The Browns trail the Green Bay Packers 17-3 through the first 30 minutes of play at Cleveland Browns Stadium. The Browns’ biggest problem so far has been their inability to sustain a successful offense.
The Browns defense, without most of its stars, had to compete against the Packers’ starting offense and allowed a touchdown on the first drive when star quarterback Jordan Love threw a deep ball to Dontayvion Wicks just outside the Cleveland sideline, who quickly converted it for a 65-yard touchdown.
August 10, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Green Bay Packers linebacker Ralen Goforth (44) and safety Evan Williams (33) tackle Cleveland Browns tight end Jordan Akins (88) during the first quarter at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Even without many of his best receivers, Winston led the Browns on a promising opening drive. The former first-round pick completed four of his five passes for 30 yards or more and set up a 55-yard field goal for Cade York that brought the Browns within four points.
Then it was the Browns’ defense’s turn to step up and stop a six-play Packers drive that ended in a turnover when AJ Dillon’s fourth-down run was stopped for no gain.
Despite a promising first drive, the Browns made a quick quarterback change, ending Winston’s day. Former Baltimore Ravens backup Tyler Huntley came into the game, but was unable to replicate Winston’s success.
However, the blame for this could lie on an offensive pass interference penalty that negated a potential fourth attempt.
After a Packers punt, the Browns launched another promising drive, gaining 60 yards in 12 plays. However, after a failed fourth down, the Packers offense took control at their own 23-yard line.
And that’s where they got to work: They covered 77 yards in a long 13-play drive and ended with a 5-yard touchdown run by Emanuel Wilson, extending the Packers’ lead to 11 points (14-3).
The Packers were able to extend their lead by another three points in the two-minute drill when Anders Carlson converted a 46-yard field goal attempt.
The Browns will try to catch up in the second half, but they will only succeed if the offense finds its way into the end zone. The Browns will receive the opening kickoff of the second half.
For more on the Browns’ preseason game against the Packers, follow our blog for live and drive-by-drive updates.
