Wildflecken

1.) [Browns defensive coordinator] Wilks gave McVay all he could handle tonight. McVay adjusted in the second half and finally began running between the tackles. I expected to see this much earlier in this contest since the defensive alignment Wilks incorporated was the exact same defense used by Bill Belichick in last years Super Bowl.

I was also impressed with some new wrinkles we saw tonight designed specifically to generate some outside zone running against this alignment. The double reverse on the jet sweep, McVay rolling Goff on a designed run etc.. McVay is certainly determined in his approach to make the outside zone running approach a success even if it means running it into the strength of the opposing defensive alignment.

2.) Aaron Donald just may be the best defensive talent to EVER play this game. His play tonight was not only critical to the Rams victory but phenomenal. Donald was one of my posted keys to victory in week 3 and he certainly did not disappoint. The first game ball tonight goes to Donald, but there is one also reserved for the Rams ENTIRE defense.

There is also a game ball for Wade Phillips. Wade was spot on tonight with his defensive calls tonight. In fact I can only remember one play the entire game in which Kitchens got the best of Wade

3.) We saw the impact Cooper Kupp had on this contest tonight against the same defensive philosophy that stymied the Rams in the Super Bowl. It does make one wonder what would the outcome of been if he had participated in last years Super Bowl. However I think I already know that answer.

Some may feel Kupp is the only offensive talent who deserves a game ball tonight however I am also giving one to Cooks. Kupp is an amazing route runner who certainly creates his own separation, however his task to do so tonight was aided by the double attention Cook seemed to draw all night long. Cook was very productive in this contest as well despite the extra attention.

4.) While Goff did have a better outing than the last time he faced this defensive alignment it is quite clear the learning curve is not yet complete. The largest issue was the untimeliness of the mistakes he did make tonight, all at critical junctures of the contest.

Does anyone know if McVay or Goff fielded post game comments about the timeout called on the sidelines on the play Goff audibled and hit Reynolds for a first down? It was one of Goff’s better throws of the night. Despite the play not being recorded in the game log due to the timeout occurring before the snap this play was a very positive sign of Goff’s growth in deciphering the opposing defense.

Despite the interceptions, Goff had a gutsy performance tonight. The Dawg Pound is one tough venue and the Browns defense is loaded with big hitters. How can one not be impressed with the plays when Jared used his legs tonight?

5.) The Rams are 3 and 0 and have not yet played their best football. The defense gelling much quicker than last season is a very, very good sign. I would like to see McVay begin leaning heavier on the running backs behind Gurley but outside of stating that I simply will not join those who are bashing a 3 and 0 start. I hope those that choose to do so are taking into account the differences in last seasons schedule and the one Rams are playing this season. Have the Rams yet played their best football, no. Are the Rams 3 and 0, hell yes they are.

Cooper Kupp's route running 👀👀 @CooperKupp pic.twitter.com/odb6sWDCOA

— The Checkdown (@thecheckdown) September 23, 2019

¡Otra conexión entre @JaredGoff16 y @CooperKupp! pic.twitter.com/GsPoT1vUvk

— Rams en Español (@VamosRams) September 23, 2019

Rams offense has work to do despite road victory, 3-0 start

Lindsey Thiry

https://www.espn.com/blog/los-angeles-rams/post/_/id/40677/rams-offense-has-work-to-do-despite-road-victory-3-0-start

CLEVELAND — The Los Angeles Rams spent the offseason adjusting their offense and adding new wrinkles after the high-scoring unit was brought to a screeching halt by the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LIII.

On Sunday night, they escaped Cleveland with a 20-13 victory over the Browns inside a raucous FirstEnergy Stadium to improve to 3-0. But it is apparent that the 2019 edition of coach Sean McVay’s offense has plenty of work to do to earn a return trip to the Super Bowl.

Defensive win: The Rams defense, for a third straight game, did all it could to slow explosive playmakers in quarterback Baker Mayfield, receivers Odell Beckham Jr. and Jarvis Landry and running back Nick Chubb. The pass rush kept Mayfield off balance and he was sacked three times.

QB breakdown: For a third consecutive game, Jared Goff was unable to develop a rhythm and establish connections with his receivers in the first half. In several instances, passes were thrown behind or out of reach of his targets. In the second quarter, Goff was stripped and the Browns converted the takeaway into a field goal. In the third quarter, Goff threw a pass that was intercepted by Browns defensive back T.J. Carrie. And in the fourth quarter, Goff was intercepted by Juston Burris. He completed 24 of 38 passes for 269 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions.

Troubling Trend, Part I: For a third consecutive game, the Rams did not score a touchdown in the first quarter and for a second time this season, they did not score a touchdown in the first half. Last season, they failed to score a first-half touchdown in only one regular-season game. The offense also had a slow start during a Week 1 win over the Carolina Panthers, as they were held scoreless in the first quarter. Last week in a victory over the New Orleans Saints, they were held to a field goal in the first quarter.

Troubling Trend, Part II: The offensive line. The unit underwent a significant offseason makeover when left guard Rodger Saffold departed in free agency and the team declined the option on center John Sullivan’s contract. On Sunday, with right guard Austin Blythe sidelined because of an ankle sprain, the Rams had three first-year starters on the interior of their line with left guard Joe Noteboom, center Brian Allen and right guard Jamil Demby. The run-game suffered as five players rushed for a combined 91 yards and Goff was under duress throughout the game.

🏊‍♂️🏊‍♂️🏊‍♂️ pic.twitter.com/ecz40lnAJB

— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) September 23, 2019

Field Yates@FieldYates
In his first career start, Daniel Jones throws for over 300 yards, accounts for 4 touchdowns, does not turn the ball over and….

Leads the Giants to their largest come-from-behind win in 49 YEARS!

—

Daniel Jones is the first rookie QB in our database to have a game with 300+ passing yards, 2+ passing TDs, and 2+ rushing TDs https://t.co/Hu2Lu3gsIu #GiantsPride pic.twitter.com/20O5ZQm93n

— ProFootballReference (@pfref) September 22, 2019

My cousins coworker is at the hotel in Cleveland (Rams fan). His wife went to get on the elevator and this is what she saw. LMAO! Do work tonight fellaz! @RamsNFL @AaronDonald97 @SJD_51 @brandincooks pic.twitter.com/HJRZuMZUMH

— Chris S. (@Bettysgrandson) September 22, 2019

Saints scored twice (one a return, once on defense), and lead Seattle 14-7. 6 to go in the 3rd.

Senior VP of Officiating Al Riveron had a conference call with NFL referrees on Saturday and told them to de-emphasize holding calls, per @MikePereira.

“If the hands get outside, give the blockers a chance to work their hands back inside.”

Holding calls are up 64% this season.

— NFL Update (@MySportsUpdate) September 22, 2019

Lamar Jackson is a master at making something out of nothing @Lj_era8 pic.twitter.com/mhGgeWsCmU

— The Checkdown (@thecheckdown) September 22, 2019

Rodgers ON THE MONEY to MVS early! 🎯#DENvsGB

(Via @packers)

pic.twitter.com/zIiY4z1xUs

— PFF (@PFF) September 22, 2019

from NFL Week 3 game picks: Chiefs edge Ravens; Rams top Browns

Gregg Rosenthal

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001056577/article/nfl-week-3-game-picks-chiefs-edge-ravens-rams-top-browns

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.

Why 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).