The Lass Word: Kick 'Em While They're Down
Pack and Browns should live up to their reputations.
By KenLass
The date was October 19, 1980. The Green Bay Packers were playing an afternoon game against the Cleveland Browns. The game was at Municipal Stadium in Cleveland, a building that was commonly called “the mistake by the lake”. And rightfully so. The designers had constructed a horse shoe-shaped facility, with the open end facing Lake Erie. The idea was fans could sit in the stadium and enjoy the game, and in the distance have a scenic view of the lake.
What they apparently didn’t account for were the powerful, frigid winds that would sweep into the horse shoe from the lake. The wind would then swirl around the field, creating an effect similar to a giant refrigerator. One of the coldest games in NFL history was played in that stadium in 1981, a playoff game against the Raiders, during which the mercury dropped to minus four, with a wind chill of minus 36. However, much like Packer fans, the Browns’ faithful would pack the house and be very loud and supportive.
On October 19, 1980, I was on the sidelines covering the game for WBAY-TV. The game time temperature was 46 degrees, but it felt much colder. When a gust of freezing wind would hit you, it was like getting slapped in the face with a razor blade. Despite the conditions, it was a pretty exciting game. Green Bay came back from a 13-0 deficit, when Lynn Dickey threw a 26 yard touchdown pass to James Lofton, giving the Pack a 21-13 lead with 7:30 left to play. But the defense, which was Green Bay’s albatross during these troubled years, couldn’t hold on. Brian Sipe hit tight end Ozzie Newsome for a score to make it 21-20. Then, with 26 seconds left in the game, Sipe launched a desperation 46 yard bomb which was caught for a touchdown by Don Logan. Cleveland won 26-21.
That Browns team would go on to finish 11-5, a rare good season for a franchise that had become a perennial loser. It wasn’t always so. From 1945 to 1964 the Browns won eight NFL championships. It was the franchise of Jim Brown, Frank Ryan, Gary Collins, LeRoy Kelly, Lou “the toe” Groza, and Otto Graham. You may be too young to recognize those names, but trust me, they were all among the top players in the league.
But the franchise began to fall behind in the seventies. New stadiums were popping up all over the place in locations such as Buffalo, Kansas City and New Orleans. Player salaries were skyrocketing, and team owners were scrambling for more revenue streams with amenities like luxury boxes and in-house restaurants.. By the 1990’s owner Art Modell got fed up with antiquated Municipal Stadium, and it was understandable. The place really was a dump, largely unimproved from when it was built in 1931. Unable to motivate the city to build a new facility, Modell moved the team to Baltimore. It was a terrible blow to the loyal fan base, which deserved better. Recognizing the passion for football in the city, the NFL awarded Cleveland an expansion team in 1999. For the past 25 years, that new franchise has carried on the team’s reputation for mediocrity.
In the past quarter century the Browns have had just four winning seasons, making the playoffs three times, never getting past the divisional round. That's amazing futility, when you consider the NFL system is designed to create parity. To lift up the bad teams and bring down the good ones. Franchises such as Detroit and Houston, who were so pathetic for so long, finally accumulated enough early first round talent to become playoff contenders. Yet despite drafting at or near the top of the draft every spring, the Browns have been unable to develop a roster that can win consistently. It hasn't helped that the front office has made disastrous moves, like trading three first rounders, six picks overall, to acquire bust quarterback Deshaun Watson. The deal set the franchise back three years, and you can argue the Browns are still reeling from it. After the first two weeks of this season, it looks like more of the same. The Browns are 0-2, and widely predicted to finish last in the AFC North. They play the Packers Sunday. The “mistake by the lake” is long gone. Replaced by Huntington Bank Field, a 67 thousand seat facility with no open end. The Packers are a nine point favorite. They’ve looked dominant in wins over two of the top teams in the NFC. On paper this should be no contest. Green Bay has a far better roster, tons of momentum, and something to prove.
