Driver helps Packers cruise past Browns
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Posted By Kyle Whitfield 5:31 PM
[img_r]http://i.tsn.com/i/photos/20091025/127657.jpg[/img_r]Is Donald Driver becoming Green Bay's go-to wide receiver?
Driver again outshined teammate Greg Jennings, catching two passes for 84 yards and a touchdown in the Packers' ho-hum 31-3 win against the Browns.
Jennings finished with five receptions for 52 yards and hasn't scored a touchdown in four weeks. He hasn't scored since Week 1, so you can't be faulted for starting Driver over Jennings.
And after calling out Ryan Grant during the week, he responded with 27 carries for 148 yards and a touchdown. Grant is one of the few backs in the league who hogs most of his team's carries, so there's always a chance he can have games like these. But his inconsistency makes him a better option as an RB2.
Aaron Rodgers was his usual reliable self. He threw for 246 yards and three touchdowns, giving him 11 passing TDs this season and one rushing TD. He's easily one of the top-10 quarterbacks in the league.
Meanwhile, Cleveland's quarterback -- and its entire offense, actually -- is still painful as ever to watch. No breaking news here.
Colleague Matt Lutovsky pointed out today that Joshua Cribbs is the only Browns player you can confidently put in your fantasy lineup each week. -- and that's only in leagues that count return yardage. Too bad you can count punters. Cleveland's Dave Zastudil averaged 46.3 yards per punt.
Derek Anderson was awful as usual, throwing for 99 yards and an interception. But how's this for some perspective? Those 99 yards passing are his third-highest total of the season. He also has two touchdowns this season compared to seven interceptions.
At wide receiver, Mohamed Massaquoi's stock has fallen since his eight-catch, 148-yard performance in Week 4. He's clinging to WR2 status and is a better bet as a WR3.
Cleveland's backfield is having its share of problems too. Jamal Lewis had 15 carries for 47 yards, and Jerome Harrison had three carries for 7 yards. It's hard to gauge each week who will get most of the Browns' carries. Only rely on either of those backs as RB3 options, at best.
Green Bay draws a tough matchup next week at home against Minnesota for Brett Favre Bowl, part two. And Cleveland will go on the road to face Chicago.