5 things to watch – Page 2 – Syndication Server

Packers vs. Titans: 5 things to watch and a prediction for Week 3

Five things to watch and a prediction for the Packers’ Week 3 showdown with the Titans.

The Green Bay Packers (1-1) are headed to Nashville to take on the winless Tennessee Titans (0-2) on Sunday at Nissan Stadium.

Once again, the big pre-game story line is the quarterback: Will it be Jordan Love or Malik Willis under center against a tough, stingy Titans defense? The answer could determine whether the Packers head home Sunday at 2-1 or 1-2.

The Titans might be winless, but it took an unbelievable collapse in Chicago in the opener and some late dramatics from the Jets last Sunday to beat Tennessee during the first two weeks. Brian Callahan’s team has talent around the quarterback position and an experienced defense at every level.

Here are five things to watch and a prediction for Week 3:

Gary’s turn to feast?

Arguably no right tackle in football is having a harder time protecting the passer than Nicholas Petit-Frere of the Titans. Per Next Gen Stats, Petit-Frere allowed 13 total pressures last week against the Jets. His matchup for most of Sunday? Rashan Gary. The Packers did well to contain athletic quarterbacks Jalen Hurts and Anthony Richardson over the first two weeks, but it’s attack time on Sunday. Will the Titans give Petit-Frere extra help against Gary? If they don’t, Gary could have a breakout performance. If they do, it wouldn’t be surprising if interior rushers — like Kenny Clark and Devonte Wyatt — are game-wreckers. Pro Football Focus ranks the Titans worst in the NFL in pass-blocking efficiency entering Week 3, so the defensive front must dominate the action.

Working for every yard

Regardless of who is playing quarterback, the Packers will have to grind for every yard on Sunday. Entering Week 3, the Titans rank first in the NFL in yards allowed, first in yards per play, second in net yards per passing attempt, first downs allowed and yards allowed per drive, and tied for ninth in rushing yards allowed per carry. This is a stout defense that has been hurt — at least in the points category — by a blocked punt returned for a touchdown, an interception returned for a touchdown and a blocked punt setting up a field goal. The Bears had only two legitimate drives for points (both field goals), but the Jets managed three touchdown drives of 70 or more yards. Can the Packers sustain drives against a good defense on the road on Sunday?

Deep shots

Wm. Glasheen/USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images

Another week of protecting against the deep ball for the Packers defense. Through two weeks, Will Levis (9) ranks behind only Trevor Lawrence and Anthony Richardson (11) in attempts of 20 or more yards. Last season, Levis attempted passes of 20 or more yards on 22.4 percent of his passing attempts, the highest rate in the NFL. Despite shaky protection, Levis wants to hunt the big play — similar to Richardson last week. He’s thrown two touchdown passes and two interceptions on nine attempts over 20 yards this season. The Packers might give up a big play or two on Sunday, especially considering the Titans talent at receiver, but Levis’ willingness to push the ball downfield might give Xavier McKinney and the secondary another opportunity to get a takeaway or two.

Containing Tony Pollard

Through two weeks, Pollard — the former Cowboy — is tied for fourth in missed tackles forced (9), tied for seventh in runs of 10+ yards (5) and tied for fifth in catches (8) among running backs. He looks more like the 2021-22 version of Pollard, which makes sense considering he’s now a full year and a half removed from a broken leg suffered in the 2022 playoffs. The Packers have allowed over 100 rushing yards and several explosive runs to Saquon Barkley and Jonathan Taylor in back-to-back weeks to start the season, so keeping a better lid on Pollard’s impact will be important Sunday, especially if the Titans are struggling to protect Will Levis in obvious passing situations. Tennessee has run 33 times on first down at a clip of 4.7 yards per carry — as opposed to just 18 passing attempts on first downs — so stopping the run on early downs will be a priority.

