Packers aim to stay unbeaten as Micah Parsons and defense prepare to topple winless Browns in Sunday’s clash
The Green Bay Packers are set to face off against the Cleveland Browns this Sunday, marking a meeting of teams with contrasting fortunes at the start of the season. The Packers enter the game with a perfect 2-0 record, coming off impressive victories against a divisional rival and a formidable NFC opponent. Meanwhile, the Browns find themselves in a tough position, having lost both of their opening games—one narrowly to the Cincinnati Bengals and the other decisively to the Baltimore Ravens.
Early Season Dynamics
As the Packers embark on their first road game of the season, they carry the momentum of back-to-back wins. Their last road trip was during the preseason in mid-August against the Indianapolis Colts. The matchup against the Browns presents a crucial opportunity for Green Bay to extend their unbeaten streak to three games.
In contrast, Cleveland’s struggles have been evident, particularly in their recent performances. Quarterback Joe Flacco, who started the season as the team’s signal-caller, faced challenges in the loss to Baltimore, contributing to the team’s 41-17 defeat before rookie Dillon Gabriel stepped in during garbage time.
Browns Pass Offense vs. Packers Pass Defense
Flacco’s performance this season has been a mixed bag. He has thrown for 199 yards but also recorded two turnovers in the Ravens game. Despite Cleveland’s passing offense ranking tenth in the NFL in terms of attempts, it has struggled to convert those opportunities into effective plays.
The Packers’ defense, led by a formidable pass rush, poses a significant threat to Flacco. With a battered offensive line—right tackle Jack Conklin absent due to an elbow injury and left tackle Dawand Jones underperforming—the Browns are set to face Micah Parsons, Rashan Gary, and Devonte Wyatt. Parsons has made an immediate impact in his rookie season, registering eight pressures in the recent game against Washington. His ability to elevate the performance of his teammates has been evident, particularly benefiting Gary, who has tallied sacks in both of the previous games.
In the secondary, Keisean Nixon is coming off his best game yet, with five pass breakups against Washington. The potential return of Nate Hobbs, who debuted in limited action last week, could further bolster the Packers’ defensive capabilities. With a secondary featuring solid contributors like Carrington Valentine and Javon Bullard, the Packers appear well-equipped to challenge Cleveland’s passing threats.
Advantage: Packers
Browns Rush Offense vs. Packers Run Defense
Cleveland’s running game received a boost with the recent addition of rookie Quinshon Judkins, who made a strong debut, rushing for 61 yards on just ten carries. He joins Jerome Ford and Dylan Sampson in a three-headed backfield, but the run game has faced difficulties, particularly in the wake of their recent deficits.
Green Bay’s run defense, previously seen as a potential weakness, has shown resilience early in the season. Opposing running backs are averaging just 2.43 yards per carry against them, demonstrating a significant improvement. The emergence of defensive tackles like Devonte Wyatt and Colby Wooden, alongside effective linebacker play from Quay Walker and Edgerrin Cooper, has fortified this unit.
If the Packers can stifle Cleveland’s ground attack, it will allow them to unleash their pass rush against Flacco, who lacks the mobility to escape pressure.
Advantage: Packers
Browns Pass Defense vs. Packers Passing Offense
The matchup between the two teams’ pass defenses is intriguing. Cleveland boasts Myles Garrett, one of the league’s elite pass rushers. With a track record of at least ten sacks in each season since 2018, Garrett has continued to excel, already racking up 3.5 sacks in just two games this season. He represents a significant challenge for the Packers’ offensive line, which may again be without two starters, left guard Aaron Banks and right tackle Zach Tom.
Green Bay’s passing offense, led by quarterback Jordan Love, has displayed a high-octane capability. Love’s impressive average of 12.47 air yards per attempt highlights his aggressive approach, resulting in four touchdowns and no interceptions through the first two games. However, the Packers will need to ensure adequate protection for Love, especially against a defensive front led by Garrett.
Given the injury concerns for Green Bay, particularly in the offensive line, the advantage in this matchup is less clear-cut, as the Browns’ defense has shown glimpses of potential despite allowing five touchdown passes in their two games.
Advantage: Browns
As the Packers and Browns prepare for this pivotal clash, the dynamics suggest a contest laden with strategic matchups. The Packers aim to maintain their unbeaten record, while the Browns seek to turn their season around. The outcome of this game may well hinge on which team can impose its will in the critical areas of the field.
