1. Cornerbacks accel, but passing defense struggles
The cornerback position was one of the Packers’ biggest needs this offseason. And they went all in to address it. They brought back former Packer Tramon Williams to provide some veteran leadership. They also spent their first and second round picks to select Jaire Alexander and Joshua Jackson, respectively. The hope is this will help solidify one of their biggest weaknesses in 2017.
Kevin King is unlikely to play on Thursday, as he’s missed a few practices with a shoulder injury. Williams is likely to wait until later in the preseason to see his first game action as well. Because of this, expect Alexander and Jackson to get a lot of playing time and for them to hold up in their first game action as well. Alexander has been a lightning rod since Day 1. Jackson, who started out slow, has been picking his play up as of late.
Even with their great play on Thursday, the passing defense as a whole will likely struggle. Behind the rookies on the depth chart is a bunch of guys with glaring weaknesses. The safety position is also one that struggles. Ha Ha Clinton-Dix is unlikely to play, leaving Kentrell Brice and Josh Jones to man the position.
Due to all of the moving parts and unproven players, the Packers might struggle to stop the pass against the Titans. Expect the rookies to hold their own, but most everyone else to give up some chunk plays.