The Green Bay Packers are riding high after two statement wins to kick off the 2025 season, overpowering the Detroit Lions and Washington Commanders with 27 points in each game. Their ability to dismantle man coverage has showcased the offensive prowess of Jordan Love and the strategic brilliance of head coach Matt LaFleur. But as the Packers prepare to face the 0-2 Cleveland Browns on Sunday at Huntington Bank Field, a glaring challenge looms—one that could turn this matchup into a classic trap game.
The Trap Game Threat
On paper, the Packers have every reason to feel confident. Their 2-0 start against playoff-caliber teams has cemented their status as early contenders. However, this Week 3 road game against a desperate Browns squad, combined with the emotional high of their recent victories, sets the stage for a potential upset. The Browns, backed by the NFL’s top-ranked defense, are no pushovers, and their star pass-rusher, Myles Garrett, presents the toughest test yet for Green Bay’s offensive line.
The brutal truth? The Packers’ struggling run game could be their Achilles’ heel. If they can’t establish the ground attack against Cleveland’s elite defense, Jordan Love might face relentless pressure, and the offense could stall.
Run Game Woes
Through the first two weeks, the Packers’ rushing attack has been mediocre at best. Ranking 18th in the league for rushing yards per game and 21st with a paltry 3.9 yards per attempt, Green Bay has struggled to create openings for star running back Josh Jacobs. This isn’t a reflection of Jacobs’ talent—he’s proven he can dominate when given the chance. The issue lies with the run blocking, which has failed to provide the space Jacobs needs for his signature downhill running style.
Against a Browns defense that leads the NFL in rushing yards allowed per game (45.5), the Packers’ offensive line faces a daunting task. Cleveland’s front, anchored by Garrett, is built to clog lanes and disrupt any ground game. If Green Bay can’t get push up front, Jacobs, Emanuel Wilson, and Chris Brooks will struggle to find daylight, forcing the offense into predictable passing situations.
Why the Run Game Matters
A strong run game is the linchpin of Matt LaFleur’s system. It sets up the play-action passing attack that Jordan Love executes so well. When the run game clicks, it forces defenses to respect the ground threat, slowing down pass-rushers like Garrett and giving Love time to find open receivers. Without it, the Browns can pin their ears back, putting pressure on an offensive line that may feature Anthony Belton or a less-than-fully healthy Zach Tom trying to contain one of the league’s premier edge rushers.
If Jacobs and company can churn out chunk yardage, it will keep Cleveland’s defense honest, opening opportunities for Love to exploit downfield. The Packers’ ability to stay balanced will be critical to avoiding a long, frustrating day for their quarterback.
A Defensive Standoff
Interestingly, Green Bay’s defense is no slouch either. Allowing just 48.5 rushing yards per game (second in the NFL), the Packers have the tools to match Cleveland’s defensive intensity. This sets up a battle of wills in the trenches, where both teams will look to impose their physicality. For Green Bay, winning the ground game on both sides of the ball could be the key to advancing to 3-0 and proving this team is different from past iterations.
The Path to Victory
The Packers can’t afford to overlook the Browns, even with their 0-2 record. Cleveland’s defense, led by Garrett, is a legitimate threat, and their desperation for a win only heightens the danger. To avoid the trap, Green Bay must prioritize fixing their run game. Better execution from the offensive line and a commitment to pounding the rock will open up the playbook and keep the Browns’ pass rush at bay.
This team feels special, as many have noted, but talk is cheap. Week 3 is an opportunity to back up the hype with a gritty road win. It all starts with the run game—establish it, and the Packers can take care of business. Ignore it, and they risk falling into the trap.
Packers Nation, stay on alert. This game won’t be easy, but a focused, balanced attack can keep the momentum rolling.