Dawgs By Nature - Cleveland Browns vs. St. Louis Rams - Week 7 of the NFL SeasonA Cleveland Browns bloghttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48679/dawgsbynature-fave.png2015-10-28T09:10:59-04:00http://www.dawgsbynature.com/rss/stream/93696632015-10-28T09:10:59-04:002015-10-28T09:10:59-04:00Pokorny's Game Review: Browns vs. Rams
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<figcaption>Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Chris Pokorny breaks down the Cleveland Browns' 24-6 loss to the St. Louis Rams.</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/">Cleveland Browns</a>' effort ended up feeling lifeless by the end of the team's 24-6 loss to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/st-louis-rams">St. Louis Rams</a>, even though one play near the end of the third quarter was the definitive nail in the coffin. Here is my film review of this week's game.</p>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">NFL Week 7 Film Review</h4>
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<th style="font-size: 16px; background: #df6208; text-align: center; color: white;" colspan="6">Cleveland Browns vs. St. Louis Rams<br> </th>
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<th style="font-size: 14px; background: #64390a; text-align: center; color: white;" width="85"><br></th> <th style="font-size: 14px; background: #64390a; text-align: center; color: white;" width="67">1st</th> <th style="font-size: 14px; background: #64390a; text-align: center; color: white;" width="67">2nd</th> <th style="font-size: 14px; background: #64390a; text-align: center; color: white;" width="67">3rd</th> <th style="font-size: 14px; background: #64390a; text-align: center; color: white;" width="67">4th</th> <th style="font-size: 14px; background: #64390a; text-align: center; color: white;" width="67">FINAL<br> </th>
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<td style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://cdn3.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/3973296/CLE.0.png"></td>
<td style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle; border-left: 1px solid black; font-size: 30px;">0<br>
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<td style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle; border-left: 1px solid black; font-size: 30px;">3<br>
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<td style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle; border-left: 1px solid black; font-size: 30px;">3<br>
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<td style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle; border-left: 1px solid black; font-size: 30px;">0<br>
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<td style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle; border-left: 1px solid black; background: #ffffcc; font-size: 30px;">
<b>6</b><br>
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<td style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://cdn1.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/4045988/rams.0.svg" height="53" width="80"></td>
<td style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle; border-left: 1px solid black; font-size: 30px;">10<br>
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<td style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle; border-left: 1px solid black; font-size: 30px;">0<br>
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<td style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle; border-left: 1px solid black; font-size: 30px;">7<br>
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<td style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle; border-left: 1px solid black; font-size: 30px;">7<br>
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<td style="text-align: center; vertical-align: middle; border-left: 1px solid black; background: #ffffcc; font-size: 30px;"><b>24</b></td>
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<td style="background: #64390a;" colspan="6"><u><b><br></b></u></td>
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<p><u><b> </b></u></p>
<p align="center"><u><b></b></u></p>
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<li> <b> Goat of the Game:</b> WR <b>Taylor Gabriel</b> - This was a toss-up between any of the three Browns players who fumbled the ball. Ultimately, I had to give it to Gabriel because his turnover gave the Rams an instant 7-0 lead in a type of game where neither offense scored an offensive touchdown until late in the third quarter.<br> <br> </li>
<li> <b>Awarding the Game Ball: </b>DL <b>Randy Starks</b> - The veteran lineman had several high-impact plays in the game, whether it be stopping the run for a loss of notching a key sack in the third quarter after a long run by RB <b>Todd Gurley</b>. Starks was also graded positively in both run defense and his pass rush by PFF.<br> <br> </li>
<li> <b>Don't Let Gurley Get Started:</b> In all of RB <b><span>Todd Gurley's</span></b> games so far, his statistics after about 7 carries would probably have him averaging about 1.0 yards per carry. Heading into the game, I knew that Gurley was going to pop off a big run or two at some point, but my question was then whether or not Cleveland could minimize the damage with a field goal try.<br> <figure class="e-image">
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<br>The Browns' run defense got off to a good start. Facing a 2nd-and-10 from their own 33 yard line, the Rams have their tight end and fullback next to the right tackle. The blocker next to the right tackle is going to take on OLB <b>Paul Kruger</b>, while the furthest blocker is going to take on FS <b>Jordan Poyer</b> (not pictured).<br> <figure class="e-image">
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<br>Kruger pushes his man a couple of yards into the backfield and then takes a direct angle at Gurley, who then has to bounce his run further to the outside. Poyer then sheds his man and drops Gurley for a loss of four yards.<br> <br> </li>
<li> <b>Playing With Confidence:</b> The Browns' defense played with confidence for a good portion of the game, and rightly so. Cleveland knew if they stopped Gurley on first down to set up second- or third-and-long, QB <b><span>Nick Foles</span></b> wasn't going to beat them very often for a variety of reasons.<br> <figure class="e-image">
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<br>Facing a 3rd-and-14 on their first series, the Browns play an eight-man zone right around the first down marker. Bringing only a three-man rush, DL <b>Randy Starks</b>' spin move is going to get pressure on Foles.<br> <figure class="e-image">
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<br>Yes, that's right -- three offensive linemen can't contain a spin move by Sparks.<br> <figure class="e-image">
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<br>Foles throws an incomplete pass as Starks delivers a hit, and the Rams are forced to punt.<br> <br> </li>
<li> <b>Bye Week Scouting:</b> In my pre-game writeup, I warned that CB <b><span>Janoris Jenkins</span></b> loves to take a chance and jump passes -- I just didn't think it'd be on the team's first pass attempt of the game.<br> <figure class="e-image">
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<br>The Browns' first two plays were runs by RB <b><span>Isaiah Crowell</span></b>, which set Cleveland up with a 1st-and-10 from the 19 yard line. Now, Cleveland shows a three-receiver look to the left with QB <b>Josh McCown</b> in Shotgun. WR <b><span>Travis Benjamin</span></b> is on the outside, WR <b>Andrew Hawkins </b>in the slot, and WR <b>Taylor Gabriel</b> closest to McCown. The idea is for the two outside receivers to fake streak routes before cutting in to block the defensive backs in front of them.<br> <figure class="e-image">
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<br>Right at the snap, Jenkins sniffs this play out and blows by Benjamin. In the background, S <b><span>Rodney McLeod</span></b> is coming upfield (the eventual loose ball takes a fortunate bounce right to him for a scoop + score for a 7-0 lead with 11:59 to play in the first quarter).<br> <figure class="e-image">
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<br>This is a bang/bang hit, with Gabriel only having about half a second to react with no momentum as Jenkins comes charging at him. You hate to outright say this was Gabriel's fault, but after further review, I do think he should have held on to the ball. After this team suffered a similar giveaway for a touchdown last week (a completely uncontested run in the first half), this had to be pretty demoralizing. It was especially demoralizing because the Rams' offense could play looser with the lead.<br> <br> </li>
<li> <b>Cam Stumbles on Early Rep:</b> With TE <b>Rob Housler</b> and TE <b><span>E.J. Bibbs</span></b> inactive, Cleveland gave an early rep to OL <b><span>Cameron Erving</span></b> as an extra blocker on the edge of the line. It didn't go well.<br> <figure class="e-image">
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<br>Erving is next to LT <b><span>Joe Thomas</span></b>. To the left of Erving are TE <b>Jim Dray</b> and TE <b><span>Gary Barnidge</span></b>. Thomas is going to let the rush beat him to his left and then force him upfield, which opens up what looks to be a designed cutback run for RB <b><span>Duke Johnson</span></b>. Erving will chip the guy to his left before trying to get to the second level, where he should have an advantage over a linebacker.<br> <figure class="e-image">
