Jordan Love and the Green Bay Packers opened their preseason schedule with an impressive all-around showing against the Cleveland Browns Saturday on the road.
Love, who signed a four-year, $220 million contract last month to become the highest paid player in the NFL, had a spectacular 65-yard touchdown pass on the third play of the game to Dontayvion Wicks, setting the tone of the 23-10 win over the Deshaun Watson-less Browns.
Love then gave way to Sean Clifford and Michael Pratt, both of whom played solid in relief roles, as they continue their battle for the backup job. Emanuel Wilson was the standout running back, while undrafted free agent Jarveon Howard also ran well late and a somewhat forgotten receiver Grant DuBose reminded everyone of his capabilities (five catches for 66 yards).
Meanwhile, kickers Anders Carlson and Greg Joseph were perfect on the day, as their training camp competition ensues. On the defensive side, Lukas Van Ness was a beast as he looks to take the next step in his second year, rookie safety Evan Williams forced a turnover, and the unit had a couple nice fourth-down stands.
WATCH:Jordan Love's opening touchdown pass to Dontayvion Wicks in preseason game vs Browns electrifies social media
All things Packers: Latest Green Bay Packers news, schedule, roster, stats, injury updates and more.
Head coach Matt LaFleur couldn't have asked for anything more for the first preseason game except for rookie running back MarShawn Lloyd leaving the game with a hamstring injury. The Packers next take the field Sunday, Aug. 18, for a 7 p.m. game at the Denver Broncos.
Packers beat reporter Tom Silverstein took your questions and comments during the game. Check it out here.
And look back at all the Packers-Browns highlights below:
Packers vs Browns box score
| Team | First Quarter | Second Quarter | Third Quarter | Fourth Quarter | FINAL SCORE |
| GB | 7 | 10 | 6 | 0 | 23 |
| CLE | 3 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 10 |
Matt LaFleur press conference
Jordan Love press conference
Green Bay Packers vs Cleveland Browns stats
- Packers first downs: 18
- Browns first downs: 16
__________________________
- Packers third down: 8 for 14
- Browns third down: 6 for 13
__________________________
- Packers fourth down: 1 for 2
- Browns fourth down: 1 for 3
__________________________
- Packers total yards: 375
- Browns total yards: 244
__________________________
- Packers rushing yards: 155
- Browns rushing yards: 56
__________________________
- Packers penalties: 3 for 11
- Browns penalties: 4 for 25
__________________________
- Packers turnovers: 0
- Browns turnovers: 1
Jordan Love stats
Love was 2 of 2 for 63 yards with a 65-yard touchdown. His passer rating was a perfect 158.3.
Sean Clifford stats
Clifford saw the most action at quarterback after taking over for Jordan Love in the first quarter.
He finished 10 of 19 for 111 yards with a 70.3 quarterback rating.
Clifford looks to fend off rookie QB Michael Pratt for the backup job.
Michael Pratt stats
Pratt, the seventh-round pick from Tulane, played the final few series for the Packers. He finished 5 of 7 for 46 yards with an 89.0 rating.
Packers kicking stats, Anders Carlson and Greg Joseph
Anders Carlson and Greg Joseph split duties on Saturday. They each made all of their kicks.
Anders Carlson: 2 for 2 (field goals of 46 yards and 33 yards), 1 for 1 on his extra point
Greg Joseph: 1 for 1 (field goal of 35 yards), 1 for 1 on his extra point
Packers win preseason opener over Browns
The Packers backups have an effective drive and get down to the Browns 3-yard line before taking a knee.
The drive went 11 plays for 68 yards that spanned over five minutes. The Packers used a heavy dose of rookie running back Jarveon Howard, who had all eight of his carries on the drive. He gained 44 yards on the drive and had a hard-nosed run for a final first down.
Another performance that can separate you from others at the bottom of the roster.
The Packers win their preseason opener, 23-10.
