Rams C Brian Allen did some VERY impressive things as a run-blocker in Week 2.

Create torque w/the backside hand to help define the RB's read? ☑️

Bang down (pin), climb, & release at the perfect time on a double? ☑️

Intersect the Mike w/great angles & very good play speed? ☑️ pic.twitter.com/yV1mybfsU7

— Brandon Thorn (@BrandonThornNFL) September 20, 2019

Rams Head Coach Sean McVay – September 20, 2019

(Opening Remarks)
“From an injury standpoint, we’re going to rule (TE) Tyler Higbee out. We’re going to keep him back, hopefully we’ll be able to get him back next week. The other guys with (OL) Austin (Blythe) and then (DT) Aaron (Donald) will be listed as questionable. Aaron is feeling good, probably just more a semantics than anything else.”

(On if OL Austin Blythe is able to play on Sunday)
“There’s a chance. With these ankle injuries, it’s one of those deals we’re going to use all the time that we do have. See if we can get some of that swelling out and if he feels good enough, then we’ll make a decision on that. Really, it’s just a matter of thinking through, ‘Okay, who’s going to be kind of that 44th, 45th, 46th guy that you want to use up?’ If he’s feeling good enough to do that, we may go that direction, but we’re going to use the time that we do have.”

(On how he feels about TE Gerald Everett stepping into the starting tight end role)
“Very good. He’s a starting caliber player. He’s done a great job. We’re really fortunate to have two good tight ends that we feel like are starting type players. I think (TE) Gerald (Everett) will get a chance to demonstrate why he can really play on all three downs as well.”

(On if there was a specific play that DT Aaron Donald did something to his back on)
“I can’t remember. I remember there was a certain reaction afterwards. He plays so physical and violent, I think it was more just the torque that he created on his own. I’m not exactly sure which specific play it was.”

(On if Donald’s back is something that they are worried about lingering)
“No, it’s more muscular than anything else. He felt a lot better today. More than anything, we’re just being as smart and as careful as we can with Aaron.”

(On if Donald is questionable for Sunday)
“He’s playing (laughs). It’s a questionable because really, we’re smart with him. He didn’t do some things, but unless something really unforeseen happens, this guy is going on Sunday night.”

(On if he checks into the availability of WR Antonio Brown since the Patriots released him or if they pass)
“You always look into things. We evaluate, but with the situation we have specific to the receiver position, we couldn’t be happier with the guys that we do have.”

(On his assessment of the Browns)
“I think they’ve got really good players. I think they did a great job last year. If you just look at the latter half of the season, they won a lot of games, played really good, productive football. I think two games is really a very small sample size to evaluate what the season looks like in terms of the entirety of the league. You definitely see in the two games why they’re a very tough match up. You see why the hype is real. They’ve got great players, they’ve got good coaches and its going to be a great challenge for us to go to their place and see if we can come away with a win.”

(On how he feels CBs Marcus Peters and Aqib Talib have played so far)
“I think they’ve done a nice job. I think really our defense as a whole has done an outstanding job communicating. Like with anything else, there’s always some things that we can continue to clean up. I think in terms of limiting the big plays when you look at we’ve only given up two plays over 20-yards in the first two games against two explosive offenses, that’s a very positive thing. Make offenses snap it one more time, but been pleased with those guys.”

(On his decision to leave tomorrow rather than today)
“The time that we kick off. Last year when we actually played Chicago on Sunday night, it felt like we were there for two and a half weeks. (laughs) I think more than anything, being able to have an extra day and just getting the body clock adjusted and just some of the things that I’ve been educated on – on what’s going to be the best way to travel, but keep our guys in a normal rhythm and a routine. We’ve practiced a little bit later this week and we’ll get up earlier tomorrow and we’ll fly out there. Because we kick off later, we felt like it’s not going to be something that you need to go two days in advance. Different than Carolina where it was 10 o’clock in our heads, so that was a three-hour time change just kind of getting guys acclimated. That was what went into that approach. Similar, to like what we did in the NFC Championship if we were kicking off even at 4:00 or something like that, you feel like you can make it a one-day trip as long as all the things align with what we want to do from a sports-science standpoint.”

wv wrote:

I mean, Brown was in Movies. Classics. I think he was in McHales Navy, er somethin. Jackie Brown vs Godzilla. The Dirty Toaster. Somethin. I forget, but I know he was in movies. Massey couldnt act.

w
v

He was in The Naked Gun.

Rams 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

from https://www.dailynews.com/2019/09/20/rams-vs-cleveland-browns-who-has-the-edge/

The Rams…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.

Rams secondary prepared for Odell Beckham Jr. and Jarvis Landry
Stu Jackson
https://www.therams.com/news/rams-secondary-prepared-for-odell-beckham-jarvis-landry

Previewing Browns/Rams on ‘Sunday Night Football’
https://www.ohio.com/sports/20190919/previewing-brownsrams-on-sunday-night-football

Rash 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.html

Browns’ 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-dethrone

Sosa K@QBsMVP
The Browns and Rams are the only two teams yet to allow a receiving touchdown….. I’ve got a feeling there might be only one left after Sunday.

J.B. Long@JB_Long
Browns down a starter at safety, and both corners are questionable to face the #LARams.

PFF LA Rams@PFF_Rams
Through 2 weeks, #LARams Cory Littleton has the 8th highest defensive overall grade among all defenders in the #NFL!

rushmore

Long-time Browns fan. Here’s what I know about Sunday night’s game and the Browns:

The Browns are not yet ready for prime time. I expect your side to win – though not by the margin some of the posters here suggest. Obviously I hope to be wrong, but I think the Browns are meeting the Rams too early in the season to have much of a chance against a more experienced coach and a team that has played together for a longer period of time. But make no mistake – the Browns are progressing from a terrible team to one that has a chance to be very special. I DO expect the latter half of the season to be a much better indicator of who the Browns can be. And I think – given our division – that we’ll be in the discussion to be AFCN champs. The team that *may* go to the playoffs for once is going to be much stronger than what you saw in Week 1.

Baker. Very strong arm, very accurate. But he’s young and sometimes overly aggressive. And if we fall behind, he’s shown an initial tendency to push for a quick strike or score rather than settle for the checkdown. THAT is what has led to too many picks. But if the game is close or if the Browns go up, don’t expect him to throw too many bad balls.

Don’t underestimate the DL. Myles is not the only threat. That is very much the strength of this team and – yeah it was the Jets – but Week 2 is closer to what you should expect than the poor (penalty-strewn) effort in Week 1. Goff will not have a lot of time to get the ball out and we’ve been stout against the run. Again, I expect a Rams win, I expect Goff to be up to the task of getting the ball out quickly – but he WILL need to get it out fast or he’s going to eat grass. Often.

There are two issues affecting the Browns. One is getting fixed quickly – time will take care of this teams inexperience with each other and the OBJ effect. The second problem is the OL and TE positions. We don’t have a pass catching threat at TE now that Njoku is down for a while and the OL has been struggling. So as much as Goff needs to get the ball out, Baker needs to do it more – Donald is a frickin’ nightmare matchup for the Browns right now and unless the coaching staff can scheme something spectacular to offset him, it could be a long day to be wearing number 6 in Cleveland.

There are negatives with the Browns and I don’t think they’re growing fast enough to compete with the Rams yet. But do not mistake their inexperience for a lack of talent – there is a *ton* of skill talent on the roster and if the Rams overlook the Browns at all, they could be in for a surprise. Stranger things have happened and it would be a huge step forward for the Browns to eke out a victory by virtue of turnovers / mistakes / bounces.

Here’s today’s Rams-Browns injury report. Uhh, seems like quite the week in Cleveland. pic.twitter.com/uL9oI06sWz

— Joe Curley (@vcsjoecurley) September 20, 2019

wv wrote:

Browns vs Rams is a coaching mismatch

Your vid, WV…Gottlieb likes the Rams…it starts at 7:30 in.

.@RamsNFL @brandincooks made 2 sensational catches on Sunday v @saints that lead directly to 10 points. Not sure which one was better. I will let you the fans decide. #BaldysBreakdowns pic.twitter.com/5N5rraHWpu

— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) September 20, 2019

Week 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

Vincent Bonsignore@VinnyBonsignore
#Rams injury reports: Austin Blythe and Tyler Higbee both out of practice today and each remains day to day. Looks like game-time decisions (or close to) for both.

Russell Lande@RUSSLANDE
while there are many smart people working for teams, there are also more idiots than I expected when I started working for teams.

Sosa K@QBsMVP
John Johnson III is the best defender on the team not named Aaron Donald. Ironically, Taylor Rapp was all over the place against NO. One of the best young duo’s at safety in the league, maybe the best.

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