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<br>Everything is going well, except that you can see that Erving is stumbling as he tries to get to the second level. <figure class="e-image">
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<br>Now, Erving is flat on his stomach and Johnson is staring down a defender in the hole, who crashes down on him for a loss of three yards. If Erving had stayed on his feet and shielded off the defender to the inside, Johnson would have had a big hole.<br> <br> </li>
<li> <b>Another Fumble on Third Down:</b> The fumbles on third down for QB <b>Josh McCown</b> have returned.<br> <figure class="e-image">
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<br>On the team's second series of the game, facing a 3rd-and-8 from their own 32 yard line, Cleveland had their receivers running some long-developing routes 15-20 yards downfield, except for TE <b>Gary Barnidge</b>, who ran to the sideline short of the sticks.<br> <figure class="e-image">
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<br>Nobody is open as the two outside receivers have yet to make their break and a defender has dropped back into zone coverage to double team the receiver over the middle. <figure class="e-image">
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<br>McCown doesn't take particularly long to make a decision before DE <b><span>William Hayes</span></b> beats RT <b>Mitchell Schwartz</b> around the edge for the strip+sack as OLB <b><span>Akeem Ayers</span></b> recovers. The Rams capitalized with a 39 yard field goal with 7:33 left in the first quarter to give them a 10-0 lead.<br> <br> </li>
<li> <b>Worthy of a Tooth:</b> Down 10-0 after having fumbled on their first two offensive possessions, the Browns started clicking on their third possession.<br> <figure class="e-image">
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<br>Facing a 2nd-and-10 from the 37 yard line, the Browns lined up with five receivers. On the left were WR <b>Travis Benjamin</b> running an intermediate in route and RB <b>Duke Johnson</b> running a button hook. On the right, TE <b>Gary Barnidge</b> is running a shallow out route, WR <b>Taylor Gabriel</b> is running to the middle of the field, and WR <b>Andrew Hawkins</b> is setting a pick.<br> <figure class="e-image">
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<br>There is the pick, and QB <b>Josh McCown</b> fires it out to Barnidge, who catches it near the sideline and then rumbles past the sticks for 12 yards and a first down.<br> <figure class="e-image">
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<br>The first down wasn't without consequence, though. His helmet was knocked off as he was tackled to the ground, and one of the defender's feet hit Barnidge in the face, costing him a tooth.<br> <br> </li>
<li> <b>Only Red Zone Trip:</b> The Browns' drive extended to the beginning of the second quarter.<br> <figure class="e-image">
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<br>Cleveland faced a 3rd-and-2 from the 7 yard line. At the top of the screen is RB <b>Duke Johnson</b>. He really doesn't run much of a route, almost looking like a decoy? TE <b>Gary Barnidge</b> runs an out-and-in, but will be tightly covered. At the bottom of the screen, WR <b>Brian Hartline</b> goes to the front left corner of the end zone, WR <b>Taylor Gabriel</b> runs to the flat, and WR <b>Travis Benjamin</b> sits down at the first down with a little slant route.<br> <figure class="e-image">
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<br>There aren't a lot of openings, but QB <b>Josh McCown</b> should have fired a low pass to the body of Benjamin here for the first down. Perhaps he didn't see him or didn't think he had a good enough lane to throw the ball without a deflection by the defensive line. Instead, McCown steps up and rolls to his right.<br> <figure class="e-image">
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<br>With Johnson on the perimeter, he's got to come back for the ball and give McCown a spot to throw the ball to so either Johnson gets it or no one gets it.<br> <figure class="e-image">
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<br>Instead, Johnson floats to the back corner of the end zone. If this were a tight end, maybe McCown gives them a high pass to try to bring down. There's no way he can float a pass over the defensive back to Johnson, so he tries to run for it. The defensive pursuit stops McCown for no gain. Cleveland settled for a 27-yard field goal by K <b><span>Travis Coons</span></b>, cutting the Rams' lead to 10-3 with 14:05 left in the second quarter. The drive lasted 8:28 for Cleveland.<br> <br> </li>
<li> <b>Jet Sweep Springs Gurley:</b> The Browns were having their way with the Rams' traditional blockers on runs by RB <b>Todd Gurley</b>, so on their first drive of the second quarter, they found a non-traditional way to get him the ball in space.<br> <figure class="e-image">
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<br>At the snap, QB <b>Nick Foles</b> fakes the jet sweep to the motion man. On the left edge of the like is OLB <b><span>Nate Orchard</span></b>. He starts crashing hard down the line, which means he'll be well out of position when Foles flips the ball out to Gurley instead.<br> <figure class="e-image">
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<br>There is the pitch to Gurley, who uses his speed to get around Orchard and then his athleticism to leap over a would-be tackle by FS <b>Jordan Poyer</b> downfield. The run ends up going for a total of 14 yards.<br> <br> </li>
<li> <b>Bringing More Than They Can Block:</b> The Browns' defense had their way with the Rams the majority of the first half, continuing to doubt that QB <b>Nick Foles</b> could beat them.<br> <figure class="e-image">
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<br>Facing a 3rd-and-6 from their own 40 yard line, Cleveland brings seven rushers when the Rams are only in position to block six. ILB <b>Karlos Dansby</b> doesn't bring a true rush -- he just fakes a rush toward the center before taking a step back -- but he does enough to distract a blocker for long enough. With the running back helping the left tackle on OLB <b>Paul Kruger</b>, DL <b><span>Xavier Cooper</span></b> gets a free release on Foles.<br> <figure class="e-image">
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<br>The play looks like it's designed to be a quick hitter to WR <b><span>Tavon Austin</span></b>. Foles has him open, but Cleveland would likely get their defensive backs over to him before he could get a first down. The pass sails way over Austin's head and out of bounds, though.<br> <figure class="e-image">
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<br>I'm not sure if Foles felt the pressure from Cooper and rushed it, but the incomplete pass forced a punt. On the punt, WR <b>Travis Benjamin</b> made a big mistake to wave off the punt and let it bounce at the 20 yard line before being downed at the 4 yard line. Cleveland battled on the losing end of field position for much of the rest of the quarter because of it.<br> <br> </li>
<li> <b>Just Find Benjamin:</b> There were a couple of third down situations in this game that QB <b>Josh McCown</b> could have converted had he just been able to find WR <b>Travis Benjamin</b> short.<br> <figure class="e-image">
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<br>Facing a 3rd-and-5 from their own 9 yard line, WR <b>Travis Benjamin</b> was the lone receiver wide right, running a crossing route. On the left were WR <b>Brian Hartline</b> crossing underneath Benjamin, TE <b>Gary Barnidge</b> running an out route beyond the first down, and WR <b>Andrew Hawkins</b> faking an in before going out.<br> <figure class="e-image">
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<br>Here, you can see that the Rams have multiple defenders where Hartline is headed, and a defender is already creeping up on Hawkins' underneath route.<br> <figure class="e-image">
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<br>Here is the play from McCown's perspective. He is looking for Hartline on the crosser from the start, but gets a bit antsy near his own end zone when he sees LG <b><span>Joel Bitonio</span></b> pass off a rusher. Will RB <b>Duke Johnson</b> actually pick up the rusher in time?<b> </b><br> <figure class="e-image">
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<br>The answer is yes (although Johnson is obscured in this photo, he pushes the rusher into the end zone so McCown can step up. As McCown steps up, he bails on Hartline's route...<br> <figure class="e-image">
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<br>...and throws it left to Hawkins, who is immediately drilled after only a gain of two yards. Unbeknownst to McCown, the defender over the middle also began to shade toward Hartline as Benjamin was crossing in front of him. If McCown had thrown this to Benjamin instead, he would've had a pretty good amount of running room in front of him.<br> <br> </li>
<li> <b>Catching a Few Breaks on Defense:</b> After runs of 6, 3, and 15 yards by RB <b>Todd Gurley</b>, the Rams were in Cleveland territory.<br> <figure class="e-image">
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<br>Facing a 2nd-and-11 from the 32 yard line, QB <b>Nick Foles</b> faked the Shotgun handoff to his running back, which drew both of the Browns' inside linebackers up.<br> <figure class="e-image">
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<br>That allowed TE <b><span>Jared Cook</span></b> to get behind the coverage. SS <b>Donte Whitner</b> pursued him and was able to force a fumble after a gain of 17 yards.<br> <figure class="e-image">