Browns cap long drive with first touchdown
The Browns get their first touchdown of the game.
Cleveland's scoring drive spanned 13 plays, 66 yards across 7:01.
Rookie Aidan Robbins ran it in for 1 yard.
The Browns, who failed on two fourth downs in the game, converted one when quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson hurdled over a Packers defender early in the drive.
Packers 23, Browns 10 (with 5:08 left in the fourth quarter)
Michael Pratt finds Julian Hicks for first down on nice throw and catch
The Packers get one first down after taking over on downs.
The first-down play came on a highlight reel catch from undrafted rookie Julian Hicks.
Watch it below:
It's the point in the game where players at the back of the roster have taken over. And that's the kind of play that gets the attention of your position coach and head coach.
Daniel Whelan had another solid punt.
Packers stop Browns again on fourth down
The Browns were as deep in Packers territory as they had been all game but again come away empty.
The Packers made their second fourth down stop of the game with the Browns at Green Bay's 11-yard line. Arron Mosby got his hand up to bat down the pass from Dorian Thompson-Robinson at the line.
Green Bay takes over again still with its 23-3 lead with 14:51 left in the game.
The Packers offense, defense and special teams up and down the depth chart came to play today.
Michael Pratt is in for Packers at quarterback, Anders Carlson makes another field goal
After the Browns go three and out on a quick possession, rookie Michael Pratt takes over.
The Packers selected the Tulane graduate in the seventh round of the draft, adding some competition for Sean Clifford. He had a productive first series, leading an eight-play, 50-yard drive that ended in an Anders Carlson 33-yard field goal.
Emanuel Wilson continued his strong showing today with a 23-yard run on the drive. He's now up to 67 yards on 13 carries. He's certainly doing his part to move up the running back depth chart.
The kickers also remain perfect on the day. No one wants to budge in this battle.
Packers 23, Browns 3 (with 6:35 left in the third quarter)
Packers force turnover, Greg Joseph makes field goal
Rookie safety Evan Williams continues to be a playmaker.
The Packers' fourth-round pick from Oregon has been a standout performer all training camp and he was at it again on Saturday.
After Browns running back John Kelly Jr. turned a short pass into a 13-yard gain on the first play of the half, Williams forced a fumble with a hit. KristianWelch recovered it at the 38-yard line.
It's going to be tough for Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley to keep Williams off the field if he keeps making plays like this.
That led to a 35-yard field goal by Greg Joseph.
Packers 20, Browns 3 (with 12:10 left in the third quarter)
Anders Carlson makes 46-yard field goal to give Packers 17-3 lead at halftime
Sean Clifford stayed aggressive.
And he found his favorite target in this game, Grant DuBose. On a 3rd and 9 at their 49-yard line he connected with DuBose for 23 yards.
Now at the Browns 28-yard line, they were in field goal range with 10 seconds left. After a couple incompletions, Anders Carlson would get his first field attempt of the preseason.
It was his first field goal try since his pivotal miss in last year's playoff loss to the San Francisco 49ers.
Carlson's 46-yard kick was good. It's just preseason but that had to give him some confidence as he looks to win the kicking job.
Overall, that was a very impressive first half from the Packers in all phases.
Packers 17, Browns 3.
Colby Wooden gets big sack on Tyler Huntley
The Packers defense wasn't about to let Tyler Huntley and the Browns offense have a successful 2-minute drive.
On a 3rd and 7 after the 2-minute warning, Colby Wooden broke through for a big sack and a loss of 10 yards.
Lukas Van Ness, last year's first-round pick, also brought the pressure on the play. He's had a great game so far. Van Ness has one sack, three tackles for a loss and a quarterback hit.
New defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley has to like what he saw out of his defense there.
The Packers are going to get the ball back with 1:07 left in the half.
Sean Clifford finds his groove, Emanuel Wilson scores touchdown
Sean Clifford was in command, Emanuel Wilson ran hard and the Packers blockers owned the line of scrimmage.
