Cleveland Browns vs. St. Louis Rams: 3 match-ups to watch
Oct 11, 2015; Green Bay, WI, USA; St. Louis Rams running back Todd Gurley (30) pushes away Green Bay Packers linebacker Nate Palmer (51) in the third quarter at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
The Browns defense still just can’t figure out how to stop the run, as it currently ranks dead last in the NFL, giving up an average of 149.8 rushing yards per game. It doesn’t get easier for the defense on Sunday, as they are tasked with stopping rookie running back Todd Gurley.
“We don’t want to be at the bottom. We know we are better than that. We just need to continue to prove to everyone that we are and continue to work on our technique.” – Linebacker Nate Orchard on the run defense
A first-round pick in April’s draft, Gurley missed the entire preseason and the first two games of the regular season while recovering from an ACL injury. Since debuting in Week 3, Gurley has shown the makings of an elite running back. In the past two weeks Gurley has rushed for 146 and 159 yards respectively. Gurley is becoming the bell cow of the Rams, offense and they will feed him heavily and challenge a Browns defense that has shown no signs of stopping the run.
In addition, Gurley should be hungry to get into the end zone this week and score his first career NFL touchdown.
Related: Run defense must improve against Todd Gurley
The question now becomes how do the Browns actually stop the run?
It starts with staying disciplined and knowing your assignment. The outside linebackers need to play the run first and set the edge to force the ball carrier back to the inside, which will help cut down on the big runs. So far this season the outside linebackers have been undisciplined and have failed to set the edge continually. Barkevious Mingo was one of the Browns best run defenders a season ago, so it would be wise for the Browns to increase his snap count on Sunday in an effort to stop the run.
The Browns defense also needs to win at the point of attack. The defensive line has not been winning the battle off the ball and is getting pushed back, which has helped to spring opposing running backs on big gains.
The defensive line needs to start winning the battle off the ball and dominating the line of scrimmage. If the Browns can control the line of scrimmage, that frees up the linebackers to make plays. If the Browns can set the edge and control the line of scrimmage, they will be in position to contain the Rams promising rookie running back.
Next: Tavon Austin vs. the Browns secondary