Predicting the Cleveland Browns Week 3 matchup with Rams
By Randy Gurzi
Writer: Justice Sunderland
Game: Los Angeles Rams at Cleveland Browns
Prediction: Cleveland was hit hard by the injury bug this week, which is ironic because they just played a New York Jets team with the same problem.
There is a handful of players that have already been ruled out, that list is headlined by starting linebacker Christian Kirksey. His impact on this defense is greater than the numbers suggest.
Tight end David Njoku will be out for a while as he was placed on injured reserve today. Safety Damarious Randall is also out as he remains in concussion protocol.
The list of players that are question is even longer including; safety Morgan Burnett, tackle Chris Hubbard, and cornerbacks Denzel Ward and Greedy Williams.
This is not the week to be shorthanded with the defending NFC champion Rams coming to town. The Cleveland secondary will need to be healthy and play better to slow down the Rams passing game that has been clicking this season.
Then there is all-pro running back Todd Gurley who has seen his role scaled back this season but is still effective with the touches he gets.
The biggest thing the Browns have going for them is defensive tackle Aaron Donald has not been as effective this year, he does not have a sack in the first two games.
Los Angeles will likely try to put pressure on Baker Mayfield like other teams have but it is up to head coach Freddie Kitchens to call plays to get the ball out of his hands quickly.
The key to this game, like many other times this season, is the offensive line. They have to be able to slow down the Rams pass rush so they can score. The blocking and playcalling will both have to be better to beat a team as good as the Rams.
Next. Browns 3 matchups to watch in Week 3. dark
Freddie Kitchens has not shown anything so far this season that tells you he knows how to adjust his playcalling although he did acknowledge he needed to do better at it. I don’t think that will be enough to overcome Sean McVay and his bunch.
Score: Los Angeles Rams 31 Cleveland Browns 20