Cleveland Browns vs. St. Louis Rams: 3 match-ups to watch
Oct 11, 2015; Green Bay, WI, USA; St. Louis Rams wide receiver Tavon Austin (11) rushes with the football during the third quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Green Bay won 24-10. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Simply put, Tavon Austin is a speedster who has the ability to take the top off of any defense.
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The Rams use in a variety of creative ways, lining him up outside, in the slot and in the backfield. In addition, the Rams shift Austin around to create opportunities for him to get the ball in space. On the season, Austin has 16 receptions for 144 yards (with 47 coming on one play) and three touchdowns, while also carrying the ball 13 times for 99 yards and one touchdown.
Austin has big-play ability whenever he has the ball and the Browns need to be aware of where he is on every play. A match-up nightmare because of his blazing 4.34 40-yard dash time, the Browns secondary will have their hands full keeping the big-play opportunities away from Austin. They will have to do that without Joe Haden, who will miss his second consecutive game with a concussion, and possibly Tashaun Gipson, who is doubtful while still dealing with an ankle injury.
Expect the Rams to feed Gurley heavily and then try to hit a big play with Austin at some point in the game. The Browns cannot forget about the playmaking ability of Austin while they key in on stopping the run. Austin poses a big playmaking threat and will torch the secondary if they lose track of him.