguered Titans offensive line. The win improved the Packers record to 2-1 while the Titans dropped to 0-3. Here are 10 things we learned from the Packers 30-14 win over the Tennessee Titans in Week 3:
Ten Things We Learned from the Packers Win over the Titans, Number One: Malik Willis Showed More Confidence and Growth
Right from the opening drive, it was clear that Willis looked more confident and comfortable in the Green Bay offense. He completed two passes on the initial drive that gained 30 or more yards and then finished the drive off with a five-yard touchdown run.
Willis only attempted 19 passes and completed 13, but this week, he gained 202 yards, an average of 15.5-yards per completion.
Not only was Willis more confident, but based on the play calling, head coach Matt LaFleur had more confidence in Willis’ ability to throw downfield and make more challenging passes.
Number Two: The Defense Has Matched Its Interception Total from Last Year
The Packers have made seven interceptions in three games this season. A year ago, they had seven picks all season. Forcing takeaways has been the biggest difference thus far with the defense Jeff Hafley has installed.
The interceptions were important with Jaire Alexander making a pick six in the first half and Xavier McKinney making his third interception in three games in the fourth quarter.
If the Packers can keep taking the ball away, their defense will continue to excel.
Ten Things We Learned from the Packers Win over the Titans, Number Three: The Defense Recorded Eight Sacks
The Titans offensive line has struggled to protect the passer this season and the Packers defense took full advantage. The Packers recorded eight sacks, the most they’ve had in a single game since 2005. They also had another sack called back by penalty.
Devonte Wyatt and Preston Smith each recorded two sacks with Kingsley Enagbare adding 1.5.
One of Enagbare’s sacks caused a fumble that Lukas Van Ness recovered late in the third quarter. The Titans were driving at that point and had reached the Packers 31. That big play helped preserve the Packers lead and derailed Tennessee’s momentum.
Number Four: Penalties Continue to Be a Problem
The Packers penalty parade continued as the Pack committed 10 for 75 yards in this game. One penalty wiped out a sack by Rashan Gary. Rasheed Walker and Elgton Jenkins both committed multiple penalties in this game. The Packers also gave the Titans a first down by penalty.
We are still seeing the sloppy penalties like lining up offsides or illegal formation that are simply inexcusable and unnecessary.
You can get away with committing penalties against struggling teams like the Colts and Titans, but the Packers need to clean these mistakes up next week against the Vikings. Simply put, the Packers cannot afford to beat themselves.
Ten Things We Learned from the Packers Win over the Titans, Number Five: Jaire Alexander Came Up Big
The pick six by Alexander was the turning point of the game. The Packers had a 10-7 lead when the Titans got the ball back at their own 31.
Alexander baited Will Levis, stepped in front of DeAndre Hopkins and was off to the races for a 35-yard touchdown. That made it 17-7 Packers. The Titans trailed by two scores or more for the rest of the game. The pick six changed the momentum and the Titans never got back in it.
Number Six: Matt LaFleur Adjusted His Play Calling
Running between the tackles was the ticket to victory for the Packers last week against the Colts. But the Packers knew the Titans were too strong up the middle to replicate that success this week.
Instead, the Packers ran to the perimeter more while also throwing more downfield. These adjustments meant a larger role for Emanuel Wilson who ran 12 times for 50 yards and caught two passes for 35 yards. One of those passes was a 30-yard effort on a screen pass that highlighted Wilson’s speed and cutback ability.
LaFleur’s ability to adjust his game plan and the team’s ability to execute it proved invaluable in this victory.
Ten Things We Learned from the Packers Win over the Titans, Number Seven: The Packers Run Defense Was Strong
The Titans are not a great running team, but the Green Bay defense certainly stepped up and shut down the Tennessee rushing attack.
The Titans gained just 33 yards on 11 carries all game with 12 of those yards coming on scrambles by Levis. The two running backs gained 21 yards on eight carries or 2.6-yards per rush.
The fact that the Packers defense was playing with the lead nearly the entire game certainly helped but the Titans never established anything on the ground in this game.
Number Eight: Emanuel Wilson Ran Well
Wilson became the go-to back for stretches of this game and he came through when called upon. He scored his first career NFL touchdown on the screen pass in the second half and outgained Josh Jacobs in this game despite having two fewer carries.
Wilson took the next step in his development and proved he is capable of contributing to the team’s success both as a runner and a receiver.
Ten Things We Learned from the Packers Win over the Titans, Number Nine: Watson and Reed Made Plays
There weren’t many targets in this game, but both Christian Watson and Jayden Reed made plays when they got the opportunity. Watson made two catches on two targets but one went for 30 yards and the other for 37. Both were key pickups.
Meanwhile, Reed led the team with four catches and gained 50 yards. He also caught a 30-yard pass play. Reed ran the ball twice for 19 yards which helped keep the Titans defense honest.
The receivers also did a good job of blocking on both running plays and on passes after the catch. The wideouts didn’t have as many opportunities to get the ball in their hands, but they made the most of the ones they had.
Number Ten: The Packers Are 2-0 with Willis Who Got His Revenge
Willis denied he wanted revenge against the Titans, but he led the Packers past his former team and that had to be sweet for the former Liberty star. Considering he hasn’t even been with the Packers for a month, his ability to step in on short notice and lead the team to two straight victories was vital for the Packers success in 2024.
Willis may not be starting next week if Jordan Love is ready to return, but if he has to, he’s proven he can get the job done and lead this team to victory.
Follow Gil Martin on Twitter @GilPackers
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