Josh and Jayden

The engines of the Packers offense, whether Malik Willis starts again or Jordan Love returns from a knee injury, figure to be Josh Jacobs and Jayden Reed. Together, the two have combined for 472 of the Packers’ 806 yards from scrimmage and 15 total explosive plays in two games. Expect Jacobs — who is working through a back injury — to carry the load in the run game, with Reed — who is working through a calf injury — sprinkled in on gadget plays. The Packers need to protect the quarterback position regardless of who starts Sunday. We’ll see if Matt LaFleur can find ways of unlocking the speed and playmaking ability of Christian Watson (three touches, 13 yards) and Luke Musgrave (one touch, six yards) on Sunday.

Prediction: Packers 23, Titans 17 (0-2)

The guess here is that Jordan Love needs to play for the Packers to leave Nashville with a win. As opposed to last week, the Packers can’t expect to run the ball at the same rate or effectiveness level against a stingy Titans front, putting more pressure on the quarterback to create plays in big spots. Defensively, however, this looks like a plus matchup. Will Levis is Jay Cutler-level reckless and plays behind one of the shakiest pass-blocking offensive lines in football. Sack and turnover opportunities could be plentiful. Still, I think this game comes down to the quarterback. If Love plays, Packers by six. If Malik Willis is the starter, Titans by six.

Packers vs. Colts: 5 things to watch and a prediction for Week 2

Five things to watch and a prediction for the Packers’ Week 2 showdown with the Colts.

The Green Bay Packers will welcome the Indianapolis Colts to Lambeau Field for the home opener on Sunday. Like the Packers, the Colts are coming off a season-opening loss to a contender and hoping to avoid an 0-2 start in Week 2.

Unlike the Colts, the Packers have a big question mark at quarterback. Jordan Love is questionable to play, and Malik Willis — the backup — has only three NFL starts in his career and less than three weeks of experience in Matt LaFleur’s scheme.

Will Love play? And if he doesn’t, can the Packers find a way to steal a game at home?

Here are five things to watch and a prediction for Week 2:

Who plays quarterback?

The mystery remains after the Packers listed Jordan Love, who didn’t practice all week, as questionable. Most still assume Love won’t play, leaving Malik Willis to start. How will the Packers adjust if Willis is under center? It’s hard to say, given his inexperience in the NFL and inexperience in Matt LaFleur’s scheme. The run game will be vital, but so will the play-action passing game and the screen game, and you can bet LaFleur will dial up a few gadget plays. Throw in any designed runs for Willis, who is a terrific athlete, and potentially a few deep shots, and the Packers will have a shot. The offense is talented around Willis; LaFleur must push the right buttons at the right time, helping making life easier on the quarterback. Dusty Evely has more on what we could expect from the Packers with Willis at quarterback.

Defensive rebound?

Defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley admitted the coaching and execution from the defense wasn’t good enough in Week 1, but he was also happy with much of the performance overall and confident the Packers would begin to improve starting Sunday. It will be interesting to compare the performances given how similar the Colts are to the Eagles. The Colts have a talented and dynamic quarterback (Anthony Richardson), a do-it-all running back with elite ability (Jonathan Taylor), a legitimate No. 1 receiver (Michael Pittman Jr.) and a big-play complementary weapon (Alec Pierce), plus a big, experienced and physical offensive line. The Packers defense needs to bounce back, especially if Jordan Love isn’t available.

Winning the line of scrimmage

Running the football and protecting the passer will be vital regardless of whether Willis or Love starts. The Colts gave up over 200 rushing yards but also sacked Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud four times in the opener. In the run game, can the Packers get Josh Jacobs going against a front that got gashed by Joe Mixon and might be without DeForest Buckner, who is questionable with a back injury? The biggest question mark might be Willis in the passing game. Historically, he’s been a quarterback who will hold the ball and invite pressure. Willis was sacked five times in the preseason. The Packers offensive line is strong in the passing game, but Matt LaFleur has to get Willis to play on time to avoid a bunch of negative plays on Sunday.

Big plays

The Packers got touchdowns of 70 yards and 33 yards from Jayden Reed in the opener, while the Colts got touchdown passes of 60 yards and 54 yards from Anthony Richardson in the opener. Willis isn’t likely to lead long, methodical drives. Richardson completed only nine passes but finished with over 200 passing yards in Week 1. The team that delivers more explosive plays is the likely winner on Sunday. He might be inexperienced, but Richardson’s legs and impressive arm present a lot of potential problems. The same can be said about Willis, even if he doesn’t have the highlight reel of Richardson yet. Which quarterback can hit the 1-2 big plays that will change the game on Sunday?

