Tennessee Titans (0-3) – Green Bay Packers (2-1): 30-14
The story is beautiful. Drafted by the Titans, Malik Willis (13/19, 202 yards, 1 touchdown) was back in Tennessee, after being traded earlier in the offseason. And while the quarterback admitted to having no hard feelings toward the team that gave him a chance, the desire to do well was there.
It was mainly the Packers' defense that got some well-deserved credit. Rookie defensive coordinator Jeff Hadley's men overwhelmed their opponents. Cheeseheads witnessed a total performance from their defense (187 yards conceded), running (25 yards), passing (162 yards) and chasing the quarterback.
The Titans fought but the talent gap in the trenches dashed any ambitions.
Malik Willis: 60 Minutes to Live
Malik Willis dominated the first half. The quarterback immediately found the end zone while running on the first drive, to start the game (7-0). It was also with his legs that he hurt the Titans the most (6 carries, 73 yards, 1 touchdown), too focused on the inside runs of the running backs.
Christian Watson (2 receptions, 67 yards) was also a major player in the first half. His deep routes allowed him to gain important yards to put the kicker, Brayden Narveson, in the best conditions (FG: 3/3, XP: 3/3). Nevertheless, Matt Lafleur (HC) will have work next week to convert good drives into touchdowns.
The Packers defense, led by Jaire Alexander (CB) also did its part of the work. In the second quarter, Alexander even intercepted Will Levis by short-circuiting a pass. The All-pro allowed himself to bring the ball back into the end zone to make the score heavier. At halftime Green Bay was rolling (20-7)
Will Levis: A Day in Hell
The start of the second half did not change the game's scenario in any way. Will Levis (26/34, 260 yards, 2 touchdowns, 2 interceptions) still has to deal with an approximate offensive line but especially a head coach who does not help him. For example, his interception earlier in the game, where all the targets run the same route against an adapted defense. This time, it's a 4e readable attempt that is stopped. Too bad for a quarterback who in rhythm showed arguments.
Until this moment, in the middle of 3e quarter-time, the Titans defense gave hope to its team. Once again, it stops the Packers. But on the field goal attempt that follows, an unnecessary foul (while the kick is missed) gives a new series to the opponents. Immediate punishment by the legs of Emmanuel Wilson (RB, Packers) on a short reception (27-7).
The green and yellow defense continued its undermining work (8 sacks). However, it could not prevent Levis from connecting with Hopkins to reduce the score for the first time (27-14). It managed to force a fumble from the quarterback on the following series to reach the last fifteen minutes. Races and exchanges of punts allowed the remaining time to run out. Narveson (K, Packers) took advantage to add 3 more points from long distance and Xavier McKinney increased his total interceptions this season (3). Final score 30-14.
The Packers are getting more and more reassured during the absence of Jordan Love (QB). The Titans have still not won this season, and statistically, have almost no more playoff hopes.
