The Inexperienced Bay Packers hit the highway for the primary time this season seeking 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 evening sport, 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 saved Detroit out of the tip zone till a landing move within the closing minute.
The Browns lead the NFL in whole protection, permitting 191.5 yards per sport, whereas the Packers are third at 238.0. Inexperienced Bay averages 335.0 yards per sport 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 energy after lacking Week 2. Each blockers had been capable of take part in follow Wednesday by Friday.
“They’ll attempt to get eight guys within the field. There’s been plenty of ugly runs on tape when going towards this protection,” LaFleur stated Wednesday.
Parsons provides Inexperienced Bay an added dimension off the sting and a check for the Browns, who’re nonetheless determining the pecking order at working again. Quarterback Joe Flacco is tied for the league lead with 90 move 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 by way of your protection. The large secret’s going to be get him off the spot, get stress 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 expensive turnovers and buckled below the Ravens’ relentless move rush.
The Browns completed the sport with rookie third-round decide Dillon Gabriel at quarterback, however Flacco is ready for this third consecutive begin.
“We’ve to play higher for Joe earlier than we make any of these selections,” Browns left guard Joel Bitonio stated of sticking with Flacco.
Bitonio (again) didn’t follow this week, however has solely missed one regular-season sport in his profession. Proper sort out Jack Conklin (elbow) hasn’t been on the sphere because the opening drive Week 1. Neither participant is 100% 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 harm report solely so as to add kicker Andre Szmyt on Friday with a calf harm sustained in follow.
Cleveland is tied for final in turnover differential at minus-4, whereas the Packers are plus-1.
“They are a actually proficient crew. I will begin with their protection, expertise in any respect three ranges,” Browns coach Kevin Stefanski stated Wednesday. “Bringing over Micah Parsons, bringing an awesome 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 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 move.
He has accomplished 66 p.c 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 completely different receivers and gone 9 consecutive video games with out an interception.
The Packers usually are not ruling out tight finish Tucker Kraft, the crew’s chief in receptions with eight and TD catches (two) who left Thursday’s follow with a knee harm. Broad receiver Jayden Reed, who had 55 catches final season and 64 in 2023, had surgical procedures on his cracked clavicle and a foot harm on Wednesday.
Inexperienced Bay has received 4 straight towards Cleveland and 6 of the final seven conferences.
–Subject Stage Media
