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September 18, 2019 at 8:53 pm #105286
znModeratorBrowns prepare to face the “best player in the league”
Mike Florio
He may not be among the way-too-early MVP candidates, but he continues to be regarded by many as the single best player in the NFL.
He’s Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald. He returns to NBC’s Sunday Night Football this week to face the Browns.
“He is the best player in the league,” Browns guard Joel Bitonio told reporters on Wednesday regarding Donald. “He is strong against the run. He is strong against the pass. He does everything well. People say coming out he was undersized slightly and things like that, but he has all of the power you need to play that position and all of the leverage you need. He has speed. When you think you are going to try to shut off the speed move, he can counter with his power move.
“That first step has people panic, and when people panic, you overset him or move too quick and he moves inside. He kind of plays everywhere. He is on the left, he is on the right, he lines up outside sometimes and they move him around. You can kind of tell with their defense he is definitely a focal point for a lot of teams so sometimes he does not have the stats. I think he only has two tackles this year maybe, but if you watch the film, he is making plays.”
Chris Simms would put those outcomes in the “eff up the play” statistical category. Donald likely leads the league on that front.
“You have to trust in your technique, and hopefully, watch enough film and understand the situation,” Bitonio said regarding the strategy for avoiding panic in response to Donald’s first step. “He is good enough where if you take one bad step . . . . If you are perfect in your technique, you have a chance, and you take that bad step and lean or do something wrong, that is when he takes advantage of it.”
Browns running back Nick Chubb was more basic in his description of Donald.
“He is a monster,” Chubb said. “He is a beast. Every play he is going full speed, 100 miles per hour. He is hard to stop. We have to do our best every play to make sure we have someone on him and someone to try and slow him down.”
Indeed they do. Because Donald alone can keep the Browns from getting into an offensive rhythm.
“He is an unbelievable player,” quarterback Baker Mayfield said. “His game speaks for itself. He works very hard at what he does. That is why he is one of the best in the game right now. He creates a monster itself within his game, but then also that creates opportunities for other guys to get one-on-one matchups. Not just is his game a game-changer, but it allows for those other guys to play free.”
That’s the challenge the Browns will face as they play their second prime-time game in six days against an opponent far more potent than the Jets.
September 18, 2019 at 8:57 pm #105287znModeratorRams (2-0) at Browns (1-1)
8:20 p.m. ET (NBC)
Point spread: Rams, -3The Browns didn’t prove much with their win over the New York Jets on Monday night as they were facing a third-string quarterback for the large majority of the contest. Baker Mayfield hasn’t taken the leap that many expected to this point and it’s hard to to be impressed by the 3-points allowed by the Cleveland defense against New York when factoring in the competition. The fact that Tennessee lost to the Colts in Week 2 makes that 43-13 thumping of the Browns that much more concerning for the AFC North squad. Los Angeles, meanwhile, will be the toughest test they’ll face all year and it doesn’t look like they’ll be up for it on primetime.
September 18, 2019 at 8:59 pm #105288znModeratorLos Angeles Rams at Cleveland Browns
Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET, NBCThe Browns are on the board with a win, but they won’t have a chance against the Rams if their offense doesn’t play better than it did against the shorthanded Jets. Cleveland’s bigger problem in this game, though, is being able to cover all of Los Angeles’ receivers. That offense is just getting warmed up.
Prediction: Rams 31, Browns 21
September 19, 2019 at 8:44 pm #105315znModeratorWeek 2 / Baker vs Jets
Not sure what happened to the Baker of 2018 who threw the ball on time all over the field. So far he's been extremely tentative even with open receivers as part of his progression. This first clip paints a good picture of just that: pic.twitter.com/MIBgnRfwyF— Seth Galina (@SethGalina) September 20, 2019
September 19, 2019 at 11:08 pm #105319znModeratorBrowns could be missing several starters Sunday against Rams
BEREA, Ohio (AP) — The Browns came away from their blowout over the Jets badly bruised, and could be without several starters Sunday night against the Los Angeles Rams.
The most notable injury is to linebacker and captain Christian Kirksey, who has a chest injury that could require surgery and sideline him indefinitely.
While his teammates practiced the past two days, Kirksey has been limited to working on the side with trainers. He won’t play this week and Thursday coach Freddie Kitchens said the team was still gauging whether he would need an operation.