Rookie defenders

The Packers said linebacker Edgerrin Cooper and safety Evan Williams are in for bigger roles in Week 2. Cooper showed explosive playmaking ability in the opener but was on the field for only 11 snaps. He could double his playing time Sunday, and he’ll be vital in stopping Jonathan Taylor and Anthony Richardson as runners. Williams didn’t see much of the field in Week 1, but Jeff Hafley wants to get him on the field. That might mean some packages with Javon Bullard, another rookie, in the slot and Williams deep next to Xavier McKinney. Bullard and Williams will both play big roles in preventing the big plays so often hunted by Richardson as a passer.

Prediction: Colts 24, Packers 16 (0-1)

While there is a chance Jordan Love plays, confidence is low in the Packers’ ability to win a game with Malik Willis under center. He might be talented, but Willis is an inconsistent thrower of the football who takes too many sacks and lacks experience in Matt LaFleur’s scheme. Jayden Reed is also dealing with a new injury, potentially limiting a key player for Willis on offense. While Anthony Richardson is sporadic, he’s the better bet to create a few big plays on Sunday. In what could be an erratic game overall, the guess here is the Packers struggle offensively and aren’t able to generate enough points to pull off the upset with a backup quarterback. Flip these scores if Love plays.

Packers vs. Ravens: 5 things to watch in preseason finale

Five things to watch when the Packers finish up the preseason on Saturday against the Ravens at Lambeau Field.

The Green Bay Packers will finish up the team’s three-game preseason schedule on Saturday afternoon against the Baltimore Ravens at Lambeau Field. Kickoff from Green Bay is scheduled for noon CT.

Matt LaFleur’s team opened the preseason with a convincing win over the Cleveland but then got pummeled in Denver, but no one is particularly worried about results. Saturday is one last opportunity for the Packers to evaluate players and determine how the first 53-man roster and practice squad will shape up before flying to Brazil to play the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 1.

While unclear if Jordan Love and other starters will play against the Ravens, especially given the volume and quality of the work from Thursday’s joint practice, it’s a good bet most veterans and starters won’t play on Saturday. But LaFleur wasn’t ready to answer on playing time before Thursday’s practice, and Love didn’t know the plan post-practice.

Here are five things to watch in Saturday’s preseason finale:

Starting competitions

There might be only a handful of true starting competitions left to sort out heading into the preseason finale. On offense, who starts at right guard? First-round pick Jordan Morgan was the favorite, but he still hasn’t returned to 11-on-11 work after injuring his shoulder. Sean Rhyan, who is also getting extensive snaps at center, is the other top candidate. The defensive depth chart looks mostly settled, even if impressive rookies Javon Bullard and Evan Williams may split time next to Xavier McKinney at safety. What about kicker? Anders Carlson has taken the late and possibly decisive lead. It would be comforting for everyone to see him knock a couple of kicks through the uprights at Lambeau Field on Saturday.

QB2 battle

The Packers have one preseason game left to decide who will back up Jordan Love. Sean Clifford had a bounce-back performance during Thursday’s joint practice and must be considered the heavy favorite, but he also split some situational second-team reps with rookie Michael Pratt and is coming off a troubling showing in Denver. Both quarterbacks could use a steady performance after an up-and-down summer. Also, if Clifford does win the job, do the Packers keep Pratt on the 53-man roster or risk him to waivers? Plenty yet to decide at quarterback entering Saturday.

Special teams

In many cases, the winner of a toss-up competition at a position will be determined by special teams. This is especially true at positions like receiver, tight end, linebacker and cornerback, where the Packers have 53-man roster competitions playing out. Can Grant DuBose or Malik Heath make a big block on a return or successfully cover a kick? Will Joel Wilson show up in the third phase and push Tyler Davis for a roster spot? If Kristian Welch keeps making plays and handling a variety of roles on special teams, will the Packers keep six linebackers? Will Robert Rochell’s value on special teams overrule Kalen King’s potential? While not the most entertaining of plays, all the kickoffs and punts on Saturday could be tiebreaker snaps on the fringes of the Packers roster.

