Browns run defense must improve against Todd Gurley, Rams
The Cleveland Browns travel to St. Louis as they take on the Rams at the Edward Jones Dome this Sunday. Despite both teams only having two wins thus far the season, they’ve both shown flashes of true potential. However, the Rams have the cornerstone of their franchise named Todd Gurley who is a rookie running back that has the potential to be the next great one.
Gurley, drafted No. 10 overall by the Rams in the 2015 NFL Draft, attended the University of Georgia for three years (2012-2014) and was prolific. In his freshman year, he became the second true freshman to rush for 1,000 yards in a single season, the only other being Herschel Walker.
Throughout his college career, the former Georgia Bulldog was relentless as he would put up 100-yard performance after another. After earning First Team All-American honors his first two seasons, Gurley unfortunately tore his ACL in his Junior year and was forced to miss the rest of the season.
Injuries like this taint players heading into the draft, especially running backs. However Gurley had such enormous potential, he was still drafted by the Rams with the No. 10 pick in the first round.
“If we don’t go out there wanting to stop the run and wanting to play that street fight with them up front — because that’s what they’re built to do — we’ll get embarrassed defending the run” – Mike Pettine
The questions surrounding his health was a major cause for concern considering he would miss the off-season and a few games to start the regular season, as well.
Gurley was eased into the rotation in his debut Week 4 against the Pittsburgh Steelers but only received six carries. Week 5 his role increased as he rushed for 149 yards on nine carries and Week 6 he rushed for 159 yards on 30 carries.
Gurley is looking like the dominant tailback he was in college and the Rams will look to run him down the Browns throat this Sunday as Cleveland’s run defense is dead last. They’re giving up just under 150 yards per game, and five yards per carry.
Browns Head Coach Mike Pettine spoke about the difficult task of defending Gurley and made it clear stopping him must be the main priority defensively. Pettine stated, “If we don’t go out there wanting to stop the run and wanting to play that street fight with them up front — because that’s what they’re built to do — we’ll get embarrassed defending the run”.
He is exactly right and this presents a great challenge for players such as Danny Shelton, Desmond Bryant, and Randy Starks to step up and stop the run. The former 1,000 yard rusher is still a rookie and with only three professional games, has a lot more to learn.
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The defense has to exploit the weaknesses in the Rams offensive line as they have two rookie starters and if the Browns can present constant pressure on them, Gurley will have trouble making big plays.
The Browns offense should be able to put up points against a decent St. Louis defense, but the Rams have given up big plays all season. Travis Benjamin and Gary Barnidge must contribute and use their explosiveness if the Browns want to win this game.
The offense must also do a better job of running the ball.
Duke Johnson finally got going last week against Denver as he ran for 38 yards on eight carries. Robert Turbin and Isaiah Crowell also contributed, as all three of the backs had at least eight carries each. If the run game for Cleveland can be consistent while McCown can continue to make plays for 20+ yards, then they will have a great shot at defeating the Rams come Sunday.
Todd Gurley is a play maker who has the potential to be one of the greatest in the NFL and through three games he has shown flashes of his incredible talent and pure power. The Cleveland Browns run defense must step up this week if they want to improve their record to 3-4.