The Green Bay Packers hit the road for the first time this season in search of their first 3-0 start since 2020 when they meet the Cleveland Browns on Sunday.
The Packers (2-0) are coming off a 27-18 victory over the Washington Commanders in the Thursday night game, after opening with a statement-making 27-13 win over defending NFC North champion Detroit.
Cleveland (0-2) lost 41-17 at Baltimore last week after opening with a 17-16 loss to Cincinnati.
The Packers’ defense, bolstered by the acquisition of star edge rusher Micah Parsons from Dallas before the start of the regular season, has been dominant and yet to allow a first-half touchdown.
Green Bay led Washington 17-3 after three quarters before the Commanders connected on a pair of fourth-quarter scoring passes. The Packers kept Detroit out of the end zone until a touchdown pass in the final minute.
The Browns lead the NFL in total defense, allowing 191.5 yards per game, while the Packers are third at 238.0. Green Bay averages 335.0 yards per game total offense, while Cleveland averages 324.5.
Packers head coach Matt LaFleur said the “attack front” predicated on penetration is a chore for any offensive line. His anxiety is heightened with right tackle Zach Tom (oblique) and left guard Aaron Banks (groin) less than full strength after missing Week 2.
“They’re going to try to get eight guys in the box. There’s been a lot of ugly runs on tape when going against this defense,” LaFleur said Wednesday.
Parsons gives Green Bay an added dimension off the edge and a test for the Browns, who are still figuring out the pecking order at running back. Quarterback Joe Flacco is tied for the league lead with 90 pass attempts in two games. Green Bay is tied for second in the NFL with eight quarterback sacks.
“He’s one of the purest throwers I’ve ever seen,” said LaFleur. “You’ve got to be really dialed in in terms of your coverage. The big key is going to be get him off the spot, get pressure to him. As I tell our guys, our quarterback or anybody else, it’s hard to throw from your back.”
Flacco was hit nine times at Baltimore last week, when he committed two costly turnovers and buckled under the Ravens’ relentless pass rush.
The Browns finished the game with rookie third-round pick Dillon Gabriel at quarterback, but Flacco is set for this third consecutive start.
“We have to play better for Joe before we make any of those decisions,” Browns left guard Joel Bitonio said of sticking with Flacco.
Bitonio (back) did not practice Wednesday. Right tackle Jack Conklin (elbow), punter Corey Bojorquez (ankle), safety Grant Delpit (back) and defensive tackle Mike Hall Jr. (knee) were limited. Cornerback Denzel Ward (shoulder) was a full participant.
Cleveland is tied for last in turnover differential at minus-4, while the Packers are plus-1.
“They’re a really talented team. I’ll start with their defense, talent at all three levels,” Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said Wednesday. “Bringing over Micah Parsons, bringing a great player to an already great defense. They play very fast.”
The Ravens scored 41 points last week, but Cleveland is controlling the line of scrimmage defensively. The Browns gave up 91 rushing yards on 44 carries (2.1-yard average) and one rushing touchdown through two weeks.
Packers running back Josh Jacobs was limited Wednesday with an ankle injury but it’s not considered serious. He has rushed for 150 yards and two scores this season and owns a TD carry in 10 consecutive games.
Cleveland’s stop-the-run focus highlights Packers quarterback Jordan Love, who leads the league with 12.5 average air yards per pass.
He has completed 66 percent of his passes for 480 yards with four touchdowns and no interceptions. Tight end Tucker Kraft has eight catches with two scores. Love has spread the ball around to 11 different receivers and gone nine consecutive games without an interception.
Wide receiver Jayden Reed, who had 55 catches last season and 64 in 2023, had surgeries on his cracked clavicle and a foot injury on Wednesday.
Green Bay has won four straight against Cleveland and six of the last seven meetings.