”We are trying to evaluate and see what the best course of action is with him,” Kitchens said.
With Kirksey out, rookie Mack Wilson will start. But he doesn’t have experience and that could hurt the Browns when facing one of the most potent offenses in the NFL.
”He’s the leader in our room. He’s the leader on the defense, the vocal leader. He’s the leader on the team,” linebacker Joe Schobert said. ”So not having his presence out there is definitely going to be missed. But I’ve got a lot of faith in the young guys, what they’ve shown through spring, through training camp, up to now. Now to be under the lights it’ll be a little bit bigger, but they played at big-time universities in big-time games and I’m excited to see what they do.”
Wilson played 11 snaps against the Jets and had four tackles.
Also, the Browns were awaiting another medical opinion on tight end David Njoku. He broke his right wrist in Monday’s win and may need surgery.
The list of injured doesn’t end there as right tackle Chris Hubbard (foot) and safeties Damarious Randall (concussion) and Morgan Burnett (leg) also missed practice Thursday. And starting cornerbacks Denzel Ward and Greedy Williams were limited with hamstring injuries.
Hubbard was in Cleveland’s locker room wearing a walking boot, and there remains a chance he’ll play. If not, Justin McCray, who was acquired from the Packers last month and played in Cleveland’s opener, would replace him in the starting lineup.
”I have a lot of confidence in Justin,” Kitchens said. ”He is competing, trying to get better and understands what is in front of him, and I expect him to go out and perform – and perform well.”
September 20, 2019 at 8:46 am #105321znModeratorSeptember 20, 2019 at 8:47 am #105322znModeratorSeptember 20, 2019 at 9:15 am #105324
wvParticipantSeptember 20, 2019 at 9:17 am #105326znModerator"To misquote Marshall Mathers: Will the real Baker Mayfield please stand up?" — @getnickwright pic.twitter.com/UUXLdgvMw5
— First Things First (@FTFonFS1) September 20, 2019
September 20, 2019 at 10:01 am #105330znModeratorBrowns vs Rams is a coaching mismatch
Your vid, WV…Gottlieb likes the Rams…it starts at 7:30 in.
September 20, 2019 at 3:32 pm #105347znModeratorRams secondary prepared for Odell Beckham Jr. and Jarvis Landry
Stu Jackson
https://www.therams.com/news/rams-secondary-prepared-for-odell-beckham-jarvis-landryPreviewing Browns/Rams on ‘Sunday Night Football’
https://www.ohio.com/sports/20190919/previewing-brownsrams-on-sunday-night-footballRash of injuries testing ‘next man up’ mantra for Browns
https://www.news-herald.com/sports/browns/rash-of-injuries-testing-next-man-up-mantra-for-browns/article_0bbdef48-db1f-11e9-9861-b37de0ef0489.htmlBrowns’ Myles Garrett wants to put on show vs. Defensive Player of Year he hopes to dethrone
https://www.ohio.com/sports/20190919/browns-myles-garrett-wants-to-put-on-show-vs-defensive-player-of-year-he-hopes-to-dethroneSeptember 20, 2019 at 3:34 pm #105348znModeratorRams vs. Cleveland Browns: Who has the edge?