But beware the letdown. The Browns can bite you. They led the Bengals (with Joe Burrow) until the final three minutes of the season opener. They will be playing for their manhood after getting blown out by the Ravens last week. They will be at home, supported by their loud and long-suffering Dawg Pound. The coaching staff may be coaching for their jobs. They are not without talent. Pass rusher Myles Garrett is in the conversation with Micah Parsons as best defensive player in the league. Veteran quarterback Joe Flacco can’t move, but he is savvy and reads defenses well. He can be a problem if he has time.
There aren’t many “easy” games on the Packers’ schedule this year. This figures to be one of them. If the green and gold are going to make a serious run at a division title and a favorable playoff seeding, these are the types of games they must win.
When you think Green Bay Packers, you think winning. When you think Cleveland Browns, you think losing. Matt LaFleur and his staff must make sure those perceptions hold true Sunday. I hope, when I watch the game, I don’t have any shivering flashbacks to that October day in 1980.
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Ken Lass is a former Green Bay television sports anchor and 43 year media veteran, a lifelong Packers fan, and a shareholder.
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Comments (39)
Cheezehead72
September 19, 2025 at 06:48 am
I do not consider any game a trap game. The Browns can beat the Packers. This could be a close game. The browns have a very good front four and front seven. The Packers are going to have a problem running the ball unless the OL makes holes. The wide zone blocking might work in this game getting Jacobs to the outside. I see the Packers passing the ball more this game than the previous two. The problem is we have injuries on the OL and WRs and now Kraft is hurt and may not play.
Our defense should be able to stop them. I have always liked Flacco since he came out of college. I thought he would be an above average NFL QB. He can still play the game at his age. I expect the Browns to bench Flacco and bring in Gabriel at half time or shortly there after due to them not moving the ball. The Browns have to see what they have in their back up QBs. Nothing against Flacco but at his age I just do not see him doing much with the pass rush the Packers have had.
I am leaning towards the under in this game but realize I stopped betting on games because I just am not very good at it.
As a side note the Browns were my favorite AFC team until they traded for Watson but I still have a soft spot for their fans. Their fans deserve a better team. I love the old teams that still play out doors.
NickPerry
September 19, 2025 at 07:11 am
" I love the old teams that still play out doors."
I do too Cheezehead 72. It's funny, I used to cheer for those Browns teams of the early 80's when they had Brian Sipe too. Clay Matthews Sr. was on those teams and was a outstanding LB to watch play.
Packerlifer
September 20, 2025 at 03:41 pm
Although the name, the colors and the records stayed in Cleveland the Browns of the past 25 years aren't much of a tribute to their original club. The "spirit" of that club went to Baltimore and manifested as the Ravens.
But those old, original Browns were one of the great franchises in pro football history. In fact in a number of ways they "made" modern pro football. Under their founder and first coach Paul Brown they played in a championship game for 10 straight years; but the first four we in a league called the All America Football Conference.
The AAFC only lasted four seasons and the Browns won every championship and had pro football's first undefeated "perfect" season in one of them (more than 20 years before the 1972 Dolphins.) The NFL did its best to erase the AAFC in history but it may actually have been a superior league to it and had their been a Super Bowl back then those Browns teams would probably have waxed the NFLers in all of them.
The Browns won the NFL Championship in their very first year in the league in 1950 and wound up playing in 6 straight title games and 7 in 8 years; winning it 3 times. Prior to Vince Lombardi in Green Bay Paul Brown was the greatest coach in pro football and is sill regarded as "the father of modern pro football."
When Brown and new owner Art Modell fell out Blanton Collier (who was a possibility In Green Bay before the Packers hired Lombardi) took over and they kept on winning through the 1960s. They won the NFL Championship in 1964 and played in 3 more title games through 1969 and in a fourth season were a division winning playoff team.
As late as 1972 as a 10 win Wild Card team they nearly ended Miami's "perfect" season in a close playoff game the Dolphins had to rally from a 2 td deficit in the final quarter to win.