Emerging defensive end

Second-year defensive end Brenton Cox Jr. is one of the NFL’s preseason leaders in pressure with eight in two games. Last week, he produced a sack and a handful of other pressures. In the preseason finale, Cox Jr. can all but guarantee his roster spot as the fifth defensive end with another solid outing. His overall game might not be fully realized, but Cox Jr. has natural and impressive pass-rushing talent. Don’t be surprised if No. 57 is in the backfield and making life difficult on Ravens quarterbacks on Saturday. And don’t forget about No. 53 — Arron Mosby has also had a nice summer as a disruptor off the edge.

Rookie spotlight

It’s unclear if Jordan Morgan will play, and MarShawn Lloyd is still dealing with a hamstring injury, but the rookie class is always worth watching in preseason games. Saturday might be our first chance to see dynamic rookies Edgerrin Cooper and Ty’Ron Hopper play next to each other at linebacker. The three rookie safeties have completely transformed the position this summer — Javon Bullard and Evan Williams will be Week 1 contributors, while Kitan Oladapo looked like an enforcing and physical presence in his defensive debut last week. Jacob Monk, a classic Packers draft pick along the offensive line, is getting a ton of reps at center and guard and could be positioned to be an important interior backup. Pratt and King, two seventh-round picks, are fighting for 53-man roster spots at key positions. The Packers might not have an undrafted free agent rookie make the team this year. but the first-year class is once again loaded with talent and the potential for immediate impact.

Packers vs. Broncos: 5 things to watch in preseason clash

Five things to watch when the Packers take on the Broncos in the preseason on Sunday night.

After Friday’s joint practice, the Green Bay Packers and Denver Broncos will face off in a preseason game at EmPower Field at Mile High on Sunday night.

With live reps banked during a competitive practice, coach Matt LaFleur is expecting to sit most starters and veterans against the Broncos, although it’s unclear if that plan has changed after a mostly underwhelming performance on Friday.

Even if Jordan Love and other starters sit, plenty can be learned about Brian Gutekunst’s roster in Denver. The obvious position to watch will be quarterback, where Sean Clifford and Michael Pratt will handle all the snaps if Love sits. Both Clifford and Pratt are coming off solid preseason debuts, and the Packers need one to separate in the competition to be Love’s backup. It’s possible both quarterbacks will get a half of work on Sunday night.

Here are five other things to watch in the Packers’ mile-high preseason clash:

Kicking battle

A disappointing week in the Packers’ kicking competition will end with a preseason game in Denver’s high altitude, providing an excellent setting for Anders Carlson and Greg Joseph — two big-legged kickers. But distance hasn’t been an issue. Consistency has been elusive, especially this week, and now both kickers are hovering below 85 percent for training camp. One of these kickers needs to get hot — starting Sunday night — or the Packers might have to consider the possibility that the Week 1 kicker isn’t currently on the roster.

Right guard battle

It’s unclear if rookie first-round pick Jordan Morgan will make his NFL debut, but the right guard position is one to watch regardless. Morgan and Sean Rhyan are competing to be the starter — they are listed as co-starters on the unofficial depth chart — and now rookie Jacob Monk has entered the discussion. An uneventful preseason debut for Morgan and plenty of reps for both Rhyan and Monk would represent a best-case scenario for Sunday night. This is one of the only unsettled starting spots on the roster.

Rookie debuts

Morgan might not be the only rookie making their NFL debut in Denver. Linebacker Ty’Ron Hopper returned to 11-on-11 work on Friday, so he should be good to go for Sunday night. Hopper, a third-round pick, has had flashes of highly disruptive play both as a blitzer and against the run during training camp. With Edgerrin Cooper still out, Hopper should get plenty of snaps in Denver. At safety, the Packers are expecting to return fifth-round pick Kitan Oladapo. He’s a big, physical defensive back who excelled against the run at Oregon State, but Oladapo is well behind fellow rookies Javon Bullard and Evan Williams on the depth chart after missing all of the offseason with a toe injury. Undrafted rookie Donovan Jennings should also get his first NFL snaps. He entered camp with a decent chance to make the roster as a backup guard, but injuries have kept him out of action.

