This coming weekend, the Tennessee Titans have a crucial matchup with the Green Bay Packers. It's not just a difficult game, but it's one that could either help them get back on track or put them far behind the 8-ball going forward.
At 0-2, the Titans have a lot of things to fix, with one of them being at the quarterback position. Second-year passer Will Levis has been arguably a bottom-3 quarterback in the league through two games, and everybody knows it -- himself included.
Head coach Brian Callahan has been publicly critical of Levis and frustrations are growing quickly from the fan base. This team has to do something in order to help Levis get back on the right path, or we're going to hear chants for backup Mason Rudolph sooner or later.
Speaking of backup, former Titans backup quarterback Malik Willis is now in Green Bay, and the team might get a chance to play against him if starter Jordan Love isn't healthy enough to make his return from an MCL injury.
In speaking with Green Bay media this week in regards to a potential "revenge game" against the Titans, Willis was asked about that storyline and whether that plays into how he's going into this one.
He didn't bite. He didn't even flinch. Willis did nothing but compliment the Titans organization, even though they decided to move on from him.
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"Nah, I could care less bro. I got paid the whole time I was there," he said. "I'm more than blessed for the opportunity they have given me. They brought me into this league."
Whether or not Titans fans liked Willis as a player, I'd venture to guess none of them are surprised at his answer, here. He established himself as a person of character early on in his NFL career, so hearing him praise the team that gave him a shot doesn't come as a shock.
Does Malik Willis want to prove the Titans wrong, per se, if he starts Sunday?
— Matt Schneidman (@mattschneidman) September 18, 2024
“I could care less, bro. I think I got paid the whole time I was there. I’m more than blessed for the opportunity they’ve given me. They brought me into this league, whether those guys are there or… pic.twitter.com/0S26gyDvkp
"That organization, they took a shot on me, Ms. Amy ... they did a great job by me," he finished.
The Titans will face a difficult test against the Packers whether it's Malik Willis or Jordan Love
It doesn't much matter whether the Titans get a slight advantage of taking on Willis over Love this weekend. If Willis is under center, the Packers have already proven they can win without their starter in Love.
Green Bay will likely pound the rock with Josh Jacobs and company, just as they did against the Colts in Week 2, racking up over 250 yards on the ground. For head coach Matt LaFleur, catering to his quarterback's skill set has never been a problem. He's able to adjust on a weekly basis and has proven it.
If Love is back, then the Titans defense is in for a real test. Love is a quickly-ascending player and has phenomenal chemistry with his entire wide receiver room, which is full of a widely-diverse range of skillsets.
Needless to say, Sunday won't be easy for Tennessee; anything but, in fact.