The Cleveland Browns lead 30-7 over the Green Bay Packers through three quarters on Thursday night, an impressive showing against one of the NFL's best teams. Even though we're still talking about the preseason, the Browns are now on their way to a second consecutive victory over an opponent that made the postseason in 2011.
The defense has been vital on Thursday, allowing just eight first downs and 169 total yards to Green Bay over the first three quarters. The Packers managed to capitalize on an opportunity in the first minute of the game following a Montario Hardesty fumble, but they've been unable to return to the end zone since taking that initial 7-0 lead.
With the defense doing its part, the Browns have scored 30 unanswered points to effectively pull away from the Packers. Back-up quarterback Colt McCoy completed 4-of-6 passes for 58 yards in the third quarter, leading the Browns to a second third-quarter score after David Sims returned an interception 38 yards for a touchdown earlier in the period.
For more on the Cleveland Browns, check out their SB Nation blog at Dawgs By Nature. More news and analysis on the NFL as preseason begins can be found over at SB Nation's dedicated NFL hub.