The Browns start slow, but can they aid the Packers?
After a full quarter, the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders have each struggled offensively. Both teams have turned the ball over on downs. The Browns also stole an interception from Carson Wentz on a ball over wide receiver Terry McLaurin’s head.
The Packers are primarily responsible for their fate. With wins over the Vikings and Lions to end the season, the Packers will also need either the Commanders to lose once, or Giants to lose twice. With two wins and strategic losses, the Packers will end with a record of 9-8 and beat out the Giants or Commanders for a spot in the Wild Card.
Packers’ in need of a strong Cleveland offense
Carson Wentz currently has 13 passing yards and two interceptions on six attempts. On offense, the Commanders haven’t been able to maintain any momentum. The second interception especially hurt, as Wentz sailed a ball behind his receiver over the middle and into the hands of Grant Delpit. Commander fans have been chanting for Taylor Heinicke to enter the game.
Washington has been their own worst enemy thus far. Deshaun Watson has struggled to find any consistency passing in the first half. Nick Chubb has averaged 13.6 yards per carry on the ground and the Commander’s defense seems lost against him. The Browns defense, however, is giving up chunk plays despite the big turnovers. The Commanders are starting to wear down the offense with long drives.
The Browns can turn this game in their favor with a quick score. If the Browns can make a statement and score with ease against the Commanders, it will wear down their morale. So far, the Browns only have three points off of three turnovers and have done themselves no favors with the gifts they were given.
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The Packers need the Browns to hold on for the remainder of the game. To do so, the defense will have to stop Brian Robinson Jr, who is already on pace for 40 carries this game. The Commanders intend on feeding Robinson Jr to ignite the offense and pound through the menacing defense of the Browns. Carson Wentz had an impressive rushing touchdown to start the offense off.
Packers still in a must-win scenario
Despite the result of the Browns-Commanders game being pivotal to their Playoff berth, the Packers still must win. That will start with the Vikings in a game that is sure to bring fire power. Jaire Alexander has been supremely confident in the success of the Packers. Hopefully, the team embodies his confidence and plays with the most energy possible.
At halftime, the Browns trail the Commanders 7-3 in an extremely close game. With the Commanders starting to shift the momentum of the game, the pressure is on the Browns. Packers fan can only watch and hope for wins now.
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