The Inexperienced Bay Packers hit the street for the primary time this season searching for their first 3-0 begin since 2020 after they meet the Cleveland Browns on Sunday.
The Packers (2-0) are coming off a 27-18 victory over the Washington Commanders within the Thursday night time recreation, after opening with a statement-making 27-13 win over defending NFC North champion Detroit.
Cleveland (0-2) misplaced 41-17 at Baltimore final week after opening with a 17-16 loss to Cincinnati.
The Packers’ protection, bolstered by the acquisition of star edge rusher Micah Parsons from Dallas earlier than the beginning of the common season, has been dominant and but to permit a first-half landing.
Inexperienced Bay led Washington 17-3 after three quarters earlier than the Commanders related on a pair of fourth-quarter scoring passes. The Packers stored Detroit out of the top zone till a landing cross within the last minute.
The Browns lead the NFL in whole protection, permitting 191.5 yards per recreation, whereas the Packers are third at 238.0. Inexperienced Bay averages 335.0 yards per recreation whole offense, whereas Cleveland averages 324.5.
Packers head coach Matt LaFleur stated the “assault entrance” predicated on penetration is a chore for any offensive line. His nervousness is heightened with proper sort out Zach Tom (indirect) and left guard Aaron Banks (groin) lower than full power after lacking Week 2. Each blockers had been in a position to take part in apply Wednesday by means of Friday.
“They will attempt to get eight guys within the field. There’s been quite a lot of ugly runs on tape when going in opposition to this protection,” LaFleur stated Wednesday.
Parsons offers Inexperienced Bay an added dimension off the sting and a take a look at for the Browns, who’re nonetheless determining the pecking order at working again. Quarterback Joe Flacco is tied for the league lead with 90 cross makes an attempt in two video games. Inexperienced Bay is tied for second within the NFL with eight quarterback sacks.
“He is one of many purest throwers I’ve ever seen,” stated LaFleur. “You have to be actually dialed in when it comes to your protection. The large key’s going to be get him off the spot, get strain to him. As I inform our guys, our quarterback or anyone else, it is exhausting to throw out of your again.”
Flacco was hit 9 instances at Baltimore final week, when he dedicated two pricey turnovers and buckled below the Ravens’ relentless cross rush.
The Browns completed the sport with rookie third-round choose Dillon Gabriel at quarterback, however Flacco is ready for this third consecutive begin.
“We have now to play higher for Joe earlier than we make any of these choices,” Browns left guard Joel Bitonio stated of sticking with Flacco.
Bitonio (again) didn’t apply this week, however has solely missed one regular-season recreation in his profession. Proper sort out Jack Conklin (elbow) hasn’t been on the sphere for the reason that opening drive Week 1. Neither participant is one hundred pc however each formally had been listed as questionable for Sunday.
Particular groups are one variable the Browns are involved about for Week 3. Return specialist DeAndre Carter (concussion) is questionable. Cleveland eliminated punter Corey Bojorquez (ankle) from the damage report solely so as to add kicker Andre Szmyt on Friday with a calf damage sustained in apply.
Cleveland is tied for final in turnover differential at minus-4, whereas the Packers are plus-1.
“They are a actually gifted staff. I am going to begin with their protection, expertise in any respect three ranges,” Browns coach Kevin Stefanski stated Wednesday. “Bringing over Micah Parsons, bringing an ideal participant to an already nice protection. They play very quick.”
The Ravens scored 41 factors final week, however Cleveland is controlling the road of scrimmage defensively. The Browns gave up 91 dashing yards on 44 carries (2.1-yard common) and one dashing landing by means of two weeks.
Packers working again Josh Jacobs has rushed for 150 yards and two scores this season and owns a TD carry in 10 consecutive video games.
Cleveland’s stop-the-run focus highlights Packers quarterback Jordan Love, who leads the league with 12.5 common air yards per cross.
He has accomplished 66 % of his passes for 480 yards with 4 touchdowns and no interceptions. Tight finish Tucker Kraft has eight catches with two scores. Love has unfold the ball round to 11 totally different receivers and gone 9 consecutive video games with out an interception.
The Packers are usually not ruling out tight finish Tucker Kraft, the staff’s chief in receptions with eight and TD catches (two) who left Thursday’s apply with a knee damage. Extensive receiver Jayden Reed, who had 55 catches final season and 64 in 2023, had surgical procedures on his cracked clavicle and a foot damage on Wednesday.
Inexperienced Bay has received 4 straight in opposition to Cleveland and 6 of the final seven conferences.
–Area Stage Media
