After going up against Cincinnati’s aerial assault and Baltimore’s rushing barrage, it makes sense that the Browns’ next opponent is more well-rounded.
What stands out about Green Bay, tendency-wise, is their balance. Out of their 108 plays called this season, 53 have been pass plays compared to well-rounded attempts. This play-calling variety is a trend for the Packers’ offense. Last season, the Packers had a 49.3/50.7 split between pass and run plays. It’s clear that Head Coach Matt LaFluer likes to keep defenses on their toes. QB Jordan Love has shown vast improvement in an area he struggled in last season: Ball security. The former Utah State Aggie is one of thirteen quarterbacks to have yet to throw an interception this season. Compared to the 22 interceptions Love threw between the 2023-2024 seasons, the young QB’s development is obvious. Behind a stout offensive line and weapons such as RB Josh Jacobs and rookie WR Mathew Golden, it seems like Green Bay will continue its 30+ year run of successful franchise quarterbacks.
If you thought that by trading Pro Bowl DT Kenny Clark for Micah Parsons, the Packers’ run defense would suffer as a result; you’d be sorely mistaken. So far this season, the Green Bay defense has given up the 2nd fewest yards per rush (2.4), 2nd fewest rushing yards per game (48.5), and has yet to surrender a rushing touchdown. Not only are they good at stopping the run, but rushing the passer. They have four players ranked in the top fifteen in terms of the most QB pressures in the league. Micah Parsons is tied for the lead with 6, followed by Lukas Van Ness with 5, and Rashan Gary and Devonte Wyatt with 4 apiece. While they’re strong in the front seven, the Packers’ secondary could be their Achilles Heel. Starting CB Keisean Nixon has allowed a 98.0 passer rating when targeted over the last three seasons. This clearly isn’t the same group without the star CB Jaire Alexander. This could be the matchup that Jerry Jeudy and the Cleveland receivers finally exploit.
Strengths:
- One Of The Best “Front 7” In the League
- HC Good At Making In-Game Adjustments
- Elite O-Line Play
Weaknesses:
- No True #1 WR
- Below Average Secondary
- Injuries At Key Positions (WR,OT,OG)
Keys To The Game:
- Receivers Getting Open
- No Turnovers
- Keep Flacco Upright
Key Matchup:
- Cleveland O-Line v. Green Bay Pass Rush
Even after the demoralizing loss to Baltimore last week, I think Cleveland matches up well against Green Bay. RB Josh Jacobs has been solid (150 yards, 2 touchdowns on 42 carries) , but he hasn’t provided the same spark he had last season. Against this top-ranked rush defense of Cleveland, I don’t see Jacobs having much of an impact. With injuries to WRs Christian Watson and Jayden Reed, look for Jordan Love to target TE Tucker Kraft. Last season, Kraft had over 700 yards combined with seven touchdowns, showing he can be a reliable option in the pass game. The two main questions that revolve around Cleveland stifling this Green Bay passing attack are: is Denzel Ward going to play and if so, for how long. Last week, three of Lamar Jackson’s touchdown throws came while Cameron Mitchell, Ward’s replacement, was in coverage. Even with multiple starters out with injuries, the Packers’ young receivers could be in for a big day if Ward is unable to play.
Considering that Cleveland’s next three games are against Detroit, Minnesota, and Pittsburgh, beating a banged-up young Green Bay team is the best chance at avoiding a dreaded 0-6 record. If the O-Line protects Joe Flacco and receivers can get separation, I like our chances. If not, there’ll be rumblings about not just firing Kevin Stefanski, but whether or not to start Dillon Gabriel or Shedeur Sanders.
Score Prediction:
- CLE-23
- GB-20
The post Week 3 Opponent Scouting Report: Green Bay Packers appeared first on Cleveland Sports Talk .