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<br>I know that you always want to make sure you at least safely secure the turnover, so I can't be too upset at FS <b>Jordan Poyer</b> for falling on the loose ball and then not being able to get up. However, just imagine if Poyer had been able to scoop the ball up while standing, just like the Rams did to start the game.<br> <br> </li>
<li> <b>Well-Protected:</b> Accuracy wasn't a problem for QB <b>Josh McCown</b>, who completed over 80% of his passes against the Rams. He even completed some passes as he was being taken to the ground. <br> <figure class="e-image">
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<br>With under three minutes to go in the first half, the Browns faced a 3rd-and-8 from their own 34 yard line. WR <b>Travis Benjamin</b> lined up wide right, running a deep out route with a fake to the inside. WR <b>Andrew Hawkins</b> and WR <b>Taylor Gabriel</b> both ran shallow in routes on the left, while TE <b>Gary Barnidge</b> ran a route beyond the first down over the middle.<br> <figure class="e-image">
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<br>RB <b>Duke Johnson</b> stepped up and delivered a nice block over the middle, and the rest of the Browns' line blocks this play well. Benjamin does a little hand-fighting with his defender downfield, and his defender slips as Benjamin breaks to the outside. McCown hits him for a gain of 21 yards in to St. Louis territory.<br> <br> </li>
<li> <b>Nothing Goes Right on the Pull Guard:</b> The Browns needed to run one more play heading into the two-minute warning, and it wasn't pretty.<br> <figure class="e-image">
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<br>The Browns tried running a pull guard run with RB <b>Isaiah Crowell</b>, and the results were terrible. I'm a fan of these types of runs, but good lord, you better execute it better than this. DL <b><span>Aaron Donald</span></b> lines up over LG <b>Joel Bitonio</b>, so C <b>Alex Mack</b> needs to get enough of a chip on Donals so Bitionio can pull without Donald having a free rush at Crowell. On the right side, Bitonio needs to attack the edge defender, while allowing the lines of TE <b>Jim Dray</b> and FB <b><span>Malcolm Johnson</span></b> to start blocking at the second level.<br> <figure class="e-image">
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<br>Donald gets free, and Bitonio doesn't get over to the edge defender in time (which might be aided by the fullback not having enough of a chip). The result is Crowell being immediately met in the backfield for a loss of five yards. I'm surprised our running backs have not fumbled this year.<br> <br> </li>
<li> <b>Manziel Would've Let it Loose:</b> Coming out of the two-minute warning, facing a 2nd-and-15 from midfield, the Rams got pressure right up the middle.<br> <figure class="e-image">
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<br>QB <b>Josh McCown</b> made the wise decision to roll out to his left, buying himself a lot of extra time for something improvisational to happen. McCown has two options to his left, but neither one is a sure-completion or good gain.<br> <figure class="e-image">
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<br>Benjamin breaks deep across the field, much like he did with QB <b>Johnny Manziel</b> earlier this year. Given the amount of space in front of McCown, I'd think he could see him.<br> <figure class="e-image">
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<br>Even from this perspective, it looks like McCown is thinking of sending a rope downfield to Benjamin. Instead, right after this frame, he pulls it down and just runs over to the sideline for a gain of two yards. Cleveland eventually had to punt.<br> <br> </li>
<li> <b>No Hail Mary Attempt:</b> After the Rams missed a 63-yard field goal attempt, Cleveland had one crack at a Hail Mary attempt.<br> <figure class="e-image">
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<br>Usually, the All-22 angle would show the end zone defenders too, but they don't on this play. Note that there should be four defenders already in the end zone. Rather than sending a three- or four-man rush, the Rams bring six rushers. Cleveland has six blockers to match them, but they weren't prepared for the pressure coming from the top of the screen.<br> <figure class="e-image">
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<br>McCown looked left at the start of the play, so I don't think he felt the pressure coming from his right. If he had been looking right, he could've thrown it to the back receiver. How far would he have gotten before being tackled? Maybe it turns into a punt-return-type-score, but we didn't get that chance as McCown dumped an incomplete pass over the middle.<br> <br> </li>
<li> <b>Out-and-Up:</b> The Browns started the second half with a bang, having back-to-back 20+ yard plays.<br> <figure class="e-image">
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<br>On the first play of the half, the Rams are going to get caught up in zone coverage over the middle. TE <b>Gary Barnidge</b> is going to fake a short out route before bending upfield. As the announcers pointed out, this is a route you'd commonly see teams run in the red zone.<br> <figure class="e-image">
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<br>Both defenders get caught up staring at the quarterback, and the one on the hashmarks starts peaking at RB <b>Robert Turbin</b>. When Barnidge turns upfield...<br> <figure class="e-image">
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<br>...QB <b>Josh McCown</b> delivers a nice pass for a gain of 27 yards.<br> <br> </li>
<li> <b>Fresh Dose of Turbin:</b> On the next play, the Browns gave the ball to RB <b>Robert Turbin</b>, who seemed to take on more of the second half workload than RB <b>Isaiah Crowell</b>.<br> <figure class="e-image">
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<br>Things started well for Turbin, thanks in large part to FB <b>Malcolm Johnson</b> filling a key block in the hole that Turbin is going to run through. RT <b>Mitchell Schwartz</b> is also able to seal his defender on the edge, and Turbin does a good job bouncing his run to the outside.<br> <figure class="e-image">
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<br>WR <b>Andrew Hawkins</b> delivers a cut block to spring Turbin for some more yardage. The 22 yard run sets the Browns up at the 31 yard line.<br> <figure class="e-image">
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<br>Unfortunately, the Browns' next two runs went for -1 and 3 yards, setting up a 3rd-and-8. QB <b>Josh McCown</b> threw a pass like this to TE <b>Gary Barnidge</b> earlier in the game on the sideline, and he was able to rumble for a first down at the expense of a tooth. This time, McCown must not see him and decides to dump the ball off to WR <b>Travis Benjamin</b>, who can only get 3 yards. The Browns settle for a 44-yard field goal by K <b>Travis Coons</b>, cutting the Rams' lead to 10-6 with 11:45 to go in the third quarter.<br> <br> </li>
<li> <b>Gurley Breaks the Big One:</b> Before the game, I said that it was OK if RB <b>Todd Gurley</b> broke one big run in the second half, as he's been doing, because the Rams aren't a good enough team offensively to do much with it.<br> <figure class="e-image">
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<br>Gurley's big run came on their second play of the second half. Both inside linebackers, ILB <b>Karlos Dansby</b> and ILB <b><span>Tank Carder</span></b>, attack the line and at least one of them will get through. Gurley is going to make a really nice cut, but that's where DL <b><span>Xavier Cooper</span></b> neews to do a better job being in position to make a stop.<br> <figure class="e-image">
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<br>Cooper can't wrap Gurley up, and then Gurley takes off for a 48-yard run in to Browns territory. St. Louis missed a 35-yard field goal attempt, though, keeping the game at 10-6 mid-way through the third quarter.<br> <br> </li>
<li> <b>Let's Try This Again:</b> The Browns opened the half with an out-and-up with TE <b>Gary Barnidge</b>. On their next drive, they did it again.<br> <figure class="e-image">
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<br>Facing a 2nd-and-21 from their own 14 yard line, Barnidge runs the same route he did to start the half. This time, C <b>Alex Mack</b> is yielding pressure in the face of QB <b>Josh McCown</b>.<br> <figure class="e-image">
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<br>The play is open, but McCown's throw sails because of the defender coming right at him. Fortunately, Barnidge reaches up high with one hand and tips the ball to himself for an awesome 28-yard completion. <br> <br> </li>
<li> <b>The Game-Changer:</b> If there was one definitive turning point in the game, this was it.<br> <figure class="e-image">
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<br>Facing a 3rd-and-9 on the same series, QB <b>Josh McCown</b> decides to air one out deep down the sideline to WR <b>Travis Benjamin</b>, who is tightly covered. LT <b>Joe Thomas</b> is ruled as taking down the pass rusher here. It's not like this is a phantom call -- I can see why the officials ruled it a takedown. Because I think the takedown didn't impact the play, given it happened as McCown was throwing it, and because I don't really think Thomas really hooked the defender down, I wish it had been let go...<br> <figure class="e-image">