It added up to an impressive drive, ending with a 5-yard touchdown by the second-year running back Wilson.
The drive got off to a great start when Clifford opened with a 15-yard completion on first down and then with the Packers facing a 4th and 3 from their 44-yard line he stayed in the pocket and found Grant DuBose for 13 yards.
Clifford again found DuBose for 14 yards down the right side for another first down.
Clifford is looking sharp now.
Emanuel Wilson then used a big hole his offensive line provided him for a 9-yard gain to get the Packers down to the Browns 26-yard line.
Wilson had three more positive runs, capped by his TD run. Wilson is taking himself off the Packers roster bubble with this showing.
That drive had to feel good for Clifford, Wilson and DuBose, who is fighting for a spot in a crowded wide receiver room.
The drive: 13 plays, 77 yards across 6:20
Packers 14, Browns 3 (with 2:48 left in the second quarter)
Packers defense gets a nice 4th down stop with Browns in their territory
The Browns engineered their best drive of the game.
They went 12 plays and totaled 60 yards across 5:42.
But the Packers make a great stop on 4th and 4 with the Browns in striking distance at the 24-yard line.
Robert Rochell dove to contest a pass and Anthony Johnson also came in to provide extra coverage.
The Packers bent but didn't break on that one. Sean Clifford and the offense takes over.
Daniel Whelan has huge punt for Packers after Sean Clifford and offense doesn't get much again
Sean Clifford connects on a few short passes, but the drive ends quickly again.
A highlight came from punter Daniel Whelan, who had a booming 51-yard punt down to the Browns 14-yard line.
Whelan has no competition in camp and that punt is why.
We're underway in the second quarter now. The Packers' lead is still 7-3 with 14:59 left in the second.
Browns quarterback Tyler Huntley replaces Jameis Winston
Like the Packers, the Browns brought in their backup quarterback for their second series.
And similarly, Cleveland's offense didn't go anywhere.
The Browns are three and out and lost 4 yards on the drive.
Packers fans should remember the Browns punter. It's Corey Bojorquez, who punted for the Packers during the 2021 season.
Packers can't convert a short 4th down
The Packers fail to convert a fourth down and turn it over on downs.
They needed just 1 yard at their own 46-yard line. But AJ Dillon was stopped for no gain. Those are first downs you must get when the regular season begins.
Sean Clifford, who is looking to win the backup job over rookie Michael Pratt, didn't have the best start to his day. He was 0 for 1 on the drive and then fumbled the ball after a Browns penalty. Fortunately, Bo Melton recovered it. The Packers went just 16 yards in six plays.
Jordan Love has perfect preseason opener vs Browns, Sean Clifford takes over
Jordan Love's day is done after one series.
And, boy, was it effective:
- Three snaps, 2 for 2 passing for 63 yards, one touchdown.
His rating? A perfect 158.3.
SOCIAL MEDIA:Jordan Love's 65-yard touchdown pass to Dontayvion Wicks in first series of preseason game vs Browns electrifies Twitter
Second-year backup Sean Clifford has taken over.
Browns make long field goal
The Browns are on the board.
Cade York drilled a 55-yard field goal to cap a nine-play drive for the Browns.
The Browns offense only gained 27 yards but since the drive started at the 36-yard line Cleveland didn't need much to get into field goal range.
Nonetheless, it was a very nice kick for the 23-year-old.
Packers 7, Browns 3 (8:46 left in the first quarter)
Packers strike first with Jordan Love finding Dontayvion Wicks for 64-yard touchdown on third play
Jordan Love and the Packers came out firing.
On 3rd and 5 from their own 35-yard line on the first series of the game, Love connected with Dontayvion Wicks for a 65-yard touchdown. Love delivered a beautiful pass down the right side before the second-year wide receiver cut across the middle of the field and easily walked into the end zone.
Three plays, 70 yards and a TD. It couldn't have started any better for Love and the Packers.