After some down years following they had that team in 1980 that likely could have reached the Super Bowl had qb Brian Sipe, who had a tremendous season that year, not been intercepted by the Raiders in the end zone on a pass he never should have thrown in the final minute, trailing by just 2 pts.
Then there were the mid to late '80s when they lost those 3 AFC Championship games to John Elway & Denver. Ironically those Cleveland teams were probably the AFC's best chance to beat the power NFC teams the were in the Super Bowl then that trounced the Broncos and launched the NFC's 13 year Super Bowl winning streak.
They appeared to have something good starting again under Bill Belichick when the whole fiasco with the stadium and relocation happened. Yeah, Cleveland fans do deserve better than they've gotten with these "new and not improved" Browns.
Guam
September 19, 2025 at 07:16 am
Unlike college football, there are no "gimmes" in the NFL. The NFL works too hard on parity to have easy games. The Packers will need to bring their A game to win Sunday.
I think the Packers are going to have a very good season, but they won't win them all. Is this a game where they stumble - I doubt it but you never know in the NFL.
GPG
PackerBackerAZ
September 19, 2025 at 01:47 pm
They have a team that, if they have good injury health to certain players (think Parsons), can go undefeated. Especially, if Love plays at an elite level. The only thing that might derail the Undefeated Super Bowl Express is injury and/or playing the backups the last few games of the season. I can see the starters only playing a couple of series if the Pack has the number one seed locked.
Guam
September 20, 2025 at 08:01 am
I dunno PBAZ, the mental focus over a long season can be just as important as talent. It wouldn't surprise me if the Pack's mental focus slips for a game or two, particularly if they have lots of success early. It is just hard to be super sharp for months on end without a break.
Razer
September 19, 2025 at 07:35 am
The natural reaction of a 2-0 start is that expectations raise. We still have a very young team, learning to play together. As much as it will be our talent against their talent, this will be a big test of the coaching staff. Keeping the team focused and executing at a high level is what I am hoping for. Anything less will open the door for a rude slap.
TXCHEESE
September 19, 2025 at 08:10 am
The article title says it all. The Packers D could and should generate some turnovers this game. Would love to see GB get up early and pour it on, with QB1 and Jacobs taking a breather for a good part of the 4th quarter.
If the first two games are any indication, this team appears to be focused and hungry. While the offense is still not completely there, they have cut down on all the silly pre-snap penalties from years past.
WestCoastPackerBacker
September 19, 2025 at 11:00 am
Would be a nice week to get a defensive touchdown. Fumble recovery or interception to the house.
Handsback
September 19, 2025 at 08:26 am
Cleveland has played hard in their 1st 2 games. Turnovers and limited offense is why they are 0-2. Like Miami last night they have pride and won't to send a message....hope the Packers will match that intensity. If they don't it could be long day.
JMHO
LeotisHarris
September 19, 2025 at 08:28 am
Nice article, Ken. I'd add Marion Motley to your fine list of Browns greats from their championships era. Unfortunately for Browns fans, none of those greats will be suiting up on Sunday. I look for this Packers team to continue to develop its identity and take care of business. GPG.
LambeauPlain
September 19, 2025 at 09:12 am
Poor Joe Thomas...a great Badger and one of the best, lockdown LTs in the NFL, albeit all for the Brownies.
Snap the ball
September 19, 2025 at 11:56 am
Joe could have left…he made lots of money….
BuckyBadger
September 19, 2025 at 09:11 am
Their Defense is playing very well, especially against the run. They kept Henry in check so running the ball can be a challenge. If there is a defender better than Parsons in the NFL it is Myles Garrett. The guys is a game wrecker and will have to be given some special attention. Their offense should struggle. Flacco moves slower than Curly's statue and their OL has had its issues as of late. Have some weapons at TE and WR but I expect the Packers to keep them to 17 or less.
The Browns will try to slow down and muck up the game. Their best chance is to minimize the number of possessions and hope for their D to make a big play that can turn the game.
PackerBackerAZ
September 19, 2025 at 01:55 pm
Not only Henry, but Jackson, too. The Packers defense has a chance to shut out the Browns, and I hope they do. The offense won't need to score a lot for the win.
