Tomorrow the Packers and the Browns square off in Cleveland, the Packers coming off a shut-out of the Lions, and the Browns coming off a loss to the defending Super Bowl champs, the Steelers. The Packers need to again shore up the offensive line. With Chad Clifton probably out due to injury, T.J. Lang will likely make his first career start at left tackle. He played well last week when Clifton went down, hopefully he continues to do keep Rodgers on his feet. The Pack also re-signed Ahman Green after DeShawn Wynn was placed on the injured reserve list with a season-ending injury. Green is now an 11 year veteran, but feels he still has something to offer. It is unsure whether he will play this weekend, but with back-up Brandon Jackson still recovering from injury, there is a chance Green might see the field. Mark Tauscher, who the Packers also re-signed a few weeks ago, should be in game shape by next week, so it is unlikely he will play tomorrow.
The Packers defense has one goal this weekend: stop Joshua Cribbs. Cribbs has not only become one of the best return specialists in the league, but also contributes heavily to the Browns offense. He is coming into his own as a wide receiver, and is often used as a "wildcat" formation quarterback. He also gets many offensive touches through end-arounds and reverses. The Browns will give him the ball many times in different ways, the Packers need to expect anything and everything from Cribbs.
In last week's win against Detroit Donald Driver became the Packers' all-time leader in receptions, passing Sterling Sharpe. Said Driver, "It's an honor. I'm happy about it, I'm enjoying it. I'm on top of the record books of some of the greatest Packer players to ever play this game. It couldn't come in a better place - at home in front of the fans I've played in front of for so many years." Even in his 11th season Driver to continues to produce every weekend. He leads the Packers in receiving yards this season, and every yard has been hard-earned. Whether its a quick slant into the teeth of the defense or a deep ball caught one-handed, Driver continues to tear up the field, always with a giant grin. His successes this season should draw more defenders, which will open up Jennings for the deep ball and Jermichael Finley underneath.
Clay Matthews, who had 2 sacks against the Lions, played well enough to earn the honor of "Pepsi Rookie of the Week" in last week's game. His name will be recognized in Cleveland this week, as his father, Clay Matthews, Sr., spent 16 seasons with the Browns. Matthews Sr. holds the Browns' record for most games played.
The Packers should be able to control the Browns this weekend. Cleveland has struggled thus far, and I don't see them pulling out of it any time soon. They have too many problems with their offense. The Packers defense will be able to force many turnovers with the problems the Browns have been having with their quarterbacks. The Packers will hopefully not stall in the second half like they did in Detroit. If Rodgers has time to throw he will be able to pick apart a sub-par Browns secondary. Packers 35, Browns 13.
