While awaiting Rodgers’ return, Packers remain wary of Browns
CLEVELAND — Barely, but the Green Bay Packers somehow survived without Aaron Rodgers.
They just need to do it for one more week.
With Rodgers on the verge of returning from a broken collarbone after missing seven games, the Packers (6-6) have stayed in the hunt for a spot in the NFC playoffs without their starting quarterback. They can't avoid a letdown Sunday against the Cleveland Browns, who are winless but still dangerous.
"We need to win the game," Packers coach Mike McCarthy said this week, wrestling the spotlight back from Rodgers' impending return after the QB practiced in pads this week. "We're 6-6. We need to be seven wins when we get on that plane coming back from Cleveland. Nothing else matters."
Green Bay's season much makes the team run, it is obviously a difficult situation to be in, one that requires you going through a lot of adversity and games that are a lot closer," linebacker Clay Matthews said. "You really have to persevere and grind these out. We are not overlooking the Browns. I think it would be foolish to look at their record and think that we are going to win, because this is a young team that is competing and has some playmakers.
"I think it will be a competitive game. Hopefully, we come out on top. In the meantime, (Rodgers) can get healthier and perhaps the following week he is back for the final three-game stretch and we have a very real chance of making these playoffs and getting hot."
The Packers are getting their running game in gear, just in time for December's chilly weather.
Jamaal Williams had 113 yards on 21 carries in last week's overtime win against Tampa Bay, and fellow rookie tailback Aaron Jones' 20-yard touchdown run ended the game. Mobile quarterback Brett Hundley also had 66 yards on seven carries. The Browns game could be Hundley's last start if Rodgers is cleared. Until then, Green Bay might be better off running the ball, even against a Cleveland defense allowing only 97 yards rushing per game.
Josh Gordon's impressive debut last week after missing 44 consecutive games has opened up Cleveland's offense. The receiver finished with only four catches despite 11 targets, but his presence on the field forced San Diego's defense to account for him on every snap.
With injuries throughout their secondary, the Packers are expecting the Browns to feature Gordon.
"He's a guy you have to keep an eye on, especially with what he was able to do several years ago," Matthews said of Gordon, who led the NFL with 1,646 yards receiving in 2013.