LambeauPlain
September 19, 2025 at 09:17 am
If you enjoy Defense, this is forecasting a low score slugfest...but maybe LaFleur will dial up a solid game plan to attack the Browns' D. Like the Pack, their front 7 is quite good. LaFleur has done it in the past.
Have to give JJ the ball to keep them honest, but I can see a lot of play action and attack with shorter, higher percentage pass and YAC...including the TEs and the RBs.
Ferrari-Driver
September 19, 2025 at 09:26 am
"When a gust of freezing wind would hit you, it was like getting slapped in the face with a razor blade."
Now that is a metaphor!
Leatherhead
September 19, 2025 at 10:58 am
That 1980 team was bad. Yes, we had a decent QB, and an HOF WR, and a pretty good running back, but we were 28th in scoring, and I think the league only had 28 teams then. I could be mistaken, but they were bad. And the defense was bad. How bad? Normally , 51 points would be your worst showing, but not this year, because we gave up 61 to the Bears. Other Browns memories? Us swarming Jim Brown and winning the Championship game. Travis Williams returning 2 kickoffs for TDs.
Anyway.....much better now. I'm not worried about giving up 61 to the Browns, or even 51. Or even 30. In fact, I'm not sure they can get over 20 without the Packers helping them.
If you're good enough to win your division, you have to be able to pick up a couple of wins on the road against a weaker team. I think the Packers are good enough to win their division, and I think they'll win this game, and I think they'll take control of the game early. Our first two opponents never snapped the ball after the 1st quarter with a chance to tie or take the lead.
splitpea1
September 19, 2025 at 11:14 am
Notes:
"But the franchise began to fall behind..." Well, due to the emergence of the Steelers. After the merger, when the Browns, Colts, and Steelers moved to the AFC to even things up, I'll bet the NFL never expected the Steelers to be the team to steal the show.
"It was a terrible blow to the loyal fan base..." No mention of what a terrible blow to the loyal fan base of Baltimore when the Colts moved? As a resident of the area at the time, our fans took it just as bad. But at least Cleveland got to keep their team name, while ours got transported to bleeping Indianapolis. So Baltimore fans don't feel particularly sorry for them. But it all worked out for the better as the Ravens management have churned out consistent winners while the Cleveland franchise has not, including that priceless goose egg for the 2017 season.
If the Packers are truly championship contenders, they should be able to win this game without enormous difficulty. Nobody is saying it will be cakewalk, but we are the superior team by far and I trust them to gain the upper hand and not let the game come down to a close dogfight.
Lphill
September 19, 2025 at 11:33 am
agreed, if the Packers are who we think they are they should win this game easily.
TarynsEyes
September 19, 2025 at 12:36 pm
Who exactly is 'we', and please tell me who they are before signing me into the group think.
LambeauPlain
September 19, 2025 at 05:06 pm
This bothers you? I know what Lphill meant.
The Browns D is going to be a big challenge for our OL.
Leatherhead
September 19, 2025 at 05:52 pm
They gave up 34 to the Ravens. They are good against the run, but I suspect we're just going to come out throwing. Why run into a wall when you can just go over the top?
Bitternotsour
September 19, 2025 at 07:31 pm
WE, you know, the fucking owners of the team. Capeesh? Perhaps in your trolling, you were unaware that the Packers are publicly owned.
Snap the ball
September 19, 2025 at 11:51 am
In this game you are playing the Vikings and Lions. Two x coaches from those teams for years.
I look at it as a division game.
Get after it……..
That’s how those coaches approach this game,
It’s a division game. Let’s go and get after it.
It’s no trap game. It’s a division game…..
GET AFTER IT….AND FINISH
Snap the ball
September 19, 2025 at 11:54 am
I wouldn’t be surprised by some trick plays from them and on special teams.
Special teams needs to be ready in this game. Period. Period…….
And I bet they go for it on 4th downs.