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<br>...especially since Benjamin made a heck of a catch here for 36 yards. The Browns would've have a fresh set of downs 21 yards away from the end zone. At a minimum, they are getting at least a field goal out of that, and who knows -- maybe they finally get a touchdown to take the lead. Instead, they have to punt.<br> <br> </li>
<li> <b>Foles Finally Burns Cleveland:</b> For the first time all game, QB <b>Nick Foles</b> came out on the next series with the Rams wanting to attack downfield.<br> <figure class="e-image">
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<br>Foles had just gotten CB <b>Pierre Desir</b> on a 26-yard pass interference penalty on a play where he was covering WR <b><span>Kenny Britt</span></b> up the right sideline. On the very next play, Foles went to the same matchup.<br> <figure class="e-image">
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<br>Britt has a step on Desir and there is really no safety help, since the safety on that side is playing man coverage on his own receiver.<br> <figure class="e-image">
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<br>Desir catches up to make this a contest catch, but Britt hauls it in. FS <b>Jordan Poyer</b> does a nice job delivering a clean and jarring hit as Britt catches the pass, but he's able to hang on at the 1 yard line.<br> <br> </li>
<li> <b>Caught With 10 Defenders:</b> If you can't stop the run with 11 defenders, how are you going to stop it with just 10?<br> <figure class="e-image">
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<br>OLB <b>Paul Kruger</b> crashes in on the edge, leaving ILB <b>Tank Carder</b> as the only defender with a fighting chance to break something up. The Rams have their fullback leading the way to take on Carder, though, so RB <b>Todd Gurley</b> walks in. If the Browns had 11 men, they probably still don't stop Gurley, but you at least have to give yourselves a chance. The 1-yard touchdown run by Gurley gives the Rams a 17-6 lead with 2:14 left in the third quarter.<br> <br> </li>
<li> <b>Glimmer of Hope is Shut Down:</b> Now in the beginning of the fourth quarter, the Browns still had a glimmer of hope as they've been a high-scoring fourth quarter team the past few weeks.<br> <figure class="e-image">
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<br>Facing a 1st-and-10 at their own 38 yard line, QB <b>Josh McCown</b> is going to find WR <b>Travis Benjamin</b> in the soft spot of the zone coverage (the green area). The Browns have been consistent with lining Benjamin up as an outside receiver, so I like the fact that they mixed it up and had him inside here.<br> <figure class="e-image">
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<br>There's the opening that McCown finds Benjamin. It would put Cleveland close to field goal range at a minimum, but the Rams converge and sandwich Benjamin, forcing a fumble.<br> <figure class="e-image">
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<br>Then, after DL <b><span>Nick Fairley</span></b> recovers the fumble, poor <b>Andrew Hawkins</b> gets frickin' CRUSHED with a helmet shot by the stumbling defensive lineman. Hawkins took a couple of big hits this week, but this is the one that probably concussed him.<br> <br> </li>
<li> <b>Gurley's 2nd TD Run:</b> After a bogus defensive holding call on CB <b>K'Waun Williams</b>, the Rams' next drive was extended. Had the flag not been thrown, a Rams field goal would've made it a 14-point game with over 8 minutes to go. That's an unlikely comeback scenario for Cleveland, but it still gives you marginal hope.<br> <figure class="e-image">
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<br>Facing a 1st-and-10 from the 16 yard line, the Browns' run defense up front, including OLB <b>Nate Orchard</b> on the edge, are going to crash hard to the inside. RB <b>Todd Gurley</b> will take the run wide and then make a sharp cut to the inside to avoid the Browns' defensive backs.<br> <figure class="e-image">
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<br>Here is the play developing...<br> <figure class="e-image">
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<br>...and here is the cutback. The Browns whiff on a couple of tackle attempts too, as St. Louis takes a 24-6 lead with 8:11 to go in the game. It's at this point where you just want to lock yourself in closet or something.<br> <br> </li>
<li>
<b>Manziel Enters:</b> QB <b>Josh McCown</b> suffered a shoulder injury on his next series. When Cleveland got the ball back one more time, QB <b>Johnny Manziel</b> was in.<br> <figure class="e-image">
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<br>There's not much to critique with Manziel's series, but I wanted to show again the improvising that can be done with him. Manziel ended up taking off and running here, but as soon as he took off, WR <b>Brian Hartline</b> sprung wide open deep. If Manziel had ran forward and then pulled up to let it loose, no one would've been within 30 yards of Hartline in the end zone.<br> <br> </li>
<li> <b>Special Teams Notes: </b>The Browns had 3 special teams tackles 1 each from ILB <b>Tank Carder</b>, S <b><span>Ibraheim Campbell</span></b>, and CB <b><span>Johnson Bademosi</span></b>. There were 2 assists, with 1 each from S <b>Jordan Poyer</b> and ILB <b>Christian Kirksey</b>. P <b>Andy Lee</b> averaged 45.4 yards per attempt on 5 punts, with a net average of 38.4 yards. K <b><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link">Travis Coons</span></span></b> was 2-of-2 on field goals, hitting from 25 and 44 yards. I think he's getting to know what it felt like to be K <b><span>Phil Dawson</span></b>.<br> <br> </li>
<li> <b>Snap Counts on Offense & Defense:</b> If you missed them, here are the links to our snap count trackers for offense (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.dawgsbynature.com/2015/10/26/9612776/browns-week-7-offensive-snap-counts-vs-rams">link</a>) and defense (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.dawgsbynature.com/2015/10/26/9612770/browns-week-7-defensive-snap-counts-vs-rams">link</a>).<br><br> </li>
<li> <b>Brownies:</b> The Browns converted 3-of-12 (25%) 3rd down attempts, while the Rams converted 1-of-9 (11%) 3rd down attempts. ... Cleveland out-gained the Rams in yardage 364 to 308. ... Cleveland had 11 penalties for 98 yards, while St. Louis had 9 penalties for 75 yards, with a lot of those being self-inflicted offsides penalties. ... The Browns had the ball for 35:33 compared to the Rams having it for 24:27. ... Before the Browns' defense faltered a bit late, they held off the Rams pretty well but could've overcome four fumbles by the offense. ... OL <b>Cameron Erving</b> replaced RG <b>John Greco</b> on the final series, but the Rams just brought three-man rushes so he really wasn't "tested."<br> </li>
</ol>
<p align="left">Up next, the Browns take on the <span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/">Arizona Cardinals</a> at home</span></span></span></span></span></span>. </span></span>Keep it tuned to Dawgs By Nature for our coverage leading up to the game!</p>
https://www.dawgsbynature.com/2015/10/28/9617662/cleveland-browns-week-7-film-review-24-6-loss-to-ramsChris Pokorny2015-10-26T08:34:04-04:002015-10-26T08:34:04-04:00Analyzing Snap Counts: Browns-Rams (Defense)
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ZCmUf2wpydJj-wmFTQMDOpI5oRk=/0x0:3247x2165/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47516123/usa-today-8883963.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Looking at the defensive snap counts in the Browns' 24-6 loss to the Rams.</p> <p>Below, we analyze the snap counts on defense for the <span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link">Cleveland Browns</span></span></span>' Week 7 game against the <span class="sbn-auto-link">St. Louis Rams.</span></p>
<h3>Defensive Line</h3>
<table class="dbn" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
<colgroup> <col style="mso-width-source: userset; mso-width-alt: 1060; width: 22pt;" width="29"> <col style="mso-width-source: userset; mso-width-alt: 4498; width: 92pt;" width="123"> <col style="mso-width-source: userset; mso-width-alt: 1426; width: 29pt;" width="39"> <col style="mso-width-source: userset; mso-width-alt: 1170; width: 24pt;" width="32"> <col style="mso-width-source: userset; mso-width-alt: 14555; width: 299pt;" width="398"> </colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">
<td class="xl66" style="height: 15.0pt; width: 22pt;" height="20" width="29">Pos</td>
<td class="xl66" style="width: 92pt;" width="123">Player</td>
<td class="xl67" style="width: 29pt;" width="39">Plays</td>
<td class="xl68" style="width: 24pt;" width="32">%</td>
<td class="xl66" style="width: 299pt;" width="398">Stats</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">
<td style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">DL</td>
<td>
<span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"></span></span></span></span><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link">Randy Starks</span></span></span></span></span></span></span>
</td>
<td class="xl65">27</td>
<td class="xl69">51%</td>
<td>1 tackle, 1 assist (2 combined). 1 sack, 1 tackle for loss, 2 quarterback hits.<br>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">
<td style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">DL</td>
<td>
<span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"></span></span></span></span></span></span><span class="sbn-auto-link"></span></span></span></span><span class="sbn-auto-link"></span> <span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"></span><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"></span><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"></span></span></span> <span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"></span><span class="sbn-auto-link"></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link">Desmond Bryant</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>
