The Packers continue their preseason schedule tonight against the Browns. The game will be the first game played at Lambeau Field since their incredibly disappointing (downright embarrassing) loss to the Giants in the Divisional Round of the playoffs this past January, and Packer Nation is sure to be out in full force behind their team tonight.

Prior to each game, it is a certainty that the World Wide Web is flooded with what to look for during the game articles. Topics ranging from which players needs to make an impact to what the Packers might do during the game scheme wise are discussed over and over, with each writer giving their own take on basically the same subjects.  Almost a certainty is the list consists of five topics, and I think it’s time to change all of that.

So without further ado, here are the four things I will NOT be looking for during tonight’s game:

1. Offensive fireworks: First of all, it’s the preseason. The offensive starters are going to play a quarter at best. So I’m not really sure what people expect to see beyond the first quarter. When 2^nd, 3^rd, 4^th, and even 5^th stringers enter the game, the focus should be seeing what players can do against other players who are the same caliber. Whether they score or not should be insignificant-whether they can play is primary.
2. Defense scheme: Once again, it’s the preseason. Capers and his defense are going to play vanilla defense all night. Don’t expect a lot of mad scientist blitzing from the man. Don’t expect a ton of bizarre formations at the line of scrimmage.  Focus more on the fundamentals. Things like…tackling.
3. The running game: Never mind the fact that James Starks is out. And Alex Green is still on a pitch count. And Cedric Benson is not playing tonight. And Du’ane Bennett is injured, as is Brandon Saine. The Packers are so beat up at running back right now, I’ll be happy if they come away with no more injures. Any yards they gain would be a plus. And as Corey Behnke said last night on Packer Transplants “Why run when you can win”. There is a lot of truth to that statement.
4. The final score: It’s preseason. These games don’t mean anything. Nothing. Nada. Zip. Zilch. Remember when the Lions went 4-0 in the preseason? They wound up going 0-16 in the regular season. I don’t care one bit if the Packers win or lose tonight. What I do care about is whether the team can continue to improve, and find the best 53 players which will help lead the Packers back to the Super Bowl.

There you have it, the four things I will not be looking at during tonight’s game against the Browns. Not trying to sound like a hater or not a fan, but it is very difficult for me to get excited for anything preseason game related.

If there was a fast forward button to the regular season I would be pushing it perpetually right now.