It's good to see a workman-like effort on the road to take care of business against a bad football team. Now the march begins to a huge NFC North clash at Lambeau next week. Let's get to some game impressions:

*The big numbers we're looking for progress in: 0 sacks in the entire game. The Browns' defense is far from a juggernaut, but keeping Aaron clean all day long is a win for us regardless of who we're playing, given the display we had through the first five games. Penalties: 8 for 70 yards. Fox showed a graphic following the Packers' sixth penalty stating that three had been of an aggressive nature and three had been because of a lack of discipline. Off the top of my head, the bad ones included the twelve men on the field penalty and Bigby's foolish unnecessary roughness.

*Rodgers is really, really good. 75% completions, three TDs, no picks. Can't ask for much more than that.

*I like the production we put up on the ground today against a bad rush defense, but I still don't like that we can't run when we absolutely need to. 200 yards is nothing to mess with, but situations like the early turnover on downs and the failure to punch it in from the goal line a number of times shows how far we are from being a good running team. Those backside running lanes that we used excessively today to great effect aren't there against better rush defenses.

*AJ Hawk had his best game of the season today. He was always at the ball and even produced some tackles for loss, if I remember correctly.

*Clay Matthews continues to impress at that OLB spot. He's fast, strong, and will only get better.

*Solid pressure all day long from Kampman, Jenkins and Jolly. We need that to continue.

*Can anyone say anything bad about Spencer Havner? The guy gets his first career TD after filling in for Jermichael Finley and not missing a beat. He shows good hands. He can block. And he's a special teams demon. My player of the game today.

*Someone not named Tramon Williams should be returning punts. Hopefully Jordy is back next week. I see shades of Antonio Chatman.

Plays of the game: Charles Woodson INT.
Quick slant to Driver and long run after catch for a TD.


Now we move on to the biggest game of the season thus far, and one that can either shake up the North or really put a team in the driver's seat at this point of the season.

There's question marks on this team, but I like our chances at home against a division rival next week.

Havner does show good hands for an old linebacker. Stepped in nicely. Matthews is a long term player and big time player. Love him. Big game next week. Can't wait.

I concur with everything you stated. But I'll also add one to the list. I thought TJ Lang had a very good game, and acquitted himself quite well. I made it point to watch him specifically quite often throughout the game and I came away impressed. No penalties (I think) and handled Wimbley fairly easily. Thought he also did well in the run game. Grant had some nice runs to his side.
Just a side note. I stated very early in the year that Lang would be a starter by week 6 (no lie) due to one circumstance or another and he did. Now I'm sure Clifton will take back the spot when he is healthy, but I've always thought we had a player in Lang. His future look pretty bright imo.

Hawk had to step up. If he did not want to spend the rest of the season polishing the bench with his butt he needed to do something like this. Thing is can he play like this for the rest of the season? Right now we have to say no because we have seen him have a good game to do nothing the next week. The OL finally gave Rodger the time he needed and opened the holes for the running game. Hope this continues into the next game. The DL shut down the run today and had pressure on the QB the whole game. Woodson he shows he is aging well and still a top CB. Harris IMO he is nearing the end and if he can last the rest of the season without getting worse that will be ok as we can replace him after that. Though we can not really read to much into this game as the Browns are at best are the third best football team in the state of Ohio.

Although the Packers took their fair share of penalties, today, there were only two on offense (Both on Donald Lee). No penalties for False Start/Illegal Shift/Delay of Game/Other Stupid Penalties. A big reason why the running game was able to get off the ground, IMO. The Packers weren't forcing themselves into 1st or 2nd and 20, which allowed them to run the ball more and establish a run game. Rodgers only threw 20 passes, the fewest he has ever thrown in a game.

And, oh, by the way, that Ryan Grant guy is 5th in the NFL in rushing yards and 7th in the NFL in yds/game.

Overall good game.

I'm not gonna celebrate this win (over Cleveland) too much. If I did, it would be like Barrnett celebrating on a routine tackle 7 yards downfield after the runner already got the 1st down.

Good win. The Pack has beat who they were supposed to so far. 4-2. Very good. I was also nervous when Barnett dropped that interception that he would go into celebrating himself for an incomplete pass defended, but he didn't. Baby steps.

Charles Woodson is playing like a man possessed... He also caused the fumble by Cribbs. Raji was instrumental on those goalline stands. Whoever #73 is... (i know who it is) he's a keeper. I as well as all, hope Jermichael, was not critically injured.

WE PASS TO SET UP THE RUN.

GBP, you've been calling for Harris' head since about '03, and for the life of me I can't figure out why. Harris keeps himself in great shape and was never a burner, but continues to lock down the opposition's best guy every week, allowing Woodson to play the slot more often and be more aggressive since QBs are forced to throw at his side.

Not only is Harris okay, but he's really damn good.

An excellent point that the Packers chose to run to Lang's side in running situations. Very telling. I agree- this could be the LT that could anchor the position for years. Assuming he does a good job defending against Jared Allen next week, and the weeks following. I am impressed by your foresight about Lang. But why turn the position over to Clifton if Lang is doing well? Clifton is an UFA after this season, is physically worn, and (by NFL standards) old. I believe the Packers stick with Lang to replace Clifton. Absolutely no disrespect meant to a veteran who has been a warrior for many years- this is just the way things happen. In a few years, it will be Lang's turn to be replaced (hopefully) by a bright young prospect. I just gave a sad sigh for the fate of Clifton. Thanks for the years of honorable service, sir. And good bye. Maybe.

Will Hawk show up strong again next week? Who knows? I would argue, yes he will. He has gotten the message loud and clear: you want to play, you have to perform. He is now looking like he should have looked like from the beginning- shedding blocks and making plays in the backfield and the LOS.

You're right- the OL did look good against a depleted and incompetent Browns DL. What will they look like against the Vikings D? Who knows. However, Lang does seem to be showing he belongs on the line at LT. That is very encouraging. And if Spitz can return at center- this could be a line we could count on for years (like we had when Green was having his heyday years as a runner).

Oh my- Woodson, to my mind, is quite simply the best CB in the NFL. OK, maybe the guy with the unpronouncable name from Oakland. But, get serious. Woodson is extremely solid. Harris is being tested because teams know that throwing at Woodson is asking for an interception. I agree, I believe Tramon Williams could be a worthy replacement for Harris- but, although I was doubtful of his utility last year, I am now a believer. Age is relative- after all Driver is well past his prime according to his age- yet, he continues to excel. Same with Harris and Woodson. I truly hope Patrick Lee shows some life soon, but even if he doesn't, these "old men" look like keepers to me.

Our short yardage / goal line rushing attack is becoming a problem. That series of running plays at the goal line today was not fun to watch. MM's confidence showed on 4th and one with that QB sneak call. Its going to be a long row to hoe against quality opponents if we have to go empty backfield on 3rd and two all the time