link https://www.dailynews.com/2019/09/20/rams-vs-cleveland-browns-who-has-the-edge/
RAMS OFFENSE vs. BROWNS DEFENSE
The Rams’ offense has gotten off to slow starts, totaling one touchdown in the two first halves, but they have yet to trail in a game. Could that trend catch up to them? Concerns about the offensive line deepened when right guard Austin Blythe sprained an ankle against the Saints. If Blythe doesn’t play, could the line’s youth catch up to them? Jared Goff and receivers Brandin Cooks and Cooper Kupp had bright moments last week, but the passing game hasn’t clicked consistently. That really could catch up to them against a Cleveland defense ranked fifth in passing yards allowed and third in quarterback sacks thanks to defensive end Myles Garrett’s NFL-high five. Of course, the Browns compiled a lot of those numbers against the Jets’ third-string quarterback. The Rams’ advantage isn’t as big as it will be when the offense shows its usual rhythm, but … EDGE: Rams
BROWNS OFFENSE vs. RAMS DEFENSE
The Rams’ rushing defense acquitted itself against the Saints’ Alvin Kamara, whom they held to 45 yards to lower their yards-against to 4.3 per carry, much better than last season’s league-worst 5.1. The scary part of the Browns’ offense isn’t running back Nick Chubb, though. It’s quarterback Baker Mayfield and a receiving corps that features Odell Beckham Jr. as well as fellow wide receiver Jarvis Landry. Super-athletic tight end David Njoku suffered a broken wrist in Monday night’s victory over the Jets, so the Rams won’t have to deal with him. But this offense still poses an unfamiliar challenge to most of this year’s Rams. It takes the form of unpredictability, in Mayfield’s ability to extend plays by scrambling, and explosiveness, in Beckham’s talent for turning any catch into a touchdown. Defense tackle Aaron Donald was on the Rams’ injury report, limited in practice by a stiff back that kept him out of a few plays against the Saints. EDGE: Browns
SPECIAL TEAMS
The game shows off the NFL’s No. 2 and No. 4 punt returners this season — the Rams’ JoJo Natson (15.3 yards per return) and the Browns’ Landry (12.0). Also the No. 3 kickoff returner — Cleveland’s Dontrell Hilliard (26.7). The Rams have solid veterans in kicker Greg Zuerlein, 32, and punter Johnny Hekker, 29, against first-year Browns kicker Austin Seibert, 23, and punter Jamie Gillan, 22. EDGE: Rams
COACHING
Rams coach Sean McVay is 8-5 against coaches with Super Bowl victories after beating the Saints’ Sean Payton for the third time in four meetings. He can handle the Browns’ Freddie Kitchens, a coach with a single NFL victory to his name, until proven otherwise. McVay said he was able to scope out the Browns’ offensive philosophy from the stretch in which Kitchens was calling their plays last season. EDGE: Rams
INTANGIBLES
A prime-time home game is something new for the Browns and their fans, who will be fired up. After a mistake-strewn opening loss to the Titans and an easy win over the Jets, this is the first real test of how the Browns stack up against Super Bowl contenders. That gives Cleveland a certain sense of purpose and emotional edge. Which would mean more if the Rams weren’t getting use to every opponent viewing them as a measuring stick. EDGE: Browns
MATCHUP TO WATCH
Odell Beckham Jr. vs. 11 Rams. Looks like an even contest between the Browns’ flashy receiver and the L.A. defense. Cornerbacks Aqib Talib and Marcus Peters play fixed sides, right and left respectively, and they’ll look for help from the safeties and linebackers, and counting on the line to pressure Baker Mayfield. So no lone Ram is responsible for containing the man whose 89-yard catch-and-run against the New York Jets was the NFL’s longest play from scrimmage this year.
PREDICTION: RAMS 28, BROWNS 24
The Rams win if they put together a complete performance. They can also win if they don’t, as they demonstrated in the first two weeks. They’ve developed the confidence and poise to pull out close games, going 6-1 since the start of the 2018 season in games that were within 3 points in the last 4 minutes, after going 2-3 in 2017 in the same situation. That’s an edge for the more seasoned team here.
September 20, 2019 at 4:10 pm #105351znModeratorRams vs. Browns: What to expect Sunday night
Zac Jackson and Vinny Bonsignore
https://theathletic.com/1228113/2019/09/20/rams-vs-browns-what-to-expect-sunday-night/
Sunday night’s Rams-Browns game has at least a little national sizzle. It’s still September, but it has long-term importance to both teams. It has the reigning NFC champions at 2-0 visiting a 1-1 Browns team that’s dealing with significant injuries on offense and defense.
At least three Browns starters will miss the game. Five more are questionable, including right tackle Chris Hubbard and both starting cornerbacks, Greedy Williams and Denzel Ward. Given the Rams’ embarrassment of riches at wide receiver and in their pass rush, the Browns obviously hope they can have as many regulars available as possible.
Both sides have star power, and two of the Browns’ biggest stars are off to strong starts. Myles Garrett leads the NFL with five sacks and Odell Beckham Jr. had an 89-yard touchdown as part of a big game last week. The Browns’ offense as a whole has been choppy and inconsistent, but Beckham’s gamebreaking ability gives the Browns a chance to get well in a hurry.
Garrett eventually hopes to unseat Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald, the two-time reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year. The Browns hope to limit the Rams’ pass rush by finding success in the run game with Nick Chubb, who was a non-factor in the opener but had a 19-yard touchdown run last week. For the Rams, Clay Matthews and Dante Fowler share the team lead with two sacks apiece at this early stage.
