Browns vs. Rams: 5 Questions with Ramblin’ Fan
Oct 11, 2015; Green Bay, WI, USA; St. Louis Rams quarterback Nick Foles (5) hands the football to running back Todd Gurley (30) during the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Green Bay won 24-10. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
The Cleveland Browns head to St. Louis to take on the Rams this Sunday in a matchup between two-win teams.
The Rams come off a bye week while the Browns are reeling from a heartbreaking loss against the Denver Broncos.
In preparation for the game Sunday, we asked Michael Condon of Ramlin’ Fan five questions for a virtual Q&A on the Rams.
Question: The Rams’ only two wins of the season are against NFC West foes. Are they a legitimate threat to win the division?
Michael: Coming into the season the Rams were once again the team to watch in the NFC West. However, three years running with the same title and there has been very little in the way of success. A 2-3 record through five games was to be expected based on their schedule, but a 2-0 division record was not. Quality wins against Arizona and Seattle, even with their slow start to the year, should help the Rams in 2015. The reputation of this team to get up for big games and sleep walk through weaker opponents seems to sticking true yet again this season. 10 wins will be the magic number in the NFC West if any team hopes to grab a wild-card spot, but given the Rams history, a division title seems very unlikely.
Question: The Browns have the worst run defense in the entire NFL with 149.8 yards a game. Will Todd Gurley break that mark on Sunday?
Michael: Todd Gurley has been phenomenal through his first three games. More than most fans expected I think. When St. Louis drafted him 10th overall this year, I’ll admit, I was furious. With all the Rams glaring needs, they drafted an injured running back. However, i have to eat my words a little because it seems even with all the problems this team has along the offensive line, Gurley still finds a way. he’s a power back that will only get stronger as the year goes on. I expect him to have another nice game on Sunday against the Browns. But asking a rookie running back to exceed 140 rushing yards for three consecutive weeks is a tall task. Gurley biggest contribution against Cleveland should be the first of many career touchdowns.
Question: Nick Foles has only broken the 200-yard mark once this season. Why is that?
Michael: Plain an simple here. The offensive line is horrid. Two rookies starting, a second year player at left tackle, now down their only veteran player and a center with very little starting time in the NFL and you have a recipe for disaster. Combine that with the fact that Foles is not the most mobile quarterback and you’ll find him playing under duress for most of the game. Another factor in the equation is his propensity to play it safe. Foles doesn’t turn the ball over, but that usually comes as a bi-product of not taking any shots down field. Constantly dumping it off for 5-7 yard gains won’t give up interceptions, but it won’t rack up yards either.
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Question: What does the Rams’ offense need to do to improve upon their 16.8 points per game average this Sunday?
Michael: Well this ties directly back to the offensive line. If they can get better, Foles will have more time to allow plays to develop and take shots down field. You take shots and open up that offense and the scoring will come. Gurley will eventually start to find the end zone which will also help. And frankly, the wide receivers need to do a better job with the ball after the catch. Too many dropped passes and short gainers for this offense to be effective. An overall increase in production on third down would go along way as well. Before the season began it was obvious this defense would need to carry this team through some tough spots and that has proven to be true so far.
Question: What is your prediction for the game?
Michael: I can’t see the Rams losing out of the bye week at home. On the other hand, the Browns have been scoring in bunches in the last couple of weeks. It’s a tight one, tighter than most Rams fans would like to see, but St. Louis prevails 24-17.