Three Takeaways from the Packers’ Win in Tennessee
The Packers rolled with backup Malik Willis to allow Jordan Love an extra week to recover, but business went on as usual. While some teams struggle to win with their starting quarterbacks, Green Bay demonstrated they have what it takes to win with a second-stringer. Not only a backup quarterback but one that many thought would be on his way out of the league. Here are three takeaways from the Packers’ smackdown in Tennessee.
Green Bay Sackers or Green Bay Pickers?
The Packers’ defense completely overwhelmed the Titans’ offense, recording eight sacks, three takeaways, and even a defensive touchdown. They left Will Levis with nightmares, as Preston Smith and Devonte Wyatt each sacked him twice. Kingsley Enagbare added a strip sack, which Lukas Van Ness recovered. In total, seven different players contributed at least a half sack — marking the team's highest sack total since 2005 against the Bears. After a quiet start to the season, the Packers' pass rush clearly showed it is alive and well.
The Packers’ secondary joined in on the fun as well. Jaire Alexander scored a pick-six, allowing Malik Willis to play confidently with the lead. Xavier McKinney continued his impressive streak with an interception for the third consecutive game — at this point, can we really call it a Packers game without McKinney catching a nice ball from the quarterback? Last season, Green Bay recorded the fewest interceptions in franchise history with just seven. However, under Jeff Hafley’s coaching, the defense has already matched that total in just three games.
The Packers now lead the NFL in takeaways and interceptions, showcasing a complete transformation from last season. In 2023, the defense didn’t record its ninth takeaway until Week 11, and the seventh interception didn’t come until Week 17. Regardless of what you think about Hafley’s approach, this unit knows how to make big plays. It will be exciting to see how they perform against more polished offenses as the season progresses.
Penalties Are Their Achilles Heel
If there was one critique of the Packers’ complete domination over the Titans, it was their self-sabotaging that has been a common theme in the first three games of the season. Through three games this season, the Packers have tallied 26 penalties, ranking fifth highest in the NFL. They also lead the league with eight offensive holding penalties. Not the ideal position to hold in the rankings.
Many of the Packers’ promising plays would get called back with a bright yellow flag on the field. Against higher-caliber opponents, the Packers’ penalties will be more consequential. The Packers were penalized 10 times for 75 yards, including a defensive offside that negated Rashan Gary’s sack. This offside call allowed the Titans to score a touchdown instead of forcing them to settle for a field goal. In future games, those mistakes could prove far more costly. Fortunately, the Packers’ penalties did not cost them the game this time, but next time, they might not be so lucky.
The Malik Willis Acquisition Has Paid Off
While playcalling is a key factor, Malik Willis deserves his flowers as well. As Matt LaFleur builds his Coach of the Year campaign, Willis has proven why he deserves to be in the league. He executed the game plan effectively and made smart decisions. In his two starts, Willis completed 76% of his passes for 324 yards, two touchdowns, and a rating of 126.3.
In this game, he showcased both his passing and rushing abilities, reminding everyone why he was once a top quarterback prospect. Willis led the team in rushing with 73 on only six carries, which is more yardage than all of Tennessee’s rushers combined. LaFleur said, “What he's been able to do, I've never seen something like this.” Willis has played so well that fans are more than willing to let Love take another week off to recover.
After the win, the Packers will turn their attention to their next matchup against division-rival Minnesota Vikings, who have yet to lose a game. Aaron Jones will be making his return to Lambeau Field, alongside a newly awakened Sam Darnold, who is playing like a first-round pick. Jordan Love is nearing a return, but it remains to be seen if his comeback will be enough to take down the current NFC North leaders. The Packers have proven with good execution, winning is possible.
