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Cleveland Browns: 3-Step blueprint to Week 3 victory over Rams

By Martin McConnell

CLEVELAND, OHIO - SEPTEMBER 08: Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns throws the ball during the game against the Tennessee Titans at FirstEnergy Stadium on September 08, 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OHIO - SEPTEMBER 08: Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns throws the ball during the game against the Tennessee Titans at FirstEnergy Stadium on September 08, 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 15: Aaron Donald #99 of the Los Angeles Rams runs onto the field as he is introduced before the game against the New Orleans Saints at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on September 15, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 15: Aaron Donald #99 of the Los Angeles Rams runs onto the field as he is introduced before the game against the New Orleans Saints at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on September 15, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

Attempt to Contain Aaron Donald

Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald is perhaps the best defensive player, or maybe even the best player, in the NFL today. Voted by his peers as the No. 1 player in the NFL’s Top 100, the Pitt product has become a force to be reckoned with under Rams head coach Sean McVay and defensive coordinator Wade Phillips.

In order to have a chance on offense in this game, the Browns have to attempt to lessen Donald’s impact on the game. His defensive pressure against both the run and the pass have transformed the defensive front of Los Angeles, giving it an identity like no other front line in the league. For the Browns to hope to stop him, every piece of the offense has to be in sync.

Cleveland’s efforts to shut down Aaron Donald begin with center J.C. Tretter and left guard Joel Bitonio. In the absence of stellar right guard Kevin Zeitler as part of the Odell Beckham Jr. trade, the Browns will have even less time to get the ball off.

Baker Mayfield and Freddie Kitchens’ game plan should emphasize quickness in getting the ball out of Mayfield’s hands. Odell Beckham Jr.’s speed on slant routes should come in handy as the Browns attempt to keep Donald out of the backfield.

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