Packers defense faces their toughest test vs. Titans in Week 16

The Packers defense will face their toughest test against the Titans.

While the Green Bay Packers can lose this week against the Tennessee Titans and still land the NFC’s top seed with a victory over the Chicago Bears, this game is going to be a huge test for them.

And a potential sign of how well the defense will fare in the postseason.

We all know the Packers’ biggest weakness. Stopping the run.

It’s been a problem since the start of last season and it ultimately ended their Super Bowl dreams last January when the San Francisco 49ers’ rushing attack couldn’t be stopped.

This week when the Titans visit Lambeau Field, Mike Pettine’s defense will face its toughest test of the year. Want to prove your defense has improved from the NFC title game and can stop the run?

Prove it against the Titans.

Tennessee ranks second in rushing offense this season, averaging 160.4 yards per game.

Derrick Henry is on course to win his second consecutive NFL rushing title. He has 1,679 yards on the ground with 15 touchdowns this season, averaging almost 120 rushing yards per game.

His “worst” performance in terms of yards this season came against the Buffalo Bills when he rushed for just 57 yards. The problem for the Bills was that Henry scored two touchdowns in a blowout win for Tennessee.

Henry has rushed for over 100 yards in nine out of 14 games this season, twice going over the 200-yard mark.

In contrast, Green Bay’s defense has had some embarrassing performances trying to stop the run this year, including giving up 163 yards and three touchdowns to Dalvin Cook. Oh, and Cook also had 63 receiving yards and another touchdown in that game.

If the Packers want to prove they are ready to defend the run in the postseason, you couldn’t ask for a better matchup to prove it than this one.

If the defense can slow down Tennessee’s dominant rushing attack led by Henry, Green Bay will be in position to win the game. If Henry dominates, the Titans will leave Lambeau with a victory.