Rams vs. Browns: 7 Things We Learned in Rams' 13-12 Win

The St. Louis Rams showed unwavering fortitude and resilience in their 13-12 win on the road against the feisty Cleveland Browns. Whether it was the windy conditions, the brutal onslaught of injuries or even their own mistakes, somehow the Rams overcame it all.

Despite owning a record of 1-7, the Rams played as if the playoffs were on the line. The players were animated and competitive in a way that would put some teams to shame.

There is much work left to be done in building this team for the future. The team is so thin at some positions, you can't help but feel for head coach Steve Spagnuolo. The poor man is trying to win games with a team that is running shy in the department of talent.

Rams fans must be frustrated with the way the season has turned out, especially given the fact that this team was being picked by the majority of the experts to win the NFC West.

But there are some gems on this roster, and fans should be excited for the future of this franchise.

There Is No Need To Fire Steve Spagnuolo

The Rams' players still love this guy and they would run through a brick wall to prove it. Steve Spagnuolo had his team revved up and ready to rumble against the Browns.

The hardships that Spagnuolo and the Rams have had to endure so far this season are nothing to scoff at. One of the reasons that the experts picked them to win the NFC West was because they actually had a talented roster. Injuries have had something to do with their incredibly disappointing season.

Fans shouldn't give up on Spagnuolo just yet. Just imagine how well the team will play for their leader when they are running at full strength. Teams with records like theirs usually tend to have locker room issues, like the Redskins. This team is fully engaged with Spagnuolo, and the fruit of this will become evident in years to come.

The Injury Rash Spreads

I'm not sure there is another team in the league that has suffered a worse case of the injury bug than the St. Louis Rams. 

Today was just another chapter in a grisly novel for the Rams this season. Roger Saffold was knocked out of the game with a head injury. Tight end Michael Hoomanawanui was also knocked out of the game, in what looked to be a pretty nasty knee injury. 

The team is running desperately thin in so many spots, it'll make your head spin. Great effort by the team to overcome all odds and pull out the 13-12 win.

The Rams Need To Draft a Stud Defensive Tackle

The Rams desperately need to draft a defensive tackle that can penetrate and disrupt the inside. Chris Long is playing well, but there isn't enough penetration anywhere else on the line to make it matter enough. 

James Hall and Fred Robbins are both in their 12th season, and the evidence is clear that the Rams need some new blood at this position.

This is one of many positions for the Rams that are sorely lacking the athleticism that is required to succeed in this era of NFL football.

The Secondary Unit Is in Need of Some Serious Help

Quintin Mikell is the lone bright spot in an otherwise bleak landscape. His play this season has been stellar, and today was no different.

Otherwise, this unit is really struggling. Al Harris left the game with an injury, further complicating matters. Craig Dahl isn't the answer at safety. 

The team has a ton of work to do in the next few drafts to make the Rams into a legitimate playoff contender, especially considering the improvement of NFC West rivals, the San Francisco 49ers. Improving their secondary will be high on their list.

Sam Bradford Is a Warrior

Sam Bradford reads the story of David and Goliath before every game. Today, he played like the warrior he admires.

Even before the game, you knew Bradford's ankle was jacked up. All you had to do was look at the massive brace that they slapped on him. They even had to give him a size 15 shoe just to make it fit.

And then he got slammed. In an effort to obtain a first down on his own, he dove forward on a scramble and was hammered into the turf. On the replays, you could see that his ankle, the very one he's nursing, was tweaked as his leg was driven into the ground.

He couldn't even walk. He tried to get up, but he went back down again. 

A.J. Feeley came into the game, but he was in for only one play. Bradford sucked it up and returned to finish the game.

Once the Rams' organization gets the proper pieces in place surrounding Bradford, there may very well be a two-horse race in the NFC West.

Bradford Needs an Athletic Tight End

One of the greatest holes in the Rams' offense is the lack of production at the tight end position. Give Sam Bradford a tall, athletic tight end and I guarantee this trend will reverse. 

When Stephen Jackson is being asked to catch slants over the middle, you know you have problems. Don't get me wrong, Jackson is a really good receiver in the flats and on screens, but not in the middle of the field. 

Josh McDaniels will be pushing hard for the team to do what I'm prescribing next year. 

There Is Some Chemistry Developing Between Sam Bradford and Brandon Lloyd

Rams fans should be pleased at the quick developing chemistry that has begun to blossom between Sam Bradford and newly acquired Brandon Lloyd. 

The two of them hooked up four times for 48 yards and a gorgeous touchdown pass against phenomenal cornerback, Joe Haden.

When the Rams can protect Bradford, they are a beautiful duo to watch.