5 Big Questions Facing Green Bay Packers Ahead of Matchup with Browns
By Paul Bretl
The 11-3 Green Bay Packers will continue their quest for the NFC’s top-seed at home and on Christmas Day against a 7-7 Cleveland Browns team that has had their share of ups and downs this season.
As part of my weekly preview of the upcoming game, I have my 5 Big Questions facing the Green Bay Packers ahead of their matchup with the Browns on Saturday afternoon.
Can Green Bay Packers slow Cleveland run game?
Led by Nick Chubb, this is a very good Cleveland Browns rushing attack that the Green Bay Packers will have to contend with.
Behind a very good offensive line that ranks fourth in run-blocking by PFF’s grading system ($$) — although Cleveland will be without JC Tretter, who is on the reserve/COVID list — Chubb is averaging 5.4 yards per carry this season, while as a team, the Browns are averaging 4.9 yards per rush–which ranks third in the NFL.
As I’ve discussed before, this Green Bay Packers’ run defense is far from dominant, allowing 4.5 yards per carry this season. However, they are certainly improved, having yet to allow a 100-yard rusher, and opposing offenses’ have not been able to dominate games on the ground as they have in the past.
Typically Joe Barry’s defense is all about taking away the passing game and daring the opposing offense to run the ball. It will be interesting to see if he takes a similar approach or if he decides to have a few more players closer to the line of scrimmage more often in an effort to help against the run.
Some good news for Green Bay is it does look like Kenny Clark will be back after a stint on the reserve/COVID list–although it’s worth noting, that’s not a guarantee either. He still has to undergo some medical testing to be fully cleared to play.