A blocked field goal from 43 yards with 27 seconds left was the final nail in a stunning, collapse by the Packers in a 13-10 loss to the Browns.
CLEVELAND – As dominant as the Green Bay Packers were through the first two weeks, they learned in Week 3 against the Cleveland Browns it’s still important to show up and play clean.
The Packers jumped out to a double-digit lead before their opponent scored for the third straight game to start their season. Then their offense imploded, and a special teams unit that has looked like a mess this month followed suit.
Brandon McManus’ blocked field goal from 43 yards with 27 seconds left was the final nail in a stunning, 13-10 loss. Browns kicker Andre Szmyt split the uprights from 55 yards as time expired to give the Packers their first loss on the season.
Here’s an autopsy from a bad defeat.
Jordan Love’s first turnover of season comes at worst time
The best thing Jordan Love had done through almost three games this season was take care of the football. His efficiency with a dangerous defense creates a winning formula.
Love veered from that script on a shocking pick late in the fourth quarter. The offensive line couldn’t be blamed for his errant throw to Browns safety Grant Delprit. Love had plenty of time to throw, but there appeared to be a miscommunication with receiver Dontayvion Wicks, and his pass went directly to Delprit.
Delprit returned the interception 25 yards to inside the Packers' 5-yard line. The Browns scored a game-tying touchdown two plays later on a 1-yard run from running back Quinshon Judkins.
On the next drive, Josh Jacobs appeared to fumble after the Packers had moved into position for a game-winning field goal. Replay review upheld the ruling on the field of no fumble because recovery was not immediately conclusive. But McManus’ potential game-winning field goal was blocked, and Love’s interception was enough to swing the game.
Makeshift offensive line struggles against Browns defense
Zach Tom lasted one snap. The Packers right tackle was active after being questionable on the injury report, but it was clear his oblique injury wasn’t ready.
If Tom would have been the only moving piece on the Packers' offensive line, it would have been enough of an issue. The Browns have a feisty defense early this season, led by All-Pro pass rusher Myles Garrett. As the game progressed, the line took more hits. Aaron Banks aggravated his groin injury, leaving the game. Even left tackle Rasheed Walker briefly went to the sideline with an apparent equipment issue.
At one point in the third quarter, the Packers were fielding three backups on their offensive line.
Walker returned, but the offensive line still had a rough day. With Jordan Morgan splitting time at right tackle and left guard, and rookie Anthony Belton filling in at right tackle in the second half, the Packers struggled to move the football against the NFL’s top-ranked yardage defense through the first two weeks.
Love was sacked five times in the first three quarters. It was only the second time in his career he took five sacks in a game, the other coming Week 4 of the 2023 season. Jacobs failed to reach the end zone, ending his 11-game streak with a rushing touchdown going back to last season. He finished with 30 yards on 16 carries.
Both could be attributed to an offensive line that struggled to get much traction against the Browns defensive front.
Micah Parsons has mild day, but defense still thrives
Micah Parsons played 46 snaps, unofficially. It was fewer snaps than his 50 against the Washington Commanders, though he likely played a higher percentage given how few plays the Browns had.
The two-time All-Pro didn’t have the same disruption from his first two games, though he gave plenty. Parsons drew a holding penalty in the first quarter on a play on which he still managed to hit quarterback Joe Flacco. He was also called for an offside penalty after lining up in the neutral zone. His rush produced six total pressures, including a pair of quarterback hits.
A mild performance from Parsons didn’t make the defense any less dominant. The Packers allowed only one red-zone trip, holding the Browns to a field goal in the fourth quarter. Browns quarterback Joe Flacco completed 21 of 36 passes for 142 yards, an interception to Xavier McKinney and a 55.6 passer rating.
It was clear Parsons’ presence helped open opportunities for teammates. Rashan Gary had two sacks, giving him 4.5 through three games. It’s the quickest Gary has reached that mark in a season, surpassing 2022 when he needed four games. Lukas Van Ness also continued a strong start to his season, recording two quarterback hits.
This article originally appeared on Packers News: Packers collapse with interception, blocked FG in 13-10 loss to Browns
Category: Football
