Packers vs. Titans: Do They Need Love to Secure the Win?
Jordan Love is currently listed as questionable for the upcoming game against the Titans with a decision likely being made at game time. While he has been practicing, the Packers might opt to give him an extra week to recover. Do the Packers even need Love to suit up against the Titans? The Titans have started off their season winless, but records do not always speak to the level of the team. How badly do the Packers need their elite quarterback?
A Tougher Test for Josh Jacobs
The Titans' defense is simply a better unit than what the Packers faced last week against the Colts, though that’s not exactly a high bar. Josh Jacobs might not be able to push the defense around as much this week. In the first two weeks, Tennessee is holding opponents to 92.5 rushing yards and it’s not against some lackluster running backs. Only some nobodies like D’Andre Swift and Breece Hall in the backfield, no big deal. It’s not like Swift had a 1,000-yard rushing season with the Eagles last season and Hall had 994 rushing yards last year on a disaster offense. Against the Titans, both stars had as many touchdowns as the combined Lombardi Trophy collection of the Vikings and Lions. This information is not meant to be fear tactics, but rather a reality check to temper expectations compared to last week.
With that, it will be interesting to see how Jacobs fares against the Titans if they have a more competent run defense than whatever the Colts showed up with last week. It’s also important to note that MarShawn Lloyd won’t be there to share the load as he was placed on injured reserve. Jacobs is still an elite running back used to a heavy workload, so it won’t be all rainbows as sunshine for the Titans either. If Matt LaFleur maintains the high-level playcalling as last week, the Titans won’t be ready for an offense with or without Love.
Will Levis Could Be an Advantage for the Packers
Having Jordan Love on the field is reassuring because of his skill, while Will Levis offers a different kind of confidence — his tendency to make poor decisions. In his last two games, Levis has made costly mistakes that ultimately contributed to his team's losses. He has thrown three interceptions and committed two fumbles — cardinal sins on offense. His poor ball security and questionable decisions make him the perfect victim for Jeff Hafley’s defense. The Packers’ defense has forced six turnovers, putting them at the top of the league. Green Bay’s safety Xavier McKinney has had an interception in each game, making him a likely target in Levis' sights.
Evading the Blitz
Opponents have struggled against the Titans’ blitz schemes, completing just five of 17 passes for a mere 28 yards on those dropbacks. Whether the Packers will be among those struggling remains to be seen tomorrow. While Jordan Love would be able to diagnose blitzes pre-snap and adjust protections and plays accordingly, Malik Willis’ quick legs could be advantageous against a blitz-heavy defense. Whether it is Love or Willis under center, the Packers will need to find solutions to the Titans’ blitzing.
Facing the Titans is not the toughest challenge for the Packers without Love, but scoring against an experienced defense will be more difficult. The team must be prepared for either Jordan Love’s potential return or Malik Willis’ opportunity to shine against his former team. Even if Love sits out another week to heal, finishing 1-1 during his absence would be a solid outcome. Be sure to tune in to Fox as the Packers take on the Titans in Tennessee this Sunday, September 22nd, 2024, at 1 p.m. ET.
