Rams vs. Browns: 10 Keys to Watch During Clash Between NFL Also-Rans

On Sunday, the Cleveland Browns take on the visiting St. Louis Rams in what looks to be an underwhelming contest at Cleveland Browns Stadium. The Browns and Rams are both struggling to do anything effectively.

If both the Rams and Browns could lose, that would happen in this matchup.

After an encouraging start under head coach Steve Spagnuolo, the St. Louis Rams have digressed in 2011.  Is it due to the loss of offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur?

Shurmur, as you know, is now the head coach of the Cleveland Browns.

Unfortunately, Shurmur’s touch with Sam Bradford and the offense in St. Louis has not carried over to the Browns’ locker room.

This Week 10 matchup will include a large amount of inside scouting intelligence. The Rams’ defense practiced against Shurmur’s system from 2009 to 2010.

Shurmur is no stranger to the Rams’ defense either.

It will be interesting to see who comes out on top in this coaching battle, with both coaches on what should be an even playing field Sunday afternoon.

Sam Bradford vs. His Old Mentor

The St. Louis Rams' No. 1 overall pick in the 2010 draft, Sam Bradford, has had a less-than-stellar start to 2011.

Under Pat Shurmur's tutelage as offensive coordinator, Bradford blossomed into a respectable NFL quarterback.

Bradford has also been limited in practice so far this week.  He's been nursing an injured ankle over the past three weeks.  During that span, backup A.J. Feeley has started twice in his place.

If Bradford is playing at 100 percent, his performance in front of his old mentor and coach will be an interesting subplot to watch on Sunday.

With Steven Jackson destined to gash the Browns defense, though, he may not have to do very much.

Steven Jackson vs. Putrid Browns Rush Defense

Everyone knows St. Louis Rams running back Steven Jackson is an unstoppable force when healthy. Unfortunately for the Browns, he's nearly at 100 percent heading into the matchup.

The Browns were hammered in Week 9 by the imposing Houston Texans ground game. Both Arian Foster and Ben Tate racked up over 100 yards in what amounted to sheer embarrassment for the Browns' defensive unit.

It isn't just the Texans who carved up the Browns' rush defense. Cleveland ranks 30th against the rush, allowing 144 yards per game on the ground.

If Steven Jackson runs wild, it is going to be a long afternoon for the Cleveland Browns.

Browns' Rushing Attack?

The Cleveland Browns' rushing attack is in shambles. Peyton Hillis' lingering hamstring troubles and the injury to Montario Hardesty have led the Browns into a difficult situation at the running back position.

Factor in the preseason, season-ending injury to backup running back Brandon Jackson, and the Browns are now starting a fourth-string running back.

Enter Chris Ogbonnaya.

Ogbonnaya showed quickness and toughness in his first limited experience with the Browns.  As a spell to Peyton Hillis, he looks to be a solid contributor picked up off the street by general manager Tom Heckert.  

But, his prospects as a starting running back?

Not so much.

Pat Shurmur's pass-first West Coast offense diminishes the role of any running back.

Heading into their Week 10 matchup, the Browns need to somehow find a way to exploit the terrible St. Louis rush defense.

Rams' Defensive Front 7

The Rams' defensive unit has been atrocious against opposing rushing attacks in 2011. Their unit is by far the worst in the league at slowing down opponents' running games.

Cleveland's offensive linemen, though, have struggled to create running lanes for whomever is toting the football out of their backfield.

Something has to give in Week 10.

"Increased" Joshua Cribbs Role

Joshua Cribbs is the most, if not the only, explosive player currently on the Cleveland Browns roster. It is mind-boggling to think that Pat Shurmur has failed to embrace this by including Cribbs more in the offense.

Reports indicate a bigger role for Cribbs is finally on the horizon in this week's matchup. This role could include running back.

When asked whether his expanded role included taking snaps out of the backfield, Cribbs dodged the question but hinted at things to come, according to Cleveland.com.

"We've got eight games left. There will be some surprises this week," he said.

Given the hole at the running back position and the opportunity provided by the less-than-stellar Rams rush defense, Cribbs may have a huge day on the ground.

Injuries

The injury bug has definitely hit the Cleveland Browns midway through the 2011 NFL season. The St. Louis Rams are also suffering from significant injuries that have hampered their game plan.

Browns running backs Peyton Hillis and Montario Hardesty have already been ruled out, while many other key players remain questionable. Safety standout T.J. Ward has not practiced this week, and his foot is in a walking boot.

The Rams are just as depleted.  

Starting wide receiver Danario Alexander has not practiced this week. Developing rookie wide receiver Greg Salas, who had an excellent showing in Week 9, is sidelined for the season with a broken leg.

This list, literally, goes on for both teams.

College Rivals Clash

Colt McCoy and Sam Bradford are no strangers to each other. During their final seasons in college, they bonded as they were surrounded by Heisman hype.  

While the Week 10 matchup between the Browns and Rams may be underwhelming in terms of significance for the 2011 NFL season, it will be interesting to see the former Big 12 rivals play against each other again.

Phil Dawson vs. Josh Brown

Let's face it: Phil Dawson and Josh Brown will more than likely score the most points in this game.

Dawson has been the only constant fixture the Browns have had since their expansion season in 1999.

If this game is high scoring, it's going to be in bursts of three from either side.

Pat Shurmur vs. His Old Team

Cleveland Browns head coach Pat Shurmur is no stranger to Steve Spagnuolo and the St. Louis Rams.  

From 2009 to 2010, Shurmur ran his West Coast offense in St. Louis as their offensive coordinator.  During Sam Bradford's rookie season in 2010, Shurmur's system fostered the development of the young quarterback.

2011, though, is a different story for the Rams.

It is hard to pinpoint what, if anything, the Rams have lost with Shurmur. His system has been less than stellar in Cleveland to this point.

Unfortunately for the Browns, this may signify just how far behind their organization is and how long it is going to take for success to come back to Cleveland.

Fan Reactions

The Cleveland Browns are 3-5 as they head into Week 10. A 3-5 record for this franchise should not be the end of the world for fans.

However, it isn't JUST the fans who are growing tired of the continual rebuilding cycle happening in Cleveland. Cleveland sports radio personality Tony Rizzo "lost it" following the embarrassing 30-12 loss to the Houston Texans in Week 9.

Browns fans, broadcasters and even players are on the brink of losing hope for their franchise following 11 horrendous seasons since their expansion season in 1999.

Oft optimistic veteran linebacker Scott Fujita tweeted following the loss to the Texans: "Colt McCoy is tough as nails, Josh Cribbs is an all-around baller, and Phil Dawson is money in the bank. Other than that, damn."

A loss to the 1-7 St. Louis Rams may put some over the edge in Week 10.

If they aren't already there.