Packers Look to Stay Perfect Against Browns Despite Injuries
The Green Bay Packers are set for a Week Three matchup against the 0-2 Cleveland Browns on Sunday. They will be looking to extend their perfect 2-0 start. While Green Bay has built momentum on both sides of the ball early in the season, key injuries are starting to increase, testing the depth of the young team. Traveling to a strong Cleveland team, the Packers will need both star power up front on defense and the young offensive weapons to make big plays for the team when called upon.
Defensively, Green Bay’s front has been the topic of conversation early on this season, and for good reasons. The signing of Micah Parsons has altered the identity of this defense both within and outside the team. Parsons is known around the league for his explosiveness and agility. Parsons, through two weeks, has proven to be a nightmare for the opposing teams' offensive lines, forcing teams to change protections every snap, making his presence on the field known. Lining up with veteran Rashan Gary, who continues to disrupt plays off the edge, has given the Packers one of the most versatile pass-rushing duos across the league.
Gary’s speed and power rush movements mesh with Parsons’ ability to line up all over the field. Together, Gary and Parsons have created more chances for the young defenders on the team, for example, Lukas Van Ness and Edgerrin Cooper, to make plays. Through the first two weeks of the season, the Packers have been able to apply pressure to quarterbacks and break up plays, backfields, limiting opponents’ options, and causing turnovers. Against the Browns, a team that heavily relies on creating the tone of the game early on, including wide receiver Jerry Jeudy, and led by veteran quarterback Joe Flacco, that front seven will be key in taking control of the line of scrimmage and keeping Cleveland from setting a tone for the game.
On the offensive side of the ball, quarterback Jordan Love has continued to show poise and command in the pocket, spreading the ball across the field to a young, developing receiver group. Despite the youth, Green Bay’s passing game has shown great impact in games, with Love hitting tight windows and continuing to build chemistry with Romeo Doubs, Dontayvion Wicks, and Malik Heath. Rookie Matthew Golden has also proven to be a strong receiver, giving the Packers depth in their route abilities, which will be needed against a Cleveland defense led by league veteran and force on the field, Myles Garrett. However, the injuries to key receivers for Love could bring a major challenge for the offense. Wide receiver Jayden Reed, who was quickly becoming Love’s go-to target in the middle, will miss an extended time due to a broken collarbone that was suffered in Week Two’s win over the Washington Commanders. Reed’s speed and versatility to run plays and find weak spots down the field gave the Packers balance, and his absence will be felt.
Adding to the list of offensive injuries, tight end Tucker Kraft had been limited this week in practice after a knee injury that he suffered during practice. Kraft has been a safe and reliable target for Love, and if his snaps are cut back, it will only add pressure for Green Bay’s passing game, as the limit for errors increases against Garrett and the Browns. The Packers will need more out of the run game led by veteran and second-year Packer Josh Jacobs, who has yet to fully find his footing early this season. With the Packers throwing the ball quite a bit, he will be key in making big plays and keeping Green Bay on the board. Even with the offensive setbacks, Green Bay has shown strength early this season, relying on depth and mobility to stay unbeaten. If Parsons and Gary can set the tone on defense and Love the offense can find ways to stay balanced and get open down the field without two of their most important weapons, the Packers have a strong chance to push their record to 3-0.