Packers 7, Browns 0 (13:38 left in the first quarter)
Packers offense gets ball first
The Packers will get the ball first after the Browns won the toss but deferred to the second half.
Jordan Love and the offense are taking the field for the first time in 2024!
Is Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson playing vs Packers?
Browns starting quarterback Deshaun Watson isn't playing today.
But he is suited up and is taking part in warmups. Watson is coming off an injury-plagued year. He played in just six games and saw his season end in early November after suffering a fracture in his throwing shoulder.
Former No. 1 overall pick Jameis Winston will start for the Browns. Winston signed with the Browns in the offseason as a free agent after playing the last four years with the New Orleans Saints. Winston began his career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Packers arrive for preseason game vs Browns
Packers vs Browns game
What channel is Packers vs. Browns on today? How to watch, stream live
- TV channel:ION (Channel 55 in Milwaukee)
- Stream:tmj4.comandnbc26.comare streaming the game.Packers.comwill also stream the radio broadcast on destkop in the home market.
The Packers preseason game will not be on its normal NBC station due to the Summer Olympics. It will relocate to ION (Channel 55) in the Milwaukee area. The station is available on most TV and streaming services. The game will also move to Channel 32 in the Green Bay market.
Packers vs. Browns start time, TV info, location
- Start time:3:25 p.m. CT
- TV info:Channel 55 (ION TV) in Milwaukee; (Channel 32) in Green Bay, statewide network
- Location:Cleveland Browns Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio
Packers vs Browns odds, betting line, spread
Odds courtesy ofBetMGMas of Saturday
- Spread:Packers (+5.5)
- Over/under:39
- Moneyline:Packers +205, Browns -255
Packers vs Browns prediction
It's the first preseason game so predictions are always tricky. The results also don't matter but the performances on the field do.
Plus, Love will play — maybe for a couple of series — while Browns starting QB Deshaun Watson isn't playing. Expect the Packers defense to get a couple takeaways. Maybe even a rookie like Evan Williams. Both Carlson and Joseph will make a couple field goals to continue their kicking battle.
Packers 23, Browns 17
Packers news
TRENDING:Jordan Love knows which wide receiver he would trust with his wedding rings in fun interview with FanDuel TV's Kay Adams
TIGHT ENDS:Combo of Luke Musgrave and Tucker Kraft, finally healthy together, ‘should be scary’ for defenses
RUNNING BACKS:Emanuel Wilson, MarShawn Lloyd will push AJ Dillon for the Packers’ backup RB job
DEFENSE:Packers are confident its pass rush is for real and not a training camp mirage
SPECIAL TEAMS:Punter Daniel Whelan showing a stronger leg but he’s also playing a big role in the Packers’ kicking competition
Packers vs Browns stats
Packers stats in 2023
- PPG:22.5
- PPG allowed:20.6
- 3rd down%: 47.1%
- 4th down%: 50.0%
- Offense yards per game: 359.7
- Yards allowed per game: 352.0
Browns stats in 2023
- PPG:22.3
- PPG allowed:21.3
- 3rd down%: 31.6%
- 4th down%: 56.3%
- Offense yards per game: 354.6
- Yards allowed per game: 290.7
Packers preseason schedule
- Aug. 10:at Cleveland Browns, 3:25 p.m.
- Aug. 18:at Denver Broncos, 7 p.m.
- Aug. 24:Baltimore Ravens at Lambeau Field, noon
Packers schedule 2024
First five games ofthe Packers' 2024 schedule. For the full schedule,click here
| Sept. 6 (7:15 p.m) | at Philadelphia Eagles in Brazil |
| Sept. 15 (noon) | Indianapolis Colts at Lambeau Field |
| Sept. 22 (noon) | at Tennessee Titans |
| Sept. 29 (noon) | Minnesota Vikings at Lambeau Field |
| Oct. 6 (3:25 p.m.) | at Los Angeles Rams |
