Cleveland Browns vs. St. Louis Rams: Full St. Louis Game Preview
The St. Louis Rams (2-3) will return from their bye week to host the Cleveland Browns (2-4). This will be St. Louis' second game against an AFC North opponent this season, and it's the first time the Rams have seen the Browns since the 2014 preseason.
Given the losing records possessed by both teams, it's clear that the Rams and Browns are both in desperate need of a victory.
The Rams will certainly benefit from the home-field advantage, but don't let Cleveland's record fool you. The Browns have struggled to finish games this year, but three of their four losses have been determined by a touchdown or less.
Not to mention, the Rams have a nasty habit of not showing up against mediocre teams. Just look at the Week-2 loss against Washington for the latest example.
The Rams have cleared the toughest stretch of their schedule with a 2-3 record, which is hardly a disaster scenario. This is St. Louis' chance to go on a run and reclaim the 2015 season, but that will involve finding consistency and conquering the beatable opponents, such as the Browns. The Rams are not in a position to give away any more winnable games.
Since the Rams are coming off a bye and had extra days to rest, there's no excuse for a sloppy performance this week.
This article will preview the upcoming game, including the latest headlines, injury report, matchup analysis and more.
News and Notes
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Rams Lose Rodger Saffold For the Year
During the Rams' loss to the Green Bay Packers two Sundays ago, St. Louis guard Rodger Saffold was forced to exit the game with a shoulder injury. According to team insider Myles Simmons (h/t Sports Illustrated), the 27-year-old has been placed on season-ending injured reserve, and he'll miss the remainder of the year.
Saffold—a sixth-year veteran and former second-round pick—was the only veteran presence on St. Louis' young and inexperienced starting offensive line. The Rams were counting on him to be the centerpiece and help elevate the play of his young teammates.
Saffold has been stuck between first-year starting center Tim Barnes and rookie right tackle Rob Havenstien, which has made it difficult for him to achieve the level of play he's capable of. Even so, he's still the team's best offensive lineman and will be greatly missed.
The Rams' offensive line has experienced plenty of difficulties this season. The run blocking was horrendous during the first three games. The unit has improved in that area in recent weeks, but now the pass blocking is beginning to fall apart.
With the group's top talent now sidelined, finding consistency will prove to be an uphill battle.
Garrett Reynolds Will Be the Offensive Line's New Veteran Presence
Saffold may be the offensive line's most talented veteran, but he's not the only experienced player the group has to offer. The Rams can also count on seventh-year veteran Garrett Reynolds.
According to Howard Balzer of ABC's KSPR, St. Louis will depend on the 28-year-old to fill in for the injured Saffold at right guard.
Reynolds played his first five seasons with the Atlanta Falcons under offensive line coach Paul Boudreau, who is now the line coach in St. Louis, and played last season in Detroit. Despite spending his career primarily as a backup, he has 27 starts under his belt, including 10 starts during the 2013 season.
According to the article, Reynolds is embracing his role as the veteran and understands the youngsters will lean on him for leadership.
"I just get in there and remind guys to stay calm and let's keep rolling. It's a long game, and just stick together. That's the most important thing: Just stay together and keep pushing," said Reynolds.
It'll be difficult for Reynolds to fill Saffold's shoes. However, if he can hold his own and avoid being a liability, the offensive line will survive.
Trade Involving Tight End Jared Cook Could Be in the Works
One of the more interesting headlines during St. Louis' bye week was the trade talks involving tight end Jared Cook. According to Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com, the 28-year-old veteran could be on the trade block.
As Wagoner mentions, the details within the reports vary. It's still unclear if the Rams are shopping Cook or if teams are merely inquiring about his availability.
The move would not be a total shock, as the St. Louis fan base has directed much of its anger towards Cook in recent weeks, primarily for dropped balls and inconsistent play.
The 28-year-old has four drops this season, which is tied for the most among NFL tight ends according to Pro Football Focus. Cook led St. Louis in receiving during the first two games, but the veteran has just five catches for a mere 37 yards in the last three games combined.
We'll have to wait and see if the rumors contain any truth. If not, this could be a ploy by the Rams in order to light a fire under Cook, who's capable of far better things than what we've witnessed this year.
Latest Injury News
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The following injury report is according to NFL.com. Check back closer to kickoff for a more up-to-date list.
Cleveland Browns Injury Report
S Tashaun Gipson (Did Not Participate In Practice)
CB Joseph Haden (Did Not Participate In Practice)
TE Robert Housler (Did Not Participate In Practice)
LB Craig Robertson (Did Not Participate In Practice)
DE Randy Starks (Did Not Participate In Practice)
OT Joe Thomas (Did Not Participate In Practice)
QB Johnny Manziel (Full Participation in Practice)
TE Gary Barnidge (Limited Participation in Practice)
LB Ricky Carder (Limited Participation in Practice)
DE John Hughes (Limited Participation in Practice)
WR Marlon Moore (Limited Participation in Practice)
LB Nathaniel Orchard (Limited Participation in Practice)
DT Danny Shelton (Limited Participation in Practice)
St. Louis Rams Injury Report
WR Tavon Austin (Did Not Participate In Practice)
TE Lance Kendricks (Did Not Participate In Practice)
DE Chris Long (Did Not Participate In Practice)
RB Tre Mason (Did Not Participate In Practice)
LB Alec Ogletree (Did Not Participate In Practice)
DE Robert Quinn (Did Not Participate In Practice)
CB Janoris Jenkins CB (Limited Participation in Practice)
Top Matchups
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Janoris Jenkins vs. Travis Benjamin
Travis Benjamin has been a pleasant surprise for Browns fans and one of the fantasy steals of 2015.
In six games, the 25-year-old has caught 31 passes for 528 yards and five touchdowns. He ranks eighth in the NFL in receiving yards and is tied for the second-most touchdowns.
Benjamin is not merely turning heads—he's on his way to a Pro-Bowl campaign. Only a small handful of NFL receivers have been more productive in 2015.
Luckily, Rams cornerback Janoris Jenkins has faced a few high-end receivers already this season, including Antonio Brown and Larry Fitzgerald. His coverage has been excellent for the most part, and the 26-year-old has managed to minimize the number of hiccups in coverage compared to previous years.
The battle between these two young talents will not only be enticing, it could also have a major impact on the game's outcome.
Armonty Bryant vs. St. Louis Offensive Line
Cleveland pass rusher Armonty Bryant currently leads the Browns with 3.5 sacks and has been a handful for opponents this season.
After St. Louis' pass-protection debacle in Green Bay two weeks ago, where quarterback Nick Foles was sacked three times and harassed on nearly every down, it'll be interesting to see how the St. Louis line handles the 25-year-old Bryant.
If Bryant has his way with the young St. Louis line and we witness a repeat of Week 5, we can say goodbye to any aerial production from the Rams' offense.
In order for the St. Louis offense to truly take off, the Rams must protect Foles and allow him to regain his confidence.
Robert Quinn vs. Joe Thomas
Speaking of pass protection, the Browns have their own concerns in that department. One battle that could be decisive is the matchup between Cleveland left tackle Joe Thomas and Robert Quinn.
Pro Football Focus currently has Thomas as their highest-rated tackle, with a grade of 95.6. The 30-year-old veteran has been the one consistent keystone in Cleveland for nine seasons now and he's still playing at a high level.
Even so, it's rare to see a tackle capable of containing Quinn's athleticism and his nose for the quarterback. Thomas may be able to prevent the 25-year-old from obtaining sacks, but Quinn's pressure will still be felt on nearly every down.
This is an opportunity to see two great players go head-to-head. Without a doubt, it'll be an intriguing matchup.
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Matchup X-Factors
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Can Josh McCown Remain Consistent Against St. Louis Pass Rush?
Every time Johnny Manziel makes a highlight, the Red Zone channel replays it repeatedly, and the networks ensure every human being alive sees it at least 400 times.
If you're wondering why Manziel isn't seeing more action, it's because Cleveland's starter—Josh McCown—is playing solid football. Unfortunately, his success is far less publicized, but it shouldn't be.
With 1,416 yards, eight touchdowns, three picks and a solid 64.4-percent completion rate, McCown is quietly piecing together a remarkable 2015 campaign. At this rate, it's not out of the question for the 36-year-old to finish top-10 in several major passing categories, including yards and touchdowns.
He's done this despite being sacked 17 times in six games—tied for the fourth-highest in the NFL.
McCown has remained productive despite facing heavy pressure, but will that continue?
He had his worst start of 2015—51.3-percent completion rate, two picks—against the dangerous Denver pass rush in Week 6. The St. Louis front is every bit as potent, maybe even more so.
If the Rams can be relentless and rattle McCown in the pocket, he'll have a difficult time maintaining his high level of play.
Expect plenty of blitzing on St. Louis' end.
St. Louis Secondary Must Contain the Deep Ball
As mentioned, Benjamin is a major weapon for Cleveland's aerial attack, but he's not the only one. Tight end Gary Barnidge has also been a handful for opposing secondaries.
Cleveland may be lacking Josh Gordon, but the Browns' deep ball is still very much alive thanks to these two receivers.
Benjamin has shown a knack for getting behind defensive backs and is averaging 17 yards per catch, including a long of 60 yards. Barnidge is also making his catches count by averaging 15.3 yards per grab.
With McCown under center, the Browns have been able to go deep this season. This is both good and bad news for the Rams—good because it gives the pass rush a chance to get after McCown as those routes develop, bad because the secondary is St. Louis' weakest point on defense.
The St. Louis secondary must contain the Cleveland receivers just long enough for the pass rush to dominate. If the Rams can find that perfect balance, there's nothing to fear from the Cleveland offense.
Prediction: Rams 23, Browns 17
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The Rams traditionally struggle against teams they should beat. Even so, St. Louis has too many advantages in this game to justify favoring the Browns.
The home-field advantage is a welcomed benefit after back-to-back road games in Arizona and Green Bay. Getting back to the Dome should fire up the team. Also, the bye week has the team rested and refocused.
Not to mention, this is a battle-tested Rams team that has already faced Seattle, Arizona, Green Bay, as well as a Pittsburgh team that still had Ben Roethlisberger under center (at least for most of the game).
Cleveland's inept run game will appear even more useless against St. Louis' defensive front. The Browns' dependence on the passing game will be their downfall, as it opens up too many opportunities for the Rams' ferocious pass rush.
The primary factor working against St. Louis is its pitiful offense, but the emergence of Todd Gurley and Tavon Austin will help with that. Between the two young playmakers, the Rams should find just enough offensive production to pull ahead.
The Rams need this game to reclaim the 2015 season, and it's likely the players understand that. Expect a fired-up team this Sunday.
Prediction: Rams 23, Browns 17
Steven Gerwel is the longest-tenured Rams Featured Columnist at Bleacher Report and serves as the Rams' 2015 game-day correspondent. You can find more of Gerwel's work by visiting his writer profile or by following him on Twitter.
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