Grant DuBose’s encore

DuBose was the star of the preseason opener after catching five passes — including a clutch reception on fourth down and a toe-dragging 23-yarder along the sideline — and making several key blocks. The second-year receiver is now well on his way to making the 53-man roster. In fact, he caught a pass from Jordan Love with the No. 1 offense during Friday’s joint practice. What does DuBose have in store for an encore Sunday? Expect him to be a top target in the first half. It’ll also be worth watching Bo Melton, who must rebound after a disappointing preseason opener, and Malik Heath, who is battling DuBose for a roster spot.

King’s quest

The Packers are deep in veterans at cornerback, and the top four — Jaire Alexander, Eric Stokes, Keisean Nixon and Carrington Valentine — looks locked in place. It’s possible only one or two roster spots are up for grabs at corner, and rookie Kalen King is one of the top competitors entering Sunday. Matt LaFleur was complimentary of King’s work earlier this week. The seventh-round pick should get plenty of opportunities to make more plays against the Broncos. He’s proven to be resilient and physical and always around the football, and the Packers like his potential in the slot, but King is battling the likes of Corey Ballentine and Robert Rochell and needs to stand out again on Sunday night.

Packers vs. Browns: 5 things to watch in 2024 preseason opener

Five things to watch when the Packers open the 2024 preseason against the Browns on Saturday.

The Green Bay Packers will open the preseason schedule in 2024 with a trip to play the Cleveland Browns on Saturday afternoon. Coach Matt LaFleur said he’s expecting to play most of his healthy veterans, including quarterback Jordan Love, in an effort to make sure his team is physically and mentally prepared to take on the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 1.

The Browns won’t play quarterback Deshaun Watson, but some starters will play vs. the Packers on Saturday, per Kevin Stefanski.

Here are five things to watch in the preseason opener:

First test for Hafley

The preseason isn’t a time for exotic blitzes and coverages, so don’t expect new Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley to throw the book at the Browns on Saturday. But the preseason opener will provide the first real look at Hafley’s new scheme — a 4-3 base front with up-field, attacking principles and more aggressive coverages. The Packers will get a test in former No. 1 overall pick Jameis Winston, who is expected to start at quarterback in place of Watson, and backup Tyler Huntley, an experienced backup with nine career starts.

Rookie safety duo

One of the best surprises of training camp has been the versatile, playmaking duo of rookie safeties Javon Bullard and Evan Williams. They’ve been rotating in and out of the lineup next to Xavier McKinney as the Packers attempt to find the right combos in the secondary. Bullard is quick and explosive with slot potential, while Williams is instinctual and plays fast from a variety of alignments. Both have been around the ball throughout camp. It won’t be surprising if Bullard or Williams (or both) makes a big play on Saturday.

Backup quarterback battle takes flight

Jordan Love will start and play a series or two, but the majority of the snaps will be split between backups Sean Clifford and Michael Pratt, who are competing to be the No. 2. Last year, Love played 12 snaps in the preseason opener. Matt LaFleur said Clifford — Love’s backup last season — would get a bigger share of the snaps on Saturday. It appears Clifford, who was erratic and turnover-prone early in training camp, has settled in, while Pratt has a live arm and no fear of pushing the ball downfield. Considering how well Clifford played last summer, Pratt’s playstyle and the depth of the Packers receivers, the passing game should keep things interesting throughout the preseason.

Offensive line

Injuries have made the Packers offensive line a bit of a question mark this summer. And Saturday in Cleveland will be no different: right tackle Zach Tom isn’t expected to play, and first-round pick Jordan Morgan has a shoulder injury and likely won’t play. Can some of the backups finally settle in? Keep a close eye on the right side. The Packers will likely play Sean Rhyan and Jacob Monk at right guard, while Kadeem Telfort, Andre Dillard and Caleb Jones should get snaps at right tackle. At both positions, the Packers need a player or two to step in and play well in the preseason.

