Skip to main content
Advertising

Titans vs. Packers: Six Things to Watch

mariota600-111116a.jpg


**

NASHVILLE, Tenn. —** The Titans face the Packers on Sunday at Nissan Stadium.

Here's a look at six things to watch:

**

Mariota's answer**

It won't be Marcus Mariota vs. Aaron Rodgers on Sunday, but as we all know, there's always a big focus on the quarterbacks. This week it will be magnified with the two-time league MVP headed to town. Mariota is coming off his fifth 4-TD performance in first 21 career games, and he'll need to play well vs. the Packers. He'll also need to cut down on the turnovers, something he continues to work on. The Packers are ranked 17th in the NFL in pass defense, and they've allowed 30-plus points in three of the last four games.

**

Run the ball**

Yes, the Packers are ranked No.1 in the NFL in run defense. No, it's not an impossible task to run it against them. The Cowboys proved that back on October 16, when running back Ezekiel Elliott ran for 157 yards against Green Bay. The Cowboys ran for 191 yards against them that day. Can DeMarco Murray have the same success? The Titans hope so. Murray continues to deal with a sore toe, but he practiced again this week and is a go. Derrick Henry will also play, and he looked really good his last time out vs. the Jaguars.

**

Containing Rodgers**

Rodgers is a tough guy to contend with. On the season, the five-time Pro Bowler has 20 touchdowns vs only five interceptions. The buzz out of Green Bay is he's been off, and not as consistent as he needs to be. Still, Rodgers is one of the best in the game, and he's capable of beating teams with his arm and his legs. The Titans need to keep him contained on Sunday while applying pressure, and not allow him to get into a groove.

**

Secondary play**

The Titans have faced top-flight receivers like Amari Cooper, DeAndre Hopkins, and T.Y. Hilton this season. Jarvis Landry, Michael Crabtree and Golden Tate, well, they're no slouches either. Terrelle Pryor was a tough cookie to contend with, too. But this could be the biggest test for the Titans secondary this season. The Packers will line up four and even five-wide a good deal of the time, and Devante Adams, Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb are talented.

**

Rishard Matthews**

Mariota has made progress with all his receivers, and that's especially true with receiver Rishard Matthews. In the past five games, Matthews has five touchdown catches. He's proven to be a reliable target, and someone willing to go up and fight for the football. Receiver Tajae Sharpe has also made strides in recent weeks, and should have opportunities, along with veteran Kendall Wright.

**

Make some noise**

There will be some Cheesheads in the crowd, there's no doubt about it. Packers fans travel everywhere, and Green Bay hasn't played in Nashville since the 2008 season. So this is their chance. Titans fans at Nissan Stadium have played a role in recent home wins by making noise and disrupting the opposing offenses. Will they rise to the challenge on Sunday? It should be a great atmosphere.

TitansOnline.com looks back at the all-time series between the Tennessee Titans and Green Bay Packers. (AP Photos)

Related Content

Fan Zone

Titans + Nissan Stadium App presented by Verizon

Titans + Nissan Stadium App presented by Verizon

Stay up to date with team and stadium news, concert and event announcements, stream live Titans games and more!

Tennessee Titans Marketplace

Tennessee Titans Marketplace

A one-stop shop for Titans memorabilia, autographed items and more!

Tennessee Titans Email Newsletter

Tennessee Titans Email Newsletter

Get Titans news sent straight to your inbox.

Advertising