Perhaps the biggest test for the Cleveland Browns this season comes this Sunday against the Green Bay Packers. The Browns travel to historic Lambeau Field and will try to improve to a 4-3 record. Here is what the high-powered Packers have to offer.
Standing tall in Green Bay pocket is 29-year old quarterback, Aaron Rodgers. With his ability to escape the pocket and make plays with his legs, Rodgers is the ultimate NFL quarterback. Rodgers has over 1,600 yards passing and 10 touchdowns this season. One of the main reasons the Packers rank in the top six in total yards per game, passing yards, rushing yards, and points per game, is Rodgers.
Veteran James Starks leads the Packers in rushing this season. Rookie, Eddie Lacy is a bruising running back that is averaging 4.4 yards per carry.
Speedster, Randall Cobb and veteran James Jones were injured in last week’s contest with Baltimore. Despite these key losses, Jordy Nelson is Rodgers’ top target. Nelson averages almost 18 yards a reception, has 484 yards receiving and four touchdowns in 2013. Tight end, Jermichael Finley is an above average tight end that is one of Rodgers’ safety valves when healthy.
The Pack defense is ranked 15th in the NFL giving up 371 yards of offense per game. However, they rank in the bottom five of league in passing yards, surrendering 293 yards per game. In the running game is where the Packers excel on defense. They are rated three in run defense allowing just 78 yards on the ground per game.
Green Bay is a force on the defensive line. BJ Raji leads the 3-4 front. Ryan Pickett anchors the middle and 5-year pro, Johnny Jolly rushes from the right side. Former Buckeye, AJ Hawk is a solid linebacker that is having a career year. Hawk is pacing for 9.5 sacks and 134 tackles.
In the secondary, the Packers have Tramon Williams and Sam Shields at the cornerback position. Through five games, Green Bay has only two interceptions. Veterans, Morgan Burnett and M.D. Jennings man the safety position.
Kicker, Mason Crosby is as good as they come. He is much better this year than last, nailing 13 of 14 (93%) attempts. Packers punter, Tim Masthay is averaging 47.5 yards per punt. With Cobb out indefinitely, look for possibly Williams to takeover returning duties.
Ryan Ruiz is the Cleveland Browns Beat Writer for The Inscriber: Digital Magazine. You can follow him on Facebook: Ryan (BrownsWriter) Ruiz and Twitter @ryanpruiz24. Ryan is also a Browns correspondent for The Sportsfix. Tune in every Friday at noon on www.thesportsfix.net. Email Ryan at [email protected]
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