It wasn’t pretty, but the Los Angeles Rams managed to secure another road victory against the youthful Cleveland Browns in Week 3 by a score of 20-13.
With the win, Los Angeles remains unbeaten at 3-0 while the Browns drop to 1-2.
Here are four takeaways from the Rams’ primetime victory in Cleveland:
Teams continue to replicate Patriots’ game plan from Super Bowl LIII
It’s no secret the NFL is a copycat league. And when devising a strategy to stifle the Rams on offense and defense, any coaching staff preparing to challenge Sean McVay’s talented squad should first be required to watch the methodical game plan put together by the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LIII.
And that is exactly what Cleveland did, as Browns defensive coordinator Steve Wilks dialed up plenty of five and six-man fronts that were commonplace against the Rams in February’s Super Bowl. Stacking defenders side-by-side along the line of scrimmage created plenty of one-on-one opportunities – and those opportunities undoubtedly leaned in favor of a ferocious Cleveland Browns’ pass rush that posed problems all night for an inexperienced interior offensive line.
Like every sane human being in this world, the Browns coaching staff also understands that Aaron Donald is a once-in-a-lifetime talent in this league who demands undivided attention on every play. Much like the Patriots did in Super Bowl LIII, Cleveland’s strategy in the passing game was to utilize quick-game concepts and RPOs as a way to reduce the threat posed by the two-time Defensive Player of the Year’s pass-rushing ability.
Down 20-13 late in the fourth quarter, the Browns were left with no choice but to abandon its “risk-averse” play-calling. And what happened when Cleveland attempted to throw downfield?
The league’s best defensive player showed up with a crucial sack on first-and-10, and Clay Matthews registered another sack on third-and-10.
But you can’t get away with conservatively calling plays against a Rams defense that can comfortably cover receivers in its dime package. To beat the Rams, teams will have to take calculated shots down field. Look for this league’s bright offensive play callers to find a happy-medium for the duration of the season.
It’s impossible to exaggerate Cooper Kupp’s importance to this team
Yeah, Cooper Kupp looks to be 100% healthy. And a fourth of the way through the regular season, it’s evident that the third-year wideout from Eastern Washington is Jared Goff’s most reliable offensive player.
Kupp finished with 11 catches for 102 yards and two touchdowns, both of which came on third down. But even more impressive than Kupp’s numbers are the plays that don’t show up in the stat sheet – moments like this:
Cooper Kupp’s willingness to help the team in more ways than one is the perfect epitome of the “we, not me” culture Sean McVay has built within the building.
Second-half adjustments worked in air, but not on ground
After putting together a putrid offensive performance in the first half against the Browns (just 3 points) – the Rams figured out a way to sustain drives and reach the end zone in the second half.
The Rams scored 17 points in the second half, with both of its touchdowns coming in the red zone on passes from Jared Goff to Cooper Kupp.
In the second half, McVay aggressively attacked a Cleveland Browns secondary depleted by injuries to both starting cornerbacks and safeties.
Still, the lack of a run game leaves much to be desired. As a team, the Rams ran the ball 24 times for a measly 90 yards. Todd Gurley led all Rams’ ball-carriers, but only managed to rush for 43 yards on 14 carries (3.1 yards per carry).
Some of that may have to do with injuries to the Rams’ offensive front – a topic that is covered in more detail below.
The offense severely misses RG Austin Blythe and TE Tyler Higbee
Just as Austin Blythe and Tyler Higbee were inactive for Sunday night’s game against the Browns, so was the Rams’ running game for the most part.
Replacement right guard Jamil Demby followed up a his serviceable performance against the New Orleans Saints last week with an absolute dud.
Gerald Everett gives a solid effort at the line of scrimmage, but he has always been known more for his versatility as a “move tight end” than as a blocker. Higbee is the superior blocker at the tight end position.
In its current form with Brian Allen at center, Joe Noteboom at left guard and Jamil Demby at right guard, the Rams interior offensive line has combined for just seven starts (including Sunday night’s game against Browns). Simply put, the interior offensive line needs Blythe back badly.
Final Thoughts
Was it pretty? No. But in the early quarter of the season, the NFC West appears to be much more difficult this year. With that said, a win is a win – and you take them any way you can get them on the road.
