For the third consecutive week, the defense led by new defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley forced three turnovers and had eight sacks—the most by a Packers defense since 2005. Together with a strong performance by backup quarterback Malik Willis, the Packers defeated the Tennessee Titans 30–14 in Nashville.
The Packers have now triumphed against an AFC South team twice in a row despite being the small underdog.
Taking over for the injured Jordan Love for his second start, Willis completed 13 of 19 passes (two drops) for 202 yards and a touchdown. Aside from that, he rushed for a touchdown and a game-high 73 yards. He gained all of his rushing yards in the first half, as the Packers led by 20 points at the break.
In the second half, Hafley’s defense took control as it persistently pressured Tennessee quarterback Will Levis. None of the seven players that contributed the eight sacks were named Kenny Clark or Rashan Gary. Even though he didn’t record a sack, Gary was responsible for several of the eight.
Jaire Alexander, Xavier McKinney, and Kingsley Enagbare caused a fumble on a sack to cause the three turnovers. The score was 17–7 after Alexander’s second interception of the year was recovered for a touchdown. The team’s major free agent addition, McKinney, intercepted his third pass in as many games. The error that Enagbare forced was recovered by Lukas Van Ness.
The Packers defense limited the Titans to only 33 yards of rushing and 237 total yards overall.
The remaining high points and low points from the Packers’ historic first victory in Tennessee are shown here.
Offensive Hero: Willis was excellent against his former team despite having to wait all week to find out if he would start. On the first drive of the game, he completed two 30-yard passes before scoring the first touchdown from five yards out.
Offensive Zero: Rasheed Walker, a left tackle, is having a difficult season thus far. On Sunday, he had two more calls for penalties—a hold and a hands-to-the-face that resulted in gains.
Defensive Hero: There were a few to chose from, but Alexander stopped Calvin Ridley, Tennessee’s top receiver, with only one reception for nine yards.
Defensive Zero: Tough to pick one, but DeAndre Hopkins, who did nothing in the first two weeks of the season but had six catches for 73 yards, was given too much space by CB Eric Stokes.
Play of the Game: On second and goal from the 5-yard line, Willis scored a touchdown run. He received a nice block from Jayden Reed, executed a fantastic play-fake to Josh Jacobs, and dashed into the end zone.
Turning Point: Late in the third quarter, Tennessee marched to the Packers’ 32-yard line and trimmed the deficit to 27-14. Enagabrae beat his man on a second-and-10 play, roughed up Levis, forced a fumble, and Van Ness recovered the ball. The Titans never posed a serious threat once more.
This and That: The Packers were penalized for 10 penalties (73 yards) for the second time in three games, if there was a down to this one. Willis scored 73 of the 188 yards the Packers gained on the ground. Two of the eight sacks were shared by Preston Smith and Devonte Wyatt. Wyatt currently has three for the year.
Damage: Tight end After a lengthy absence due to a shoulder injury, Tucker Kraft came back.
Inactives: Love was not in the game despite practicing all week. Cornerback Carrington Valentine (ankle) was also absent on Friday, along with rookie first-round pick Jordan Morgan (shoulder). Rookie safety Kitan Oladapo, defensive tackle Colby Wooden, edge rusher Brenton Cox Jr., and tackle Travis Glover were among the healthy inactives.