Browns tight end David Njoku has a broken wrist and is out indefinitely, but as of Friday, the Browns had not yet announced if Njoku would need surgery or if he’ll be placed on injured-reserve. The team fears that veteran linebacker Christian Kirksey suffered a significant pectoral injury last week; Kirksey is out this week, but there’s been no official diagnosis or update from the team.
Damarious Randall will miss a second consecutive game due to a concussion. The other listed starter at safety, Morgan Burnett, is questionable due to a quad injury. Rookie backup safety Sheldrick Redwine is also questionable with a hamstring injury. At cornerback, the Browns called up Robert Jackson from the practice squad as Ward and Williams both sat out practice Friday.
“The guys who show up are going to play well and compete every snap,” Browns coach Freddie Kitchens said. “I firmly believe that.”
Rookie Mack Wilson will start in place of Kirksey and faces a difficult challenge against a Rams offense that will feature running back Todd Gurley but will also test the Browns’ cornerbacks, regardless of whether the starters play. Cooper Kupp is back from a torn ACL and leads the Rams through two games with 12 receptions for 166 yards.
The Browns are shorthanded at offensive tackle with top backup Kendall Lamm sidelined due to a knee injury, so Justin McCray is next in line if Hubbard can’t play. Behind McCray would probably be Austin Corbett, who’s been inactive the first two games. With Njoku out, Demtetrius Harris goes from top blocking tight end to the starter and Ricky Seals-Jones figures to see his first significant action since being claimed by the Browns earlier this month.
There’s also a little nostalgia involved with the Browns’ first Sunday night game in 11 years. Matthews’ father, Clay Matthews Jr. , will be inducted into the Browns’ Ring of Honor during a halftime ceremony. The elder Matthews played 16 of his 19 NFL seasons with the Browns.
Here’s a deep dive into Rams-Browns from writers who cover both teams …
What happened last week?
Vincent Bonsignore (Rams): The Rams beat the Saints 27-9 in a rematch of the NFC Championship Game, and while an asterisk needs to be attached given the injury to Drew Brees early in the first quarter, the Rams made noticeable progress from their season-opening win, and that bodes well. More specifically, the Rams offense seemed to finally get untracked in the second half after a sluggish start against the Carolina Panthers and in the first half against the Saints. By cashing in with three touchdowns to blow the game open, Jared Goff and the offensive line found a rhythm and efficiency level that had eluded them through the first six quarters of the season. The defense has been active and aggressive and stout throughout, thus far, and while they did play most of Sunday against Teddy Bridgewater rather than Brees it’s worth mentioning they did force an interception on Brees’ opening drive.
Zac Jackson (Browns): The hapless Jets never had a chance. Myles Garrett camped out in the backfield and knocked out backup quarterback Trevor Siemian, forcing the Jets to turn to recent practice squad call-up Luke Falk. Beckham made one big play in each half, and the game was never really in doubt. The Browns needed a bounceback performance after laying an egg in Week 1 and got one, though the offense left points on the field.
Current state of the team
Bonsignore : The Rams suffered a couple of prominent injuries as right guard Austin Blythe went down with an ankle sprain and tight end Tyler Higbee suffered a chest injury against the Saints. Their status for Sunday night is in question. Of the two, I’d be most surprised if Blythe is back against the Browns. If not, second-year backup Jamil Demby will get the nod. He delivered a solid effort in relief of Blythe against the Saints and is well regarded by the coaching staff. If Higbee is a no-go, expect Gerald Everett to get the bulk of the snaps with Johnny Mundt being active on the 46-man roster. Everett has big-play potential and could be a sneaky fantasy pick this week if his snap-count increases as expected. Overall the Rams are in a good place at this point of the season with an arrow pointing decidedly upward. They are 2-0 with plenty of room to grow. Obviously the continued development of Goff, who seemed to get untracked a bit in the second half on Sunday, and the health of Gurley will be season-long items to monitor. But so far so good.
Jackson: The Browns are just OK. They’re in the win column. They have some stars. They have higher expectations of themselves, and that’s a good thing after so many years of awful football. This week’s game will challenge the Browns in myriad ways. If the Browns can find some offensive consistency and keep what’s sure to be a lively crowd into the game, they could put the first two games in the past and score a huge victory.
Pulse of the fan base
Bonsignore : For all the obvious reasons, Rams fans are pretty geeked right now and specifically for this week as the big stage of Sunday night welcomes their team against the up-and-coming Browns, who feature all sorts of star power and weaponry.
Jackson: On edge. Week 1 was a disaster, and though last week was a 20-point win, Baker Mayfield has been far from spectacular and the offense is sputtering. Add the injuries and only the most optimistic of Browns fans think the home team can win this one.
What’s been working
Bonsignore : The defense has been solid thus far, even with the big game achieved by Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey. The Rams are top 10 in run and pass defense and points allowed, and if they can hang in there in that position in those categories, the path to their third consecutive division title blows wide open. Provided their offense continues to build on the momentum of last week — with Goff and Kupp redeveloping their connection, and with Brandin Cooks and Robert Woods being reliable and productive and Gurley and backup Malcolm Brown forming a two-headed running tandem, bright days are ahead.
Jackson: Garrett has been all over the place; he just needs to avoid the penalties that have plagued him and the team as a whole. Beckham is still freaky good. The special teams have been exactly what they weren’t last year. Rookie punter Jamie Gillan is the reigning AFC Special Teams Player of the Week; most important, Gillan has allowed only one punt return to this point.
Weaknesses
Bonsignore : The Rams offensive line has just been OK, not dominant, thus far this year, and young guard Joe Noteboom has to continue to pick it up. He hasn’t graded out particularly well so far according to various sites but he did play better, according to coaches, in Week 2 and as long as he’s making progress week to week the staff will be satisfied. That said, if there is one area in which the Rams need steady improvement, the offensive line is it.
Jackson: The Browns haven’t been able to establish a quick-rhythm passing game, and that’s led to Mayfield taking too many hits. The defense has only forced one turnover, and the penalty issue will linger until the Browns play a clean game. The longtime tackling issue is at the forefront this week, too, especially given the Browns figure to have at least a couple of backups in prominent roles. Kirksey just played one of his best games in his six-year tenure with the team. His loss is a significant one.
Matchup you’re watching
Bonsignore : My eyes go directly to Beckham versus the Rams secondary, as I am fascinated by how defensive coordinator Wade Phillips plans to defend the Browns’ electrifying wide receiver. I expect Phillips to continually change his looks up, while pairing Beckham up against Aqib Talib or Marcus Peters with safety help from John Johnson, Eric Weddle and others.
Jackson: Donald versus Browns guards Joel Bitonio and Eric Kush. Donald is going to get into the backfield; he’s the league’s most disruptive player. The Browns have to keep him from wrecking their whole evening and have to keep Mayfield upright. There’s a lot of season left.
X-factor Sunday night
Bonsignore : I feel like Weddle and his ability to decipher opposing offenses while also luring quarterbacks into traps will play a role Sunday night, and it might mean a costly turnover by Baker Mayfield and the Browns and/or a big play by the Rams defense. And that might end up being the difference in a close game.
Jackson: Rashard Higgins. Especially with questions at tight end, the Browns need Higgins to be productive in his return from injury. He and Mayfield have a knack for making things happen when the original plan breaks down, and that figures to be key for the Browns against the Rams’ pass rush.
They win if …
Bonsignore : The offensive line gives Jared Goff time to operate. If so, Goff will be in position to carve the Browns up while using all the weapons he has at his disposal. If not, it could be a long night for the Rams.
Jackson: They win the turnover battle and allow Mayfield to find a groove early. The Browns have to win the time of possession and field position battle. They have to tackle well, and they’ll likely need Beckham to make at least one big play.
Predicted final score
Bonsignore : Rams, 31-24
Jackson: Rams, 24-20
September 21, 2019 at 12:34 am #105378znModeratorSeptember 21, 2019 at 12:59 am #105379
ZooeyModeratorIs there a yapper who deserves a paycheck less than Skip Bayless?
I’m not sure that anybody on the planet takes him seriously.
September 21, 2019 at 8:57 am #105383znModeratorRandom Ramsdom, 9/21: Injury woes for the Browns could lead to an offensive breakout for the Rams https://t.co/S5kQFPFYKp
— TurfShowTimes (@TurfShowTimes) September 21, 2019
September 21, 2019 at 11:05 am #105397wvParticipantIs there a yapper who deserves a paycheck less than Skip Bayless?
I’m not sure that anybody on the planet takes him seriously.
=================
Well, his wife might take him seriously. I dunno.
September 21, 2019 at 11:13 am #105401
Billy_TParticipantOn the other thread about Donald and the triple teaming. Apologies if this was already mentioned. That says bad things about the rest of the Rams’ D, in my view. If one guy is getting tripled, no excuse for others on the D not to get to the QB, and often.
Is it scheme? Or player production? Both? Regardless, the Rams need to figure out how to exploit that craziness. It’s like if a D tripled Jordan, someone else on the Bulls was going to be open for a dunk or a layup. That’s just numbers. Two guys to defend four? etc. etc.
September 21, 2019 at 11:33 am #105405
nittany ramModeratorIs there a yapper who deserves a paycheck less than Skip Bayless?
I’m not sure that anybody on the planet takes him seriously.
=================
Well, his wife might take him seriously. I dunno.
Skip yells at his wife because he thinks opening a door in SoCal has some immediate effect on a pass play in KC.
As if we needed another reason not to take him seriously.
September 21, 2019 at 5:54 pm #105425znModeratorBaker Mayfield tells @miketirico that Browns players expect to end a 17-year playoff drought this season https://t.co/pKxAGx4cS8
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) September 21, 2019
September 21, 2019 at 6:03 pm #105426znModeratorWho to watch for, what to watch for + keys to victory as the #LARams travel to Cleveland for @SNFonNBC!
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) September 21, 2019
September 22, 2019 at 10:52 am #105453znModeratorWhy the Rams offense will break out against the Browns
J.B. Long
https://www.therams.com/news/why-the-rams-offense-will-break-out-against-the-browns
This is the week the Rams offense comes alive.
Not that 28.5 points per game isn’t a respectable average. By the Sean McVay standard, it just feels, well… average.
Consider that Los Angeles led the league in first half scoring in 2017 and ranked second in 2018.
So far this season, the Rams have mustered only three first quarter points in two games and have scored just one first half touchdown. That translates to a modest 19 first half points, combined.
It changes Sunday night in Cleveland.
The Los Angeles Rams practice ahead of this week’s Sunday Night Football matchup against the Cleveland Browns.
I can’t recall seeing an opposing injury report like the Browns have put out this week, with four contributors ruled out and eight others questionable to face the Rams.
Let’s start in the secondary, where safety Damarious Randall is a scratch and the other three starters (cornerbacks Denzel Ward and Greedy Williams and safety Morgan Burnett) will be game-time decisions.
As for starting linebackers, Christian Kirksey has been ruled out, while Adarius Taylor is questionable.
On offense, the Browns will also have to replace dynamic tight end David Njoku, who may require wrist surgery.
Austin Blythe could be the first Rams offensive lineman to miss a start due to injury since McVay was hired, but they’ll get no sympathy from the opponents in prime time.
These are opportunities you must capitalize on in the NFL.
We’ve Seen This Movie Before
It’s a small sample size, to be certain. But against Steve Wilkes’ Arizona defense last season, the Rams notched 34-0 and 31-9 victories, amassing 893 yards of total offense against the Cardinals. After a one-and-done opportunity as head coach in the desert, Wilkes now runs the defense in Cleveland. And with due respect to Marcus Mariota and Trevor Siemian/Luke Falk, Jared Goff operates the best offense the Browns will have faced in 2019.
Top Trio Versus Dynamic Duo
Which receiving corps would you rather have: Browns or Rams?
Objectively, there’s a very good case to be made for Odell Beckham, Jr. and Jarvis Landry. However, the Browns are still trying to pin down a third with Rashard Higgins, Damion Ratley, or potentially currently-suspended Antonio Callaway.
Meantime, the Rams are the only NFL team with three 100-yard receivers, and the way they compete in the running game, block for each other, and threaten defenses with jet sweeps, you wouldn’t trade this trio for any other.
Time to Get Right (Tackle)
That’s not to say the Rams don’t have questions to answer on offense at 2-0, and they primarily involve the offensive line. After a career-season in 2018, Rob Havenstein is off to a slow start against elite competition. Cam Jordan had a field day in the Coliseum last week. The Panthers were able to puncture the pocket against him in Week One, as well.