Snap the ball
September 19, 2025 at 12:01 pm
Ask any of you Lion, Vikings, Bears friends. What team do they dislike most in the division….they will say the Packers……why. I could go on and on why..but I won’t
The head coach and defense coordinator x Vikings and Lions coaches ….
Once again it’s a division game…..let’s take care of business………
Snap the ball
September 19, 2025 at 12:07 pm
I bet they rush 6 and 7 a lot in this game …..everyone needs to be locked in. Some big plays could happened on offense for us…
Wide outs need to win….
They might do some jet sweeps …etc……off schedule passes….the offense coordinator played QB at Norte Dame…. Look what he like to do in his playing days….
cheesehead1
September 19, 2025 at 12:32 pm
As well as we’ve played, there are no gimmies in this league. Hope they come prepared and focused as in the first two games.
PackerBackerAZ
September 19, 2025 at 02:06 pm
The Packers defense will have an easier time of it than the Browns. The Packers offense will have a tough day at the field. They will be able to outscore the Browns via a shutout.
Leatherhead
September 19, 2025 at 04:35 pm
The Browns haven't scored 20 in either game. They turn it over a couple of times a game. Their QB is 40. Their defense just gave up 34 points last week.
The Browns stuff the run. That means, you'll have to pass, and I expect the Packers will come out throwing will gash the secondary several times.
Zapato
September 19, 2025 at 04:48 pm
Maybe this is off subject, but you said Jim Brown. I'm too young to remember his playing days, but I sure heard the stories and saw the highlight films. That guy was a monster! Wow!
Leatherhead
September 19, 2025 at 05:03 pm
He was a big , fast guy, playing in an era of 250 lb DTs and 180 lb DBs. A hard guy to get on the ground. Retired at his peak.
Bitternotsour
September 19, 2025 at 07:22 pm
you neglected to include smart. big, fast, smart. Lombardi talked of gang tackling, Jim Brown required a gang to tackle. I remember as a boy yelling at the black and white TV, TACKLE HIM!
Leatherhead
September 19, 2025 at 04:56 pm
I have a little piece of statistical minutiae......
Last Week, Flacco threw 45 passes and averaged 4.4 yards/attempt. That's not factoring in for the interception, or the two sacks. Statistically, you might as well not throw if you're that bad at it. Love averages something like double that, around 9 yards/attempt.
IMO, we want Flacco to throw under pressure as much as possible, so that's going to mean not letting them get anything going on the ground. That shouldn't be that hard...the three-headed rushing attack they bring have gained them a combined 135 yards in two games, as well as eight first downs. In two games. That's not a lot of run support. If we can get Flacco to throw 45 passes against us, it just about guarantees a turnover or two and some sacks.
The big passing target is Jeudy who has 16 targets. In fact, because they throw so much, they have five guys with 11 or more targets.(Kraft has 11 targets). They'll try to dink and dunk it down the field on us....I don't think that's going to work very well.
GregC
September 19, 2025 at 08:46 pm
I like it when my team is throwing the ball downfield and the other team isn't. Those games usually turn out well for us. We've had two of those games to start the season, and I'm hoping for another one on Sunday.
LambeauPlain
September 19, 2025 at 05:23 pm
If the Packers can create effective pressure with the front 4, the Defense should be able to dictate a good share of the game.
Their sticky zone is working well behind them. Unlike Barry's soft zone, Vision and Break of Hafley has the DBs much nearer to the receiver...but all have their eyes on the QB and get to the ball quickly. Especially Nixon! And often is a swarm follows.
Bitternotsour
September 19, 2025 at 07:27 pm
It's a lot easier to play tighter coverage with great safeties. Compare Barry's safety room to the one Hafley operates with. The defensive personnel have really improved over the Barry teams - and even with that, Barry's defenses were good enough to advance in the playoffs, LaFleur's offensive failures at the end of the year ended our seasons.
MooPack
September 20, 2025 at 02:39 am
This will be a blow out. Bank it. Bet it. Packers will take care of business Sunday. Any Sunday? Not this Sunday.