Game-day details
Sun., 4:15 p.m. ET, Lambeau Field
Weather forecast from AccuWeather.com:
Intermittent clouds. High: 71. Low: 49.
Why To Watch
Week 1 didn't offer what either team wanted, and both continue to search for an identity. The winner will earn much-needed momentum and perhaps take a step toward respect. For the loser, the future only gets tougher.
Browns coach Romeo Crennel signed on knowing he was part of the team's building process. Things are different for Packers coach Mike Sherman. This is his team's home opener against an opponent with inferior talent. It will help determine if his future will extend beyond the Brett Favre era.
Browns Keys For Success
1. Eliminate mistakes. Quarterback Trent Dilfer was brought in specifically to limit miscues and giveaways in a "prevent" offense. He was no expected to throw 44 times as he did in Week 1. And he was not supposed to throw two interceptions and lose a fumble.
Dilfer must make better decisions and avoid forcing throws into coverage. Throw the ball away and go on to the next play play.
2. Get solid play from backups. the team played Week 1 without its three most important players, running back Lee Suggs, cornerback Gary Baxter and tight end Aaron Shea. It also lost its other tight end, Steve Heiden. All four players are questionable this week.
Backup wide receiver Frisman Jackson delivered a good performance last week. The team needs similar work this week from fill-ins including running back Reuben Droughns, cornerback Leigh Bodden and, possibly, tight end Billy Miller.
3. Establish a power running attack. The Packers' front seven is in transition. Other than veteran Grady Jackson, they are young and inexperienced at defensive tackle. At end, Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila is a pass-rush specialist and struggles against plays run right at him. With outside linebacker Na’il Diggs out, only middle linebacker Nick Barnett has significant playing experience.
Expect Droughns to run out of a power I-formation behind fullback Terrelle Smith, left tackle L.J. Shelton and left guard Joe Andruzzi, attacking Gbaja-Biamila and Paris Lenon, Diggs' fill-in.
Packers Keys For Success
1. Get back to running the ball. The offense have always had a balance that starts with a successful ground game. That wasn't the case last week when passing plays outnumbered runs 44-17. The Packers didn't trail by more than seven points until the fourth quarter, but they abandoned the run and played as if they were behind. Both starting guards are new, but this might be the week the line comes together.
Against a base 3-4 defense, a strong running game will take pressure off the guards and allow the offense to get back to its pulling scheme, the strength of its zone-blocking line.
2. Get greater pressure from the front four. Maligned Lions quarterback Joey Harrington had little trouble exploiting the secondary last week. Veterans Al Harris and Mark Roman are on one side of the field at cornerback and strong safety, respectively, but second-year cornerback Joey Thomas and rookie free safety Nick Collins complete the secondary. This group needs help from of a pass rush.
Unfortunately, until Diggs returns and coordinator Jim Bates gets his full linebacking corps and blitz packages installed, pressure will need to come from Gbaja-Biamila and the front four.
3. Favre must play within the offense. Favre is headed to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, but he can be a detriment when he abandons the team's scheme by forcing throws and taking too much on his shoulders. He is most effective when he plays in rhythm, spreads the ball around and uses all of his options.
Without Javon Walker, Favre must make sure to involve all of his available receivers. That includes No. 3 wideout Antonio Chatman and the tight ends.
Injuries at a glance
Browns injuries
9/13/05 Joshua Cribbs WR MCL strain Out at least two weeks
9/10/05 Lee Suggs RB Ankle sprain Doubtful for Week 1
8/31/05 Kellen Winslow TE Knee surgery Out for 2005 season
Packers injuries
9/12/05 Javon Walker WR ACL tear Out for 2005 season
The Bottom Line
The Packers will get their running game going early and then let Favre and his receivers attack downfield. Look for them to take an early lead and for Favre to manage a ball-control attack that will chew up the clock and protect that lead. The Browns lack the playmakers to come from behind.
Pick: Packers 21, Browns 10
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Cleveland @ Green Bay
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