</td>
<td class="xl65">26</td>
<td class="xl69">49%</td>
<td>1 tackle (1 combined). 1 sack, 1 tackle for loss, 1 quarterback hit.<br>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">
<td style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">DL</td>
<td><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>Xavier Cooper<br></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span class="sbn-auto-link"></span></span></span></span></td>
<td class="xl65">26</td>
<td class="xl69">49%</td>
<td>2 assists (2 combined).<br>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">
<td style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">DL</td>
<td>
<span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"></span></span><span class="sbn-auto-link"></span></span></span><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"></span></span><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link">Jamie Meder</span></span></span></span><span class="sbn-auto-link"></span></span></span></span><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"></span></span></span>
</td>
<td class="xl65">24</td>
<td class="xl69">45%</td>
<td>2 tackles, 2 assists (4 combined).<br>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">
<td style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">DL</td>
<td>
<span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"></span></span></span>Danny Shelto</span><span class="sbn-auto-link">n</span></span></span></span><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"></span></span></span>
</td>
<td class="xl65">21</td>
<td class="xl69">40%</td>
<td>No stats registered.<br>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">
<td style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">DL</td>
<td>
<span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"></span><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"></span><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"></span></span></span></span></span><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link">John Hughes</span></span></span></span></span></span></span>
</td>
<td class="xl65">21</td>
<td class="xl69">40%</td>
<td>1 assist (1 combined).<br>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>The Browns maintained a near-equal distribution of reps for their defensive linemen, but how necessary is that when there were only 53 snaps the entire game? Why is <b>Jamie Meder</b> on the field for more snaps than your first-round pick, <b>Danny Shelton</b>? <b>Randy Starks</b> and <b>Desmond Bryant</b> each logged sacks, with Starks' sack coming at an opportune time.</p>
<h3>Outside Linebacker</h3>
<table class="dbn" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
<colgroup> <col style="mso-width-source: userset; mso-width-alt: 1060; width: 22pt;" width="29"> <col style="mso-width-source: userset; mso-width-alt: 4498; width: 92pt;" width="123"> <col style="mso-width-source: userset; mso-width-alt: 1426; width: 29pt;" width="39"> <col style="mso-width-source: userset; mso-width-alt: 1170; width: 24pt;" width="32"> <col style="mso-width-source: userset; mso-width-alt: 14555; width: 299pt;" width="398"> </colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">
<td class="xl66" style="height: 15.0pt; width: 22pt;" height="20" width="29">Pos</td>
<td class="xl66" style="width: 92pt;" width="123">Player</td>
<td class="xl67" style="width: 29pt;" width="39">Plays</td>
<td class="xl68" style="width: 24pt;" width="32">%</td>
<td class="xl66" style="width: 299pt;" width="398">Stats</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">
<td style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">OLB</td>
<td>
<span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>Nate Orchard</span></span></span></span></span></span></span>
</td>
<td class="xl65">34</td>
<td class="xl69">64%</td>
<td>2 assists (2 combined).<br>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">
<td style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">OLB</td>
<td>
<span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"></span></span></span><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"> <span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link">Paul Kruger</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>
</td>
<td class="xl65">23</td>
<td class="xl69">43%</td>
<td>1 assist (1 combined).<br>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">
<td style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">OLB</td>
<td>
<span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>Armonty Bryant</span></span></span></span><br><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"></span></span></span>
</td>
<td class="xl65">23</td>
<td class="xl69">43%</td>
<td>2 tackles, 1 assist (3 combined). 1 tackle for loss.<br>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">
<td style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">OLB</td>
<td>
<span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link">Barkevious Mingo</span></span></span><br><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"></span></span></span>
</td>
<td class="xl65">12</td>
<td class="xl69">23%</td>
<td>1 pass defended.<br>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>Against an offensive line that gives up a lot of hits on their quarterback, <b>Paul Kruger</b> only saw the field for 43% of the snaps, and <b>Barkevious Mingo</b> is still pigeon-holed into a niche role.</p>
<h3>Inside Linebacker</h3>
<table class="dbn" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
<colgroup> <col style="mso-width-source: userset; mso-width-alt: 1060; width: 22pt;" width="29"> <col style="mso-width-source: userset; mso-width-alt: 4498; width: 92pt;" width="123"> <col style="mso-width-source: userset; mso-width-alt: 1426; width: 29pt;" width="39"> <col style="mso-width-source: userset; mso-width-alt: 1170; width: 24pt;" width="32"> <col style="mso-width-source: userset; mso-width-alt: 14555; width: 299pt;" width="398"> </colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">
<td class="xl66" style="height: 15.0pt; width: 22pt;" height="20" width="29">Pos</td>
<td class="xl66" style="width: 92pt;" width="123">Player</td>
<td class="xl67" style="width: 29pt;" width="39">Plays</td>
<td class="xl68" style="width: 24pt;" width="32">%</td>
<td class="xl66" style="width: 299pt;" width="398">Stats</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">
<td style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">ILB</td>
<td>
<span class="sbn-auto-link"></span><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"></span><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link">Karlos Dansby</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>
</td>
<td class="xl65">53</td>
<td class="xl69">100%</td>
<td>5 tackles, 2 assists (7 combined). 1 tackle for loss.<br>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">
<td style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">ILB</td>
<td>
<span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"></span></span></span>Christian Kirksey</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"></span></span></span>
</td>
<td class="xl65">37</td>
<td class="xl69">70%</td>
<td>5 tackles, 2 assists (7 combined).<br>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">
<td style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">ILB</td>
<td>
<span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"></span></span></span></span></span><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"></span></span></span></span><span class="sbn-auto-link">Tank Carder</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"></span></span>
</td>
<td class="xl65">16</td>
<td class="xl69">30%</td>
<td>1 tackle (1 combined).</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>I thought <b>Karlos Dansby</b> played another solid game. With <b>Craig Robertson</b> inactive again, <b>Tank Carder</b> continued to see some reps on defense. Robertson is expected back next week and could significantly eat in to <b>Christian Kirksey's</b> reps.</p>
<h3>Safety</h3>
<table class="dbn" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
<colgroup> <col style="mso-width-source: userset; mso-width-alt: 1060; width: 22pt;" width="29"> <col style="mso-width-source: userset; mso-width-alt: 4498; width: 92pt;" width="123"> <col style="mso-width-source: userset; mso-width-alt: 1426; width: 29pt;" width="39"> <col style="mso-width-source: userset; mso-width-alt: 1170; width: 24pt;" width="32"> <col style="mso-width-source: userset; mso-width-alt: 14555; width: 299pt;" width="398"> </colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">
<td class="xl66" style="height: 15.0pt; width: 22pt;" height="20" width="29">Pos</td>
<td class="xl66" style="width: 92pt;" width="123">Player</td>
<td class="xl67" style="width: 29pt;" width="39">Plays</td>
<td class="xl68" style="width: 24pt;" width="32">%</td>
<td class="xl66" style="width: 299pt;" width="398">Stats</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">
<td style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">S</td>
<td><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link">Donte Whitner</span></span></span></td>
<td class="xl65">53</td>
<td class="xl69">100%</td>
<td>5 tackles, 1 assist (6 combined). 1 forced fumble.<br>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">
<td style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">S</td>
<td><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link">Jordan Poyer</span></span></span></td>
<td class="xl65">49</td>
<td class="xl69">92%</td>
<td>5 tackles, 5 assists (10 combined). 1 tackle for loss, 1 fumble recovery.<br>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>The tackling of the Browns in general was poor at the end of the game on <b>Todd Gurley</b>, but <b>Donte Whitner</b> did force a fumble that was recovered by <b>Jordan Poyer</b>. Poyer led the team in tackles and also at least attempted to deliver a jarring hit on <b>Nick Foles</b>' only deep completion of the game.</p>
<h3>Cornerback</h3>
<table class="dbn" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
<colgroup> <col style="mso-width-source: userset; mso-width-alt: 1060; width: 22pt;" width="29"> <col style="mso-width-source: userset; mso-width-alt: 4498; width: 92pt;" width="123"> <col style="mso-width-source: userset; mso-width-alt: 1426; width: 29pt;" width="39"> <col style="mso-width-source: userset; mso-width-alt: 1170; width: 24pt;" width="32"> <col style="mso-width-source: userset; mso-width-alt: 14555; width: 299pt;" width="398"> </colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">
<td class="xl66" style="height: 15.0pt; width: 22pt;" height="20" width="29">Pos</td>
<td class="xl66" style="width: 92pt;" width="123">Player</td>
<td class="xl67" style="width: 29pt;" width="39">Plays</td>
<td class="xl68" style="width: 24pt;" width="32">%</td>
<td class="xl66" style="width: 299pt;" width="398">Stats</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">
<td style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">CB</td>
<td>
<span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link">Tramon Williams</span></span></span></span><br>
</td>
<td class="xl65">52</td>
<td class="xl69">98%</td>
<td>1 assist (1 combined).<br>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">
<td style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">CB</td>
<td><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link">Pierre Desir</span></span></span></td>
<td class="xl65">52</td>
<td class="xl69">98%</td>
<td>1 tackle (1 combined).<br>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">
<td style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">CB</td>
<td>
<span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"></span></span><span class="sbn-auto-link"></span><span class="sbn-auto-link">K'Waun Williams</span>
</td>
<td class="xl65">33</td>
<td class="xl69">62%</td>
<td>1 assist (1 combined).<br>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>The Rams hardly threw to their wide receivers, and the tackling stats above indicate that. <b>Tavon Austin</b> did fake out <b>Tramon Williams</b> pretty hard on a comeback route, and <b>Pierre Desir</b> was victimized on back-to-back plays late in the third quarter to set up the Rams' first touchdown of the game. Hopefully<b> Joe Haden</b> and <b>Tashaun Gipson</b> can make their way back this week.</p>
<p class="pgh-paragraph">---</p>
<h3>Amount of Defensive Plays, By the Week</h3>
<ul>
<li> <b>Week 1:</b> 61 plays</li>
<li> <b>Week 2:</b> 80 plays</li>
<li> <b>Week 3:</b> 71 plays</li>
<li> <b>Week 4:</b> 65 plays</li>
<li> <b>Week 5:</b> 70 plays*</li>
<li> <b>Week 6:</b> 84 plays*</li>
<li> <b>Week 7:</b> 53 plays</li>
</ul>
<p>
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https://www.dawgsbynature.com/2015/10/26/9612770/browns-week-7-defensive-snap-counts-vs-ramsChris Pokorny2015-10-26T08:14:56-04:002015-10-26T08:14:56-04:00Analyzing Snap Counts: Browns-Rams (Offense)
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/QNW25FUzIjDJPtpnQnZmYYKPIhs=/70x0:2966x1931/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47516131/usa-today-8883968.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Looking at the offensive snap counts in the Browns' 24-6 loss to the Rams.</p> <p>Below, we analyze the snap counts on offense for the <span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link">Cleveland Browns</span></span></span>' Week 7 game against the <span class="sbn-auto-link">St. Louis Rams.</span></p>
<h3>Quarterback</h3>
<table class="dbn" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
<colgroup> <col style="mso-width-source: userset; mso-width-alt: 1060; width: 22pt;" width="29"> <col style="mso-width-source: userset; mso-width-alt: 4498; width: 92pt;" width="123"> <col style="mso-width-source: userset; mso-width-alt: 1426; width: 29pt;" width="39"> <col style="mso-width-source: userset; mso-width-alt: 1170; width: 24pt;" width="32"> <col style="mso-width-source: userset; mso-width-alt: 14555; width: 299pt;" width="398"> </colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">
<td class="xl64" style="height: 15.0pt; width: 22pt;" height="20" width="29">Pos</td>
<td class="xl64" style="width: 92pt;" width="123">Player</td>
<td class="xl65" style="width: 29pt;" width="39">Plays</td>
<td class="xl66" style="width: 24pt;" width="32">%</td>
<td class="xl64" style="width: 299pt;" width="398">Stats</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">
<td style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">QB</td>
<td>
<span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link">Josh McCown</span></span></span><br>
</td>
<td class="xl63">68<br>
</td>
<td class="xl67">91%</td>
<td>26-of-32 (81.25%) for 270 yards. 4 carries, 21 yards. 2 fumbles lost.<br>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">
<td style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">QB</td>
<td>
<span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link">Johnny Manziel</span></span></span><br>
</td>
<td class="xl63">7<br>
</td>
<td class="xl67">9%</td>
<td>4-of-5 (80%) for 27 yards. 1 carry, 5 yards.<br>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>After the game, it was revealed that <b>Josh McCown</b> did not have a concussion, but was being evaluated for a shoulder injury. That might pave the way for <b>Johnny Manziel</b> to start the next two games, and with the team now at 2-5, it might be for the best. McCown was accurate with his passes, but the issue still remains where he holds on to the ball too long in certain situations. Some quarterbacks can overcome that, but a guy like McCown can't.</p>
<h3>Running Back</h3>
<table class="dbn" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
<colgroup> <col style="mso-width-source: userset; mso-width-alt: 1060; width: 22pt;" width="29"> <col style="mso-width-source: userset; mso-width-alt: 4498; width: 92pt;" width="123"> <col style="mso-width-source: userset; mso-width-alt: 1426; width: 29pt;" width="39"> <col style="mso-width-source: userset; mso-width-alt: 1170; width: 24pt;" width="32"> <col style="mso-width-source: userset; mso-width-alt: 14555; width: 299pt;" width="398"> </colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">
<td class="xl66" style="height: 15.0pt; width: 22pt;" height="20" width="29">Pos</td>
<td class="xl66" style="width: 92pt;" width="123">Player</td>
<td class="xl67" style="width: 29pt;" width="39">Plays</td>
<td class="xl68" style="width: 24pt;" width="32">%</td>
<td class="xl66" style="width: 299pt;" width="398">Stats</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">
<td style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">RB</td>
<td>
<span class="sbn-auto-link"></span><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"></span><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link">Duke Johnson</span></span></span>
</td>
<td class="xl65">29</td>
<td class="xl69">39%</td>
<td>6 carries, 17 yards, 2.8 avg. 7 catches, 73 yards (7 targets).</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">
<td style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">RB</td>
<td>
<span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"></span><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"></span></span></span><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"></span></span></span></span>Robert Turbin</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br>
</td>
<td class="xl65">27</td>
<td class="xl69">36%</td>
<td>5 carries, 30 yards, 6.0 avg. 2 catches, 8 yards (2 targets).<br>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">
<td style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">RB</td>
<td>
<span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"></span></span></span>Isaiah Crowell</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br>
</td>
<td class="xl65">19</td>
<td class="xl69">25%</td>
<td>8 carries, 9 yards, 1.1 avg.<br>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">
<td style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">FB</td>
<td>
<span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"></span></span></span></span>Malcolm Johnson</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"></span></span></span></span>
</td>
<td class="xl65">15</td>
<td class="xl69">20%</td>
<td>No stats registered.</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p class="pgh-paragraph">I <u>hate</u> the running back rotation Cleveland is using between <b>Robert Turbin</b> and <b>Isaiah Crowell</b> right now, and those who have been reading my stuff for awhile should know that. Pick one guy as the lead back, and be done with it. These guys have to get a higher volume of touches if you want them to catch fire. Look at <b>Todd Gurley</b> -- he probably started with like 7 carries for -2 yards, or something to that effect. And then look how he finished the game. I'm not saying that either Turbin or Crowell are on Gurley's level, but I just don't agree with the approach that is presumably being deployed by <b>Wilbert Montgomery</b>.</p>
<h3>Wide Receiver</h3>
<table class="dbn" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
<colgroup> <col style="mso-width-source: userset; mso-width-alt: 1060; width: 22pt;" width="29"> <col style="mso-width-source: userset; mso-width-alt: 4498; width: 92pt;" width="123"> <col style="mso-width-source: userset; mso-width-alt: 1426; width: 29pt;" width="39"> <col style="mso-width-source: userset; mso-width-alt: 1170; width: 24pt;" width="32"> <col style="mso-width-source: userset; mso-width-alt: 14555; width: 299pt;" width="398"> </colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">
<td class="xl66" style="height: 15.0pt; width: 22pt;" height="20" width="29">Pos</td>
<td class="xl66" style="width: 92pt;" width="123">Player</td>
<td class="xl67" style="width: 29pt;" width="39">Plays</td>
<td class="xl68" style="width: 24pt;" width="32">%</td>
<td class="xl66" style="width: 299pt;" width="398">Stats</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">
<td style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">WR</td>
<td>Travis Benjamin</td>
<td class="xl65">65</td>
<td class="xl69">87%</td>
<td>4 catches, 47 yards (8 targets). 1 fumble lost.<br>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">
<td style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">WR</td>
<td>Brian Hartline</td>
<td class="xl65">46</td>
<td class="xl69">61%</td>
<td>3 catches, 22 yards (3 targets).</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">
<td style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">WR</td>
<td>Taylor Gabriel</td>
<td class="xl65">38</td>
<td class="xl69">51%</td>
<td>4 catches, 18 yards (4 targets). 1 fumble lost.</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">
<td style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">WR</td>
<td>Andrew Hawkins</td>
<td class="xl65">37</td>
<td class="xl69">49%</td>
<td>2 catches, 21 yards (3 targets).<br>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">
<td style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">WR</td>
<td>Marlon Moore</td>
<td class="xl65">4</td>
<td class="xl69">5%</td>
<td>2 catches, 21 yards (3 targets).<br>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p class="pgh-paragraph">The wide receivers of the Browns have received praise all season, but Sunday's outing was not their finest hour. <b>Taylor Gabriel</b> and <b>Travis Benjamin</b> each had costly fumbles, the latter of which resulted in <b>Andrew Hawkins</b> getting a concussion from trying to take down <b>Nick Fairley</b>. The Rams' defense was very physical, and for once, our smaller receivers were the ones over-matched as they couldn't shed tackles nor block them.</p>
<h3>Tight End</h3>
<table class="dbn" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
<colgroup> <col style="mso-width-source: userset; mso-width-alt: 1060; width: 22pt;" width="29"> <col style="mso-width-source: userset; mso-width-alt: 4498; width: 92pt;" width="123"> <col style="mso-width-source: userset; mso-width-alt: 1426; width: 29pt;" width="39"> <col style="mso-width-source: userset; mso-width-alt: 1170; width: 24pt;" width="32"> <col style="mso-width-source: userset; mso-width-alt: 14555; width: 299pt;" width="398"> </colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">
<td class="xl66" style="height: 15.0pt; width: 22pt;" height="20" width="29">Pos</td>
<td class="xl66" style="width: 92pt;" width="123">Player</td>
<td class="xl67" style="width: 29pt;" width="39">Plays</td>
<td class="xl68" style="width: 24pt;" width="32">%</td>
<td class="xl66" style="width: 299pt;" width="398">Stats</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">
<td style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">TE</td>
<td>
<span class="sbn-auto-link"></span><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link">Gary Barnidge</span></span></span></span></span>
</td>
<td class="xl65">56</td>
<td class="xl69">75%</td>
<td>6 catches, 101 yards (7 targets).<br>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">
<td style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">TE</td>
<td>
<span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"></span></span><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"></span></span><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link">Jim Dray</span></span></span>
</td>
<td class="xl65">35</td>
<td class="xl69">47%</td>
<td>2 catches, 10 yards (2 targets).<br>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p class="pgh-paragraph">If there is one player who still delivered the goods on offense, it was <b>Gary Barnidge</b>, who made several big plays and looked to be playing with a purpose. I'm glad that <b>Jim Dray</b> was used at least sparingly as a receiver, as you have to keep the defense honest when he's in the game.</p>
<h3>Offensive Line</h3>
<table class="dbn" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
<colgroup> <col style="mso-width-source: userset; mso-width-alt: 1060; width: 22pt;" width="29"> <col style="mso-width-source: userset; mso-width-alt: 4498; width: 92pt;" width="123"> <col style="mso-width-source: userset; mso-width-alt: 1426; width: 29pt;" width="39"> <col style="mso-width-source: userset; mso-width-alt: 1170; width: 24pt;" width="32"> <col style="mso-width-source: userset; mso-width-alt: 14555; width: 299pt;" width="398"> </colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">
<td class="xl66" style="height: 15.0pt; width: 22pt;" height="20" width="29">Pos</td>
<td class="xl66" style="width: 92pt;" width="123">Player</td>
<td class="xl67" style="width: 29pt;" width="39">Plays</td>
<td class="xl68" style="width: 24pt;" width="32">%</td>
<td class="xl66" style="width: 299pt;" width="398">Stats</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">
<td style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">OL</td>
<td><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link">Joe Thomas</span></span></span></td>
<td class="xl65">75</td>
<td class="xl69">100%</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">
<td style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">OL</td>
<td><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link">Joel Bitonio</span></span></span></td>
<td class="xl65">75</td>
<td class="xl69">100%</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">
<td style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">OL</td>
<td><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link">Alex Mack</span></span></span></td>
<td class="xl65">75</td>
<td class="xl69">100%</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">
<td style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">OL</td>
<td><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link">Mitchell Schwartz</span></span></span></td>
<td class="xl65">75</td>
<td class="xl69">100%</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">
<td style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">OL</td>
<td><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link">John Greco</span></span></span></td>
<td class="xl65">68</td>
<td class="xl69">100%</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">
<td style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">OL</td>
<td><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link">Cameron Erving<br></span></span></span></td>
<td class="xl65">11</td>
<td class="xl69">15%</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p class="pgh-paragraph">The offensive line surrendered four sacks and seven quarterback hits. I know that <b>Cameron Erving</b> played a few snaps as a sixth lineman/tight end, but I was surprised to see that <b>John Greco</b> missed 7 snaps. That is equal to the snaps that <b>Johnny Manziel</b> had, and sure enough, when I went back and checked, Erving played the final series. Could a change at guard be in store for next Sunday?</p>
<p class="pgh-paragraph">---</p>
<h3>Amount of Offensive Plays, By the Week</h3>
<ul>
<li> <b>Week 1:</b> 71 plays</li>
<li> <b>Week 2:</b> 49 plays</li>
<li> <b>Week 3:</b> 75 plays</li>
<li> <b>Week 4:</b> 71 plays</li>
<li> <b>Week 5:</b> 88 plays*</li>
<li> <b>Week 6:</b> 79 plays*</li>
<li> <b>Week 7:</b> 75 plays</li>
</ul>
<p class="pgh-paragraph">We'll have coverage on the defensive snap counts later on.</p>
<p>
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https://www.dawgsbynature.com/2015/10/26/9612776/browns-week-7-offensive-snap-counts-vs-ramsChris Pokorny2015-10-25T18:26:18-04:002015-10-25T18:26:18-04:00Browns vs. Rams: 7 Talking Points
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/3QnHqsseUtJFHWFyZDwbSGU9W0g=/0x79:2451x1713/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47514879/usa-today-8883719.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Todd Gurley tore through Tank Carder and the Browns' defense in a 24-6 Rams win. </p> <p>This is a bad team.</p>
<p>If fans didn't know before, they know now. The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/">Browns</a> played terribly in St. Louis on Sunday, losing 24-6 to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/st-louis-rams">Rams</a>.</p>
<p>The final score does not properly represent the parade of errors made by the Browns. The team played undisciplined football, committing 11 penalties and fumbling four times. Even worse, the Browns once again failed to run the ball or stop the run, dropping to 2-5 on the year.</p>
<p>But the fun has just begun. <span>Josh McCown</span> sustained an injury late in the fourth quarter. Depending on the status of McCown's shoulder, a quarterback controversy could be brewing in Berea.</p>
<p>On that note, here are seven takeaways from Sunday's loss to the Rams:</p>
<p> </p>
<p><b>1. Slow start: The Browns again stumbled out of the gate, allowing the Rams to take a double-digit lead in the first quarter</b>. For the fourth time in five games, the Browns fell behind by 10 points in the first half.</p>
<p>The Browns' first two offensive drives resulted in disaster.</p>
<p>On the second offense play from scrimmage, the Browns called a quick screen to Taylor Gabriel. Just a few moments after Gabriel caught the pass, Rams cornerback <span>Janoris Jenkins</span> popped Gabriel, forcing a fumble. Rodney McLeod Jr. scooped up the ball and dashed 17 yards for the first score of the game.</p>
<p>Gabriel deserves most of the blame for failing to firmly secure the ball, but <span>Travis Benjamin</span> blatantly missed his block on Jenkins. Either way, the Rams took a 7-0 lead.</p>
<p>The Browns’ next drive also resulted in a costly turnover. <span>Mitchell Schwartz</span> whiffed on a pass block on Rams' defensive end <span>William Hayes</span>. A vulnerable McCown lost the football in the fracas in the pocket, and <span>Akeem Ayers</span> recovered the fumble at the Cleveland 25-yard line.</p>
<p>The Cleveland defense answered the bell and kept the Rams out of the end zone, but the hosts still notched three points on a 39-yard <span>Greg Zuerlein</span> field goal.</p>
<p>If the Browns want to win again, starting strong is a must. This team is incapable of overcoming double-digit leads every week.</p>
<p><b>2. Fumbling the game away: Four fumbles sunk the Browns on Sunday</b>. The three turnovers resulted in 17 of the Rams’ 24 points. Two fumbles in the first quarter gave the Rams an easy 10-point lead, and two more in the fourth quarter allowed the hosts to seal the game.</p>
<p>As described above in point #1, fumbles by Gabriel and McCown led to an early lead for the Rams. Gabriel and McCown are responsible for not holding onto the ball, but their teammates did not help.</p>
<p>The offensive line allowed Rams defenders to pressure McCown throughout the day, and Benjamin missed a block that allowed Jenkins to crush Gabriel. Fumbling is typically an individual issue, but today it was a team problem.</p>
<p>The third fumble occurred early in the fourth quarter. Trailing 17-6, McCown and the Browns had a 1st and 10 at their own 38-yard line. McCown completed a 20-yard pass to Benjamin across the middle. Upon absorbing a hit by <span>T.J. McDonald</span>, Benjamin coughed up the ball, which <span>Nick Fairley</span> recovered at the St. Louis 44-yard line.</p>
<p>Benjamin’s fumble cannot be blamed on another teammate. Benjamin receives all of the blame for this blunder, which led to the Rams scoring a game-sealing touchdown.</p>
<p>The fourth fumble came on Cleveland’s next drive. Ten plays into a big drive, McCown rolled right on 2nd and 10. As McCown began his throwing motion on a short pass, Hayes hit McCown’s arm, causing a fumble. In the confusion following the forced fumble, a Rams defensive lineman tripped McCown, sending the veteran tumbling. <span>Eugene Sims</span> recovered the fumble, and McCown left the game with a shoulder injury.</p>
<p>Again, McCown cannot be faulted for this turnover. Schwartz missed his block on Hayes, allowing the big defensive end to hit McCown’s arm.</p>
<p>If you commit four turnovers, you’re likely going to lose. It’s a matter of execution and focus. The Browns don’t have either right now.</p>
<p><b>3. Grounded and pounded (again): <span>Todd Gurley</span> tore the Browns’ front seven apart, especially in the second half</b>. Gurley rushed for 128 yards on 19 attempts (6.7 yards per carry) and two touchdowns.</p>
<p>For the fourth time in the last five games, the Browns allowed an opposing running back to hit the century mark. In all but one game this season, the Browns have surrendered 150 total rushing yards.</p>
<p>The game began innocuously enough for the Browns’ defense. The first two St. Louis drives resulted in just a net gain of three yards. The Rams’ first 10 points cannot be blamed on the Cleveland defense.</p>
<p>The cracks began to appear as the first half continued.</p>
<p>On his first seven runs, Gurley recorded just 18 yards. On his next two, his last of the first half, Gurley notched 27 yards. On his first carry of the third quarter, Gurley galloped 48 yards to the Cleveland 22-yard line to place the Rams in field goal range, though Zuerlein missed the 35-yarder.</p>
<p>Gurley responded by scoring two touchdowns. Gurley capped off the Rams’ next drive with an easy 1-yard touchdown run and dashed 16 yards for a touchdown midway through the fourth quarter. Gurley’s second score upped the St. Louis lead to 24-6, far out of reach for an inept Browns’ offense.</p>
<p>The culprit of the failure to stop Gurley? Missed tackles. On nearly every big Gurley run, a Browns’ defensive lineman or linebacker had a shot to make a tackle.</p>
<p>The Browns’ front seven began the game well, plugging holes and making tackles behind the line of scrimmage. For whatever reason, the defenders simply stopped making plays as the game continued.</p>
<p>As <a href="http://www.si.com/thecauldron/2015/10/21/mike-pettine-cleveland-browns-defense-problems-afc-north">Kevin Jones wrote in a Sports Illustrated article</a> on Friday, this is a significant problem for the Browns. If it continues, it could cost head coach <b>Mike Pettine</b> his job.</p>
<p><b>4. Failure to block: The Browns’ offensive line performed poorly all game</b>. For a unit that is supposedly the strength of this team, the offensive line looked terrible today.</p>
<p>To quote <i>Cool Hand Luke</i>, "What we got here is failure to communicate." The Browns’ offensive line missed Rams’ defenders all day and frequently missed assignments. This miscommunication on the front line led to sacks, fumbles, and an injured McCown.</p>
<p>Thanks to the Cleveland offensive line, McCown took a beating today. The Rams registered four sacks and seven quarterback hits in the contest.</p>
<p>Individually, the Browns have a top-notch offensive line. <span>Joe Thomas</span> could be a Hall of Famer one day. <span>Joel Bitonio</span> has outstanding potential. <span>Alex Mack</span> is a Pro Bowler and anchor of the line. Joel Greco is a solid guard. Mitchell Schwartz received solid grades six games. <span>Cameron Erving</span> is a stout rookie.</p>
<p>As a unit, however, the offensive line looks awful. The Rams defensive line dominated at the point of attack against the run and swarmed McCown on the edges on passes.</p>
<p>Each lineman made mistakes, but Schwartz receives the lowest grade from me. Schwartz missed blocks on each of McCown’s fumbles and drew a false start call in the second quarter.</p>
<p>To the running backs’ credit, <span>Duke Johnson</span> and <span>Robert Turbin</span> performed admirably in pass protection. The two fended off Rams’ pass rushers and saved McCown from a few more sacks.</p>
<p>I’m not sure how to fix the offensive line woes. This is a deep-rooted communications problem with a solution beyond my expertise. But if the coaching staff does not adjust, the Browns’ offense will struggle, regardless of the quarterback.</p>
<p><b>5. Foiling Foles: If a silver lining exists in the loss, it’s the Browns’ secondary</b>. Missing <span>Joe Haden</span> and <span>Tashaun Gipson</span>, the Browns’ secondary held its own, limiting <span>Nick Foles</span> to just 163 yards.</p>
<p>Except for <span>Kenny Britt</span>’s 41-yard reception and a pass interference call, <span>Pierre Desir</span> enjoyed a banner day as Haden’s replacement. Desir did not allow any touchdowns or too much space in coverage. Desir deserves credit for his part in containing Foles.</p>
<p><span>Jordan Poyer</span> also performed admirably as a stand-in for Gipson. Poyer led the team in tackles with 10 and also recorded a tackle for loss. Poyer tackled Gurley a handful of times in the open field, bailing out the team’s front seven. The 24-year-old safety also deserves praise for not allowing any receivers to beat him deep.</p>
<p><b>Tramon Williams</b> did not play as well, missing tackles and allowing a few catches. The veteran didn’t make any big mistakes, though. <b>Donte Whitner</b> turned in a similar performance, though he forced a fumble in the second quarter, stopping a promising St. Louis drive inside the red zone.</p>
<p>As a unit, the secondary played a huge role in limiting the Rams to a conversion rate of 1-of-9 on third downs today.</p>
<p>If only the run defense could play as well on first and second down.</p>
<p><b>6. Airing dirty laundry: The Browns struggled with penalties on Sunday, handing juicy opportunities to the Rams</b>. The Browns finished the game with 11 penalties for 98 yards.</p>
<p>Penalties bit the Browns at inopportune times on Sunday.</p>
<p>In the first half, false start calls halted Browns' drives. Thomas, Schwartz, and Bitonio were all flagged for false starts in the first half, and <span>Jim Dray</span> later drew one in the third quarter.</p>
<p>Holding calls hurt the Browns in the third quarter. <span>Gary Barnidge</span>, <span>Cameron Erving</span>, and Thomas all received holding penalties on the same drive midway through the third. The penalties erased big gains of 10 and 36, and resulted in an eventual <span>Andy Lee</span> punt.</p>
<p>Penalties in the secondary became vogue in the third and fourth quarters. Desir drew a pass interference two plays before Gurley scored his 1-yard touchdown. Foles’ pass to Britt set up the touchdown, but Desir’s penalty cost the Browns 26 yards.</p>
<p>Midway through the fourth quarter, <b>K’Waun Williams</b> was charged with a 5-yard holding penalