PACKERS HEAD SOUTH FOR CLASH WITH THE TITANS
-Green Bay returns to game action after a weekend off to face the NFL's only unbeaten team - the Tennessee Titans.
-Two weeks ago, the Packers turned in their best all-around performance of the season, defeating the Indianapolis Colts 34-14.
-Thanks to a two-game winning streak, Green Bay stands tied with Chicago atop the NFC North.
-Today's game is the first in a critical five-game stretch over the month of November for the Packers. Four of their five opponents currently stand at .500 or better, while the other (Minnesota) could go a long way in determing the division race. What's more, three of the first four contests during the month come on the road.
-The Packers need only to look at last season to provide a blueprint for success over a tough November stretch. Last year, they played five games in the month - including three on the road - and finished 4-1. After wins at Kansas City and Detroit, and blowout victories at home over Minnesota and Carolina, Green Bay dropped its final game of November at Dallas.
-Green Bay and Tennessee have only met twice this decade, but they are familiar with each other's personnel. They have met in the preseason each of the last seven years.
-Today marks the second game in Tennessee for Green Bay. Preseason trips aside, it has only traveled to Nashville once (2001) since the franchise moved from Houston prior to the 1997 season.
-The Titans come into the contest off a short week, but they didn't have any travel involved. They stayed undefeated behind a 31-21 victory over Indianapolis at LP Field Monday night.
-One streak will be snapped today. Green Bay has won five consecutive games against the AFC, while Tennessee has won 10 straight regular-season games, the longest active streak in the NFL.
TOUGH AFTER THE WEEK OFF
-In games immediately following their bye week, the Packers have won nine of their last 12, including both contests under McCarthy.
-In 2006, Green Bay got a hard-earned victory at Miami in scorching temperatures. McCarthy called the victory a clear turning point in the season as seven of the team's eight victories came after the bye.
-Last season, the Packers enjoyed one of their most memorable victories in recent memory following the bye week. In a Monday night contest at Denver, the Packers won the game on the first snap of overtime, an 82-yard TD to Greg Jennings.
-The Denver contest was the second win of a six-game winning streak as the Packers cruised to an 8-2 mark following the bye.
-McCarthy has continued the Packers' success following the bye. The coach has compiled a 15-6 (.714) mark following the off week.
-Since 2000, the Packers over the balance of their season after the bye are a combined 51-26 (.662).
TEAM RECORD IN SIGHTS
-Through seven games, Green Bay has five defensive touchdowns.
-That's one away from the team record of six, established by Vince Lombardi's 1966 championship team, winners of the first Super Bowl. The statistic first began being recorded in 1950.
-Three of the TDs are interception returns of 60-plus yards, tying a team record established in '02.
-Green Bay has recorded five defensive scores three other times: 1997, 2004, and McCarthy's first season in 2006.
TOUGH STRETCH BEGINS ON THE ROAD
-With three of the next four games on the road, Green Bay will look to continue the road success it has had under Head Coach Mike McCarthy.
-Where the Packers stand as a football team might well be determined after this stretch. Beginning with today's contest in Nashville, trips to Minnesota (Week 10) and New Orleans (Week 12) follow.
-Since McCarthy arrived in 2006, the Packers have been one of the league's toughest road teams. Green Bay has actually played better on the road (13-6) than at home (12-8) under McCarthy.
-The Packers have won 10 of their last 13 road games. A look at the top road teams in the NFL since McCarthy took over in 2006:
Team (W-L record) Pct.
New England (17-2) .894
N.Y. Giants (14-5) .737
Dallas (14-6) .700
Green Bay (13-6) .684
Indianapolis (13-7) .650
Chicago (11-8) .579
San Diego (11-9) .550
TOUGH AGAINST QUARTERBACKS
-No NFL quarterback wants to face the Tennessee or Green Bay defense at this point in the season, so it's safe to say Rodgers and Collins had their work cut out for them in the film room this week.
-Opposing signal callers have a 59.5 passer rating against Green Bay this season, the lowest rating in the NFL. It ranks just ahead of Tennessee's defense, which ranks No. 2 with an opposing QB rating of 59.9.
-Green Bay has surrendered 1,375 yards through the air, fourth fewest among NFL defenses. Once again, Tennesee ranks just behind at No. 5, having allowed 1,422 passing yards thus far.
WEARING THE STRIPES
-Today's officiating crew includes referee Bill Leavy (127), umpire Darrell Jenkins (76), head linesman Mark Baltz (26), line judge Mark Perlman (9), field judge Clete Blakeman (34), side judge Greg Meyer (16) and back judge Keith Ferguson (61).