Kicks, and kickoffs

Not only are the Packers staging an important kicker competition, but the teams will be debuting the NFL’s new kickoff procedures in the preseason opener. It’s unclear if rookie newcomer Alex Hale will get a chance to kick on Saturday, but Anders Carlson and Greg Joseph — the top two competitors — will be in the spotlight. They are both talented but inconsistent kickers, so starting strong in Cleveland will be important. The Packers need one of them to emerge as a reliable option. The new kickoff will be interesting to study during the preseason, both in terms of how the Packers attempt to return the kicks, and how they cover the kicks.

Packers vs. Lions: 5 things to watch and a prediction for Week 4

Five things to watch and a prediction for the Packers’ Week 4 showdown against the Detroit Lions on TNF.

The Green Bay Packers (2-1) and Detroit Lions (2-1) will do battle on Thursday night at Lambeau Field for early supremacy in the NFC North. The winner to open Week 4 in the NFL will grab a big win in the division and take over first place in the NFC North.

The Packers are looking to snap a three-game losing streak to the Lions. Both teams won last week: the Packers over the Saints in dramatic fashion, the Lions over the Falcons in dominant fashion.

Here are five things to watch and a prediction for Week 4:

Packers vs. Saints: 5 things to watch and a prediction for Week 3

Five things to watch and a prediction for the Packers’ Week 3 showdown with the New Orleans Saints.

The Green Bay Packers (1-1) will welcome the New Orleans Saints (2-0) to Lambeau Field for the home opener on Sunday. The Week 3 showdown in Green Bay features a Packers team coming off a disappointing loss to the Atlanta Falcons on the road in Week 2 against an undefeated Saints team with two one-score wins to open 2023.

While the Packers played in Atlanta on Sunday, the Saints were in Carolina on Monday night, giving Matt LaFleur’s team the preparation and recovery edge.

Here are five things to watch and a prediction for Week 3:

Packers vs. Falcons: 5 things to watch and a prediction in Week 2

Five things to watch and a prediction when the Packers (1-0) take on the Falcons (1-0) in a Week 2 showdown in Atlanta.

The Green Bay Packers (1-0) have an opportunity to start a season with back-to-back road wins for the first time in franchise history when Matt LaFleur’s team goes into Atlanta to take on the Falcons (1-0) at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Sunday.

The Week 2 showdown features two young but exciting NFC playoff hopefuls coming off big division wins in the season opener.

Jordan Love threw three touchdown passes and the defense produced a pair of takeaways during the Packers’ 38-20 win over the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field in Week 1, while the Falcons got three total touchdowns from running backs Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier and three takeaways from Jessie Bates III in a 24-10 victory over the Carolina Panthers at home in the opener.

Here are five things to watch and a prediction for the Packers’ Week 2 showdown with the Falcons:

Packers vs. Bears: 5 things to watch and a prediction for Week 1

Five things to watch and a prediction for the Packers’ season-opening showdown with the Chicago Bears.

Both the Jordan Love era and the 2023 regular season will begin for the Green Bay Packers on Sunday at Soldier Field in Chicago. Love will make his first start as the new Packers starting quarterback in Week 1, and he’ll attempt to secure his first win as a starter against a Bears team the Packers have beaten eight straight times.

Can the Packers continue their dominance over their long-running rivals with Love at quarterback, or is a new era of the rivalry dawning?

Here are five things to watch and a prediction for Week 1 against the Bears:

Packers vs. Seahawks: 5 things to watch in 2023 preseason finale

Five things to watch when the Packers host the Seawhawks in the 2023 preseason finale on Saturday at Lambeau Field.

The Green Bay Packers will finish the team’s three-game preseason schedule when the Seattle Seahawks come to Lambeau Field for the 2023 preseason finale on Saturday afternoon.

Matt LaFleur’s team beat the Cincinnati Bengals 36-19 in the preseason opener and then lost to the New England Patriots 21-17 in a suspended preseason game last Saturday night. LaFleur said starters on both sides of the ball (save for Rashan Gary) will play against the Seahawks.

After the preseason finale, the Packers will begin prep for the Week 1 showdown with the Chicago Bears on Sunday, Sept. 10.

Here are five things to watch when LaFleur’s team hosts the Seahawks on Saturday: