NASHVILLE – The Titans face the Green Bay Packers on Sunday at Nissan Stadium.
Here's a look at six things to watch leading up to the contest:
Will Levis Bounce Back?
Titans quarterback Will Levis has had a difficult week. Another costly turnover this past Sunday against the Jets left Levis answering questions about his decision-making once again. On top of that, his phone number got leaked, and he had to deal with plenty of unwanted texts. The Titans want – and need – Levis to settle down and lead the team to wins. While he's done some good things, his turnovers have kept the subject on the bad. Levis has five giveaways through Week 2, the most in the NFL. It's the most giveaways through Week 2 for the franchise since Warren Moon for the Oilers in 1992. Levis wants to answer the call in a good way on Sunday.
Impact the Opposing QB
At this point, we don't know whether it'll be Jordan Love or Malik Willis at quarterback for the Green Bay Packers. Love returned to practice this week after missing Week 2 with a knee injury, but his status for Sunday's game in Tennessee is unknown. The Titans certainly know Willis, who was traded from Tennessee to Green Bay last month and guided the Packers to a win this past Sunday. No matter who lines up at quarterback for the Packers, the Titans are going to need to make plays on defense. Defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson is stressing forcing turnovers this week, because that's one thing the unit hasn't done.
Stop the Run
No matter who lines up at quarterback for the Packers, the Titans should expect a healthy dose of Packers running back Josh Jacobs. The Colts surely expected this last Sunday, and they allowed Jacobs to rush for 151 yards nonetheless. The Packers lead the NFL with 424 rushing yards this season, so it's a formidable challenge. The Titans are ranked No.1 in the NFL in total defense (yards), including 10th overall against the run, allowing 92.5 yards per game. The Titans have a pair of run-stuffing linebackers in Ernest Jones IV and Kenneth Murray, who will be on the scene in a hurry. Disruption up front will be needed with Jeffery Simmons and T'Vondre Sweat.
Special Teams
This falls into the category no one wants to see: The Titans have had a punt blocked in each of the team's first two games. They're the first team to have a punt blocked in consecutive weeks to start a season since Washington in 2012. The Titans need to give punter Ryan Stonehouse time to work (he's averaging 54.9 yards per punt this season), and they need to change the game for the better here. That would include Stonehouse, kicker Nick Folk, and the return team. A familiar face will return to Nissan Stadium for the Packers – kicker Brayden Narveson, who spent the preseason in Tennessee.
Help Out Levis
I have a lot of areas in mind here, starting with the offensive line. Levis hasn't had enough time to work, and perhaps it's part of the reason he's feeling extra pressure. Across the board the Titans need to do more to help their quarterback, from the backs to the receivers. Running back Tony Pollard's 196 scrimmage yards are the most by a Titans player not named Derrick Henry through Week 2, since Demarco Murray (222) in Henry's rookie 2016 season. The team intends to get Tyjae Spears more involved as well, but he's been limited in practice with an ankle injury. Calvin Ridley is coming off a two-touchdown game, but it's time to get DeAndre Hopkins and Tyler Boyd more involved as well.
Importance of Week 3
The Titans are 0-2, and desperately trying to avoid an 0-3 start. Since 1979, only six teams have overcome an 0-3 start to make the postseason. The only team in franchise history to do it was the 1990 Oilers, a team that started 0-2 and finished with a 9-7 mark. Is this the week the Titans get on track, and give head coach Brian Callahan his first win? We'll find out Sunday.
# # #
SeatGeek has the best tickets at the best price to Titans games. Click here to be there. Let's go!