Now Blythe is dinged, and Pro Bowl defensive end Olivier Vernon awaits in Cleveland, hoping for his first sacks of 2019.
Rams offensive line coach Aaron Kromer exudes nothing but calm confidence, however.
“I haven’t been around a group that was this young, and that every eyeball, every word you say, they’re intentionally listening,” he said this week. “When you have something like that, you can grow. Our goal is to be at our peak at the end of the season.”
Best on Best
On the other side of the line, I think you’ll find the matchup of the game, and one of the best in the NFL this week.
The top selection in 2017, Myles Garrett has already put his name atop the defensive player of the year conversation. Albeit against the lowly Jets, he’s coming off a career-high three sacks on Monday Night, plus two roughing the passer penalties.
Garrett does his damage from right defensive end, meaning he’ll be working in Andrew Whitworth’s office on Sunday Night.
One Block and Gurley’s Gone
In his first 29 regular season games playing in McVay’s offense, Todd Gurley averaged 47 receiving yards per contest.
In his last 5 games (including 2018 postseason), he has 13 receiving yards, TOTAL.
Perhaps more than any other dimension of the Rams offense, this is the piece that’s been missing since December 2018.
However, if you watch the first offensive snap of Week Two, Los Angeles is one block away from scoring a touchdown off a screen and erasing this talking point altogether.
How Good is This Defense, Really?
So far, so good for this veteran-fortified group.
However, if you want to discount their performance through two weeks, it’s not difficult.
First, they surrendered over 200 scrimmage yards to Christian McCaffrey and “survived” against Cam Newton, who is an injured shell of his MVP self and won’t play in Week Three.
Next, they knocked out a future first-ballot Hall of Famer in Drew Brees and feasted on an underprepared, conservative Teddy Bridgewater for the better part of three quarters.
In the Rams defense – pun very intended – they can only play what’s in front of them. And whether it’s creating takeaways on both opening drives or keeping opponents out of the end zone for every quarter Eric Weddle has finished, they’ve been great. Football Outsiders has them fifth overall through two weeks.
Diffusing Defense
With the above caveats, no team has been better at limiting chunk plays.
Opposing offenses have just two gains of 20-plus yards against the Rams defense; that’s two fewer than any other franchise.
Between Baker Mayfield, Nick Chubb, and OBJ, the Browns will thoroughly challenge this stat on Sunday.
Relying on Former Rams
It feels like there’s a misperception about the Browns offensive line. I’ve heard repeatedly this week that the Rams pass rush is going to chew them up in the trenches.
Perhaps this is because Mayfield’s protections includes two players the Rams released: former first-round draft pick Greg Robinson and Eric Kush (he of Fat Arm American Friday fame).
While Robinson continues to underwhelm, Kush has been solid in Chicago and Cleveland. Plus, on the interior, the Browns have been stout, particularly at left guard where Joel Bitinio is PFF’s top-graded player at his position.
It will be interesting to see where Aaron Donald chooses to go to work this weekend.
Weddle’s Week?
I’ll leave you with a quick nugget on Weddle, in the hopes he breaks his interception drought on Sunday night.
The 13-year pro’s last pick came in Cleveland in December 2017, and his four interceptions (in eight games) against the Browns match his career high against any opponent (also four against the Chiefs in 19 games).
September 22, 2019 at 11:15 am #105457znModeratorfrom NFL Week 3 game picks: Chiefs edge Ravens; Rams top Browns
Gregg Rosenthal
Los Angeles Rams 24, Cleveland Browns 22
Stalwart left tackle Andrew Whitworth is coming off perhaps his worst game as a Ram, highlighting what’s been an early trouble spot for the defending NFC champions. They have struggled up front, ranking No. 30 in PFF’s pass-blocking grades and No. 28 in run-blocking through two weeks. That’s worrisome coming into a matchup against a loaded Browns defensive line led by Myles Garrett.
The iffy line play has contributed to a lack of offensive rhythm, which has also plagued the Browns. Baker Mayfield has hit some wow throws, as usual, but there haven’t been many on-time throws to go with his four picks, eight sacks and 6.4 adjusted yards per attempt. Both offenses should be playing better by November, but I trust Sean McVay’s coaching staff in Year 3 over Freddie Kitchens in Game 3 to find ways to win when the script doesn’t go according to plan on Sunday night.
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