The Green Bay Packers are back in action against the Titans this Sunday, having just come away with a 16-10 victory against the Colts. Malik Willis will look to recreate the success of last week and capitalize on the opportunity he’s been given. I’m certainly over the moon to see that Jordan Love has returned to practice, and I know he’s said he’s hopeful to return.
I’m pretty sure we can all still expect Malik under center this Sunday. As well as a three headed monster of run attack, aggressive defense, and play clock dominance to bethe strategy.
Green Bay Packers Have A Work Horse In Josh Jacobs
Packer Nation is getting to see why Josh Jacobs led the league in rushing just 2 seasons ago. The guy is a 3 down beast that cuts on a dime and runs hard behind his pads.
While Jacobs had a slow start in the season opener against Phiadelphia, he’s been balling out since the 2nd half of that game. Over the last 2 games he’s put up 48 carries for 235 yards, averaging 4.9 per attempt. Expect another heavy dose of #8 this week against the Titans.
Yes I’m Talking About Emanuel Two Weeks In A Row…
Admittedly I did not expect to see Marshawn Lloyd out on the field last week taking away snaps from Emanuel. That being said, with Marshawn now headed to IR, expect to see more of Emanuel against Tennessee. I still maintain that he will put on a show. Especially with the Packers needing to lean on the run game this week.
Malik Willis Creating Chemistry With The WR Room
There is absolutely no doubt that the Packers run offense was impeccable last week.
However, Malik WIllis’ performance was nothing to cry about by any stretch. Especially when you consider that he was only in the building for about 3 weeks prior to this start. Coupled with the fact that he started in Lambeau during the home opener.
Malik had a very solid outing going 12-of-14 for 122 yards. He also picked up 41 yards on 6 rushing attempts. More importantly he understood the gameplan. He protected the ball, didn’t try to be the hero, and came through with clutch passes when he needed to.
Like I said all last week, we don’t need him to be an elite starter, he just has to lean on the talent of the roster. Although, some of those passes looked great. Including this jump ball he put up for Romeo Doubs to make a play on.
Not to mention his first NFL touchdown on a great laser to Tay Wicks…..
I know Malik has said during multiple pressers this week that coming up against the team that traded him to the Packers isn’t a factor for him. He holds no grudges and is grateful for the opportunity they gave him.
All things being equal, I still expect him to go out on Sunday to prove a point!
Go Jeff Go!
New defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley has plenty of reasons to be smiling going into Week 3. His new 4-3 scheme has looked stout and agressive just as advertised. Holding any NFL team to 10 points (even the stinky Colts) in a game is an amazing outing. I expect this week that the crew will continue to build on their press coverage and opportunistic secondary efforts, as they are currently ranked #1 in takeaways.
I have loved the step up that Devonte Wyatt has taken on the defensive line, and there is no denying that adding veteran Xavier McKinney has been a godsend to this defense.
Green Bay Packers Need More From Quay & Keisean
There are a couple of staple players that I’d like to see a bit more from this week…
Quay Walker
Quay Walker needs to dial in his focus on the ball. I picked him as my dark horse for Defensive Player of the Year this season and I’m currently feeling less than confident in that take.
There is no doub that Quay has all the athletic ability in the world. I was also happy that he was able to clean up the mentals over the last couple seaons. That being said, this new 4-3 scheme is designed to highight the playmaking abilities of the middle linebacker with the mic, but instead, it’s highlighted some poor instincts and play readability. He’s too easily swayed by the offensive line’s movement versus following the ball.
I don’t feel like there’s any reason to hit the panic button, especially with the high level of play we’re seeing from Eric Wilson and Isaiah McDuffie. That being said if Quay doesn’t step up, there’s a chance down the road that we see a trio set of Cooper, Wilson, and McDuffie.
Keisean Nixon
Our annual All Pro kick returner has not necessarily looked the part of the go to slot corner that Gutey had foreshadowed in the offseason. He’s currently only got 1 pass defense this season tying for 54th in the league. When watching his film he looks to be playing off the defenders a bit too much, and is being more reactive than proactive.
Again, I am not saying that he won’t develop into a great corner as the season progresses. I also understand that a lot of his added value has been taken away with the new kickoff rule.
Most teams it would seem have relegated themselves to giving their opponents the extra yardage, kicking the ball out of the end zone. Here’s a great article from the Seattle Times discussing the new kickoff rule’s failure this season:
Why New NFL Kickoff Rules Mostly Failed…
Without the threat of Nixon’s kick returns, he will need to step it up to show why he deserved that shiny new bag from the Packers….
A Great Start & Laundry To Clean Up
The fact that we have already secured a “W” with Jordan Love injured is a success. Anything Malik & company are able to add in that column before Jordan’s return is just a cherry on top. I expect Matt LaFleur will open the playbook a bit more with another week and more confidence, but it’s worth mentioning again that they will be tested against the best pass defense in the league.
We also need the offensive line to clean up the sloppy penalties. Refs around the league are making a point of calling illegal formations and other penalties at the line of scrimmage this Season. It doesn’t help that the Packers offensive line doesn’t seem to be on the same page just yet, combining for 7 flags for 50 yards over the last 2 games.
Final Thoughts
If last week’s defense shows up they should have no problem getting pressure on Titans QB WIll Levis. He’s been sacked 7 times already this season.
Take a look at this pressure up the middle for sack against the Jets.
Even when not under pressure he’s not been showing that he’s likely to be the franchise guy just yet…
I see no reason why the Green Bay Packers aren’t able to walk away with a win in this one.
I expect a heavy running attack and play clock domination with a final score of 20-10.
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