Rams-Browns Preview

[CGI_Ram]

Game Preview: Two of NFL's most productive offenses collide on Sunday Night Football

Five players to watch, what to watch for on offense and defense on both teams and three keys to victory for the Rams.

www.therams.com

Game Preview: Two of NFL's most productive offenses collide on Sunday Night Football

The Los Angeles Rams (2-0) face the Cleveland Browns (1-1) on Sunday Night Football in the first primetime game of the season for L.A.. Kickoff from FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland is set for 5:20 p.m. pacific time. Los Angeles is looking to improve to 15-3 in true road games and 8-0 against AFC opponents in the regular season under head coach Sean McVay.

To get you ready for the contest, theRams.com compiled a quick preview featuring players to watch, keys to victory for the Rams and what to watch for on offense and defense for both Los Angeles and Cleveland.

Five players to watch

• Rams CB Nickell Robey-Coleman: Browns receivers Odell Beckham Jr. will occasionally line up inside, too, which means Robey-Coleman could see one of the game's most important matchups come his way.
• Rams WR Cooper Kupp: He showed off just out dangerous he was after the catch against the Saints and is now set to face a Browns defense that will be without it starting safety (Damarious Randall) and potentially two of its top cornerbacks in Denzel Ward and Greedy Williams. Kupp has the potential to have a big game on Sunday.
• Browns WR Odell Beckham Jr.: Beckham looked like the playmaker NFL defenses have become accustomed to seeing over the weekend with an 89-yard touchdown against the Jets on Monday Night Football. Stopping him will be priority No. 1 for the Rams' defense.
• Browns WR Jarvis Landry: One of the league's most consistent receivers since 2014, he should command a good amount of attention from the Rams' secondary.
• Rams S Eric Weddle: L.A.'s primary defensive signal caller will be busy making sure the unit keeps track of Beckham, Landry, RB Nick Chubb and QB Baker Mayfield.

What to watch for…

On offense for the Rams

While Kupp was spotlighted in five players to watch, it's possible any of Los Angeles' top three receivers could be in for a big night given the injuries Cleveland's secondary is dealing with.

Randall is out with a concussion, while Ward and Williams are questionable due to hamstring injuries. When healthy, that trio helped the Browns allow the fifth-fewest passing yards per game through the first two weeks of the season. If Ward and Williams are unavailable, it would be a huge hit to the Browns defense.

On offense for the Browns

Much of the focus has been on those catching the passes, but equal attention should be given to the player making the throws in QB Baker Mayfield.

Mayfield's ability to execute off-schedule plays makes him tough for opposing teams to defend. However, that same improvisation can also result in mistakes. He's thrown four interceptions through Cleveland's first two games, including three in the season opener against Tennessee.

Also keep an eye on Demetrius Harris, who is slated to start at tight end in place of the injured David Njoku (concussion/wrist), and Chubb.
On defense for the Rams

DT Aaron Donald lined up at multiple positions along the offensive line against the Saints, and it wouldn't be surprising to see again vs. the the Browns on Sunday. It will be interesting to see where he lines up the most and how that opens up opportunities for other Rams defensive linemen.
On defense for the Browns

Mainly the availability of Ward and Williams. With Cleveland is already down its starting safety, its secondary as a whole will be worth watching given its injury situation.

Three keys to victory

1. Air it out: Again, depending on whether Ward and Williams play, the passing game could be a big advantage for the Rams against a banged-up Browns secondary.
2. Limit big plays in the passing game: It goes back to Beckham and Landry's abilities. One explosive play from either receiver could change the momentum in an instant.
3. Establish the run game: If Ward and Williams are healthy, the Browns' defense will look closer to the team that ranks No. 5 in pass defense. That places extra importance on a balanced offensive attack and a steady ground game.

 

[CGI_Ram]

Why the Rams offense will break out against the Browns

The Los Angeles Rams will take on the Cleveland Browns for SNF. Take a look at this week's breakdown.

www.therams.com

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.

Depleted Dawg Pound

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).

 

[Loyal]

We have deepest cast of WR’s in the NFL. Hodgewas really good, but we had no room...*shrugs

 

[CGI_Ram]

We have deepest cast of WR’s in the NFL. Hodgewas really good, but we had no room...*shrugs

Hodge was good, but realistically... depth player good.

It’s hard to imagine a scenario that McVay doesn’t notice a stud WR when he sees one.

Hodge can play. But, I don’t think he’ll break out in any meaningful way.

 

[badnews]

Yeah this has Rams win written all over it, but then again Donald needs to be himself in this game and needs a quick back recovery or it could be a shootout.

Our secondary is better than ever and (knocking on wood) injury free.
I dare Maker Gayfield to try winning a shootout against us.. Peters, JJ3 or Littleton will pick 6 and our 3 headed monster at WR will feast on brown meat.

 

[Loyal]

Hodge was good, but realistically... depth player good.

It’s hard to imagine a scenario that McVay doesn’t notice a stud WR when he sees one.

Hodge can play. But, I don’t think he’ll break out in any meaningful way.

“2020 offensive Player of the year is...Khaderal Hodge, Cleveland Browns...

 

[TSFH Fan]

I remember the limited success the Texans had for a bit when they moved Clowney onto Havenstein. Hav hasn't been his best the past couple weeks. I mean, if I'm the Browns and I see an injured Blythe/Demby, Hav, and Everett there on the Rams right side, I move Garrett over there to create havoc with straight up fury mixed in with a bunch of stunts/games/twists (things testing o-line communication and chemistry).

Hopefully, the Browns stay the Browns and keep their best pass rusher up against Whit, the Rams' best lineman.

 

[OldSchool]

View: https://twitter.com/adamschefter/status/1175646724221755392?s=21

 

[Akrasian]

View: https://twitter.com/adamschefter/status/1175646724221755392?s=21

Aaawww. How are their backups?

 

[OldSchool]

Aaawww. How are their backups?

From what I've seen and read they're like everybody else's backups. There's a reason they aren't starting /shrug I recognize one name TJ Carrie who wasn't very good in Oakland and is mostly a backup. I know in fantasy I've benched them this week.

 

[Riverumbbq]

Rams at Browns preview: Keys to victory, matchup to watch

By: Cameron DaSilva | 9 hours ago

The Los Angeles Rams are back on the road for Week 3 against the Cleveland Browns, who blew out the New York Jets last week. This is yet another tough test for Los Angeles after getting off to a strong 2-0 start with wins over the Panthers and Saints.
Here are keys to the game for both teams and the biggest matchup to watch on Sunday night.

Keys to victory
Neutralize Myles Garrett
The Browns’ pass rush has been menacing this season, racking up sacks by the bunches. Myles Garrett is particularly dangerous up front, consistent wreaking havoc on opposing offensive lines to the tune of five sacks himself. Andrew Whitworth and Rob Havenstein will have their hands full with him, and if they struggle to protect Jared Goff, the offense won’t find a rhythm. On the interior, Larry Ogunjobi presents issues for Joseph Noteboom and Brian Allen.
Contain deep passes

Defensively, the Rams must contain the Browns’ passing attack, which features a talented group of receivers. Baker Mayfield loves to air it out and give his receivers chances, so expect to see some deep shots in this one – which the Rams have defended well. The Rams haven’t given up a touchdown pass yet this season, either, though it’ll be hard to keep that streak alive in Week 3.
Pressure Baker Mayfield
The Saints and Panthers frequently blocked Aaron Donald with two or three offensive linemen. It worked in their favor because the Rams’ edge rushers didn’t necessarily make them pay with one-on-one wins, so expect Cleveland to continue that approach. Donald will just have to eat up blocks and let his teammates step up.
Matchup to watch
Browns WR Odell Beckham Jr. vs. Rams CB Marcus Peters
The Rams typically let their cornerbacks play one side of the field rather than putting Peters or Talib on the No. 1 receiver. This makes it easy for opponents to get the matchups they want. If Peters struggles against Beckham, which is very possible because of the wideout’s speed, the Browns will continue to attack the left side of the field. Beckham erupted against the Jets in Week 2, and while Los Angeles’ secondary is far superior, he’s that type of game-changing player.

Rams at Browns preview: Keys to victory, matchup to watch

Previewing the Rams’ primetime matchup with the Browns.

theramswire.usatoday.com

 

[Riverumbbq]

Sean McVay loves the way Marcus Peters, Aqib Talib have played so far

By: Cameron DaSilva | 24 hours ago

Only six teams in the NFL have allowed fewer passing yards this season than the Los Angeles Rams. furthermore, they’re only one of two squads that hasn’t given up a single touchdown pass through two games; the Chargers are the other.
For a team that struggled to defend opposing aerial attacks last season when Aqib Talib was out, this is a huge step in the right direction. Marcus Peters has played some great football in the first two weeks, while Talib has locked down the other side of the field.

And the play of the top three safeties – John Johnson, Eric Weddle and Taylor Rapp – has elevated the defense to another level.
Sean McVay is unsurprisingly thrilled with the way the Peters and Talib have played, in particular, crediting them for limiting big plays down the field.
“I think they’ve done a nice job. I think really our defense as a whole has done an outstanding job communicating,” McVay told reporters this week. “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.”
Wade Phillips echoed those same sentiments earlier, also showing an appreciation for the way Peters and Talib played. In the first two games of the season.

“Marcus and Aqib have both played real solid for us,” Phillips said. “We haven’t given up many big plays and they’re not going after them. You always see a ball game you say, well their going after this one cornerback because the other cornerback can’t really play. They haven’t gone after either of our corners very much because both of them can play.”
Having two healthy, high-caliber cornerbacks is huge for the defense. As Phillips said, there’s no way for an offense to pick on one player. It’s almost a game of pick your poison when targeting one of the Rams’ corners because both are playing at a high level.

Sean McVay loves the way Marcus Peters, Aqib Talib have played so far

The Rams’ top two cornerbacks have played a high level this season.

theramswire.usatoday.com