Despite another great season, Aaron Rodgers is expected to be granted his wish to be traded from the Green Bay Packers after one last run to a second Super Bowl title. (Associated Press)
Cleveland Browns scouting report: Green Bay Packers
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Editor's note: Tony Grossi is an analyst on the Cleveland Browns for TheLandOnDemand.com and 850 ESPN Cleveland.
Browns v. Green Bay Packers
Saturday, 4:30 p.m., in Lambeau Field, Green Bay, WI
Record: 11-3.
Last game: Defeated Baltimore Ravens, 31-30, Dec. 19, in Baltimore.
Coach: Matt LaFleur, 41-11, third year.
Series record: Packers lead, 13-7 (counting postseason).
Last meeting: Packers won, 27-21 (OT), Dec. 10, 2017, in Cleveland.
League rankings: Offense is 13th overall (21st rushing, ninth passing), defense is eighth overall (11th rushing, ninth passing) and turnover differential is plus-12.
Things to watch
1. Typical of this COVID- and injury-ravaged NFL season, the Packers aren’t as strong as they could be. But they’ve been strong enough with replacement players and adjustments to maintain their status as elite and somehow own the NFL’s best record at 11-3. Their incentive is to gain the NFC No. 1 seed. They lock it up by sweeping their final three games. There is a scenario where they can still win No. 1 seed with a loss to the Browns, but they would lose control to Dallas, which owns conference tie-breaker if both finish at 13-4. So the Packers would rather not stumble v. the Browns.
2. Look at the players the Packers have lost to injuries: Four starting offensive linemen – including Pro Bowl left tackle David Bakhtiari and his replacement, Pro Bowl guard Elgton Jenkins -- cornerback Jaire Alexander, linebacker Za’Darius Smith, receiver Randall Cobb, tight end Robert Tonyan. Their top running back, Aaron Jones, missed a game with a torn MCL and has not been the same since. And two key players are currently are on COVID/reserve, Pro Bowl nose tackle Kenny Clark and receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling. Oh, and quarterback Aaron Rodgers has played for weeks with a broken toe and does not practice all week.
3. How have the Packers survived, if not thrived? The answers: 1. Rodgers has adjusted by releasing the ball quicker to shorter pass routes. 2. LaFleur has run the ball more and Jones’ backup A.J. Dillon has played well in his place. 3. GM Brian Gutekunst has had a Midas touch in transactions.
4. Three of the most productive replacements were unwanted in free agency and have stepped up big in Packers Green and Gold. Dennis Kelly has been good enough at right tackle. Inside linebacker Da’Vondre Campbell has been a godsend solidifying the run defense. He leads the defense in tackles and has added two interceptions, and three forced fumbles/recoveries. And cornerback Rasul Douglas came off the Arizona practice squad and has turned in two Pick 6’s plus an interception in the end zone against his former team to preserve a key win. Also, Gutekunst traded in September for punter Corey Bojorquez, and he’s eighth in the NFL with a 47.4-yard gross average.
5. Davante Adams is among the top three receivers in the NFL, despite playing against frequent double teams. Adams (96 receptions, 1,248 yards, 8 TD) receivthe ultimate compliment last week when the Ravens actually triple-teamed him on occasion.
Did you know …?
1. Veteran place-kicker Mason Crosby leads the NFL with nine missed field goals, including three against Cincinnati before hitting the game-winner in overtime. The Packers have eventual replacement JJ Molson on their practice squad, but they believe Crosby has played through a slump and they favor his experience in the postseason. Crosby is the franchise’s all-time scoring and field goal leader.
2. The Packers have had some legendary coaches, but LaFleur’s record in his first three seasons is better than all of them. The Packers have not lost two regular-season games in a row in three seasons under LaFleur and their 37-9 record in that time is the NFL’s best. They’re the only team undefeated at home this season and are 20-2 in Lambeau under LaFleur.
3. Rodgers’ next touchdown pass will surpass Brett Favre (442) for the franchise’s all-time record.
4. Despite a top contender for league MVP award, which he won last season, Rodgers is not expected to return to the Packers next year. The Packers need salary cap relief to sign Adams and Alexander to long-term extensions and dealing Rodgers, which he prefers, would create much-needed room and return high drafts picks to replenish the roster. The perceived favorite to make a trade for Rodgers is the Denver Broncos.
Small world: Inside linebackers coach Kirk Olivadotti was a Browns assistant coach 1985-86 … Assistant defensive backs coach Ryan Downard was a Browns assistant coach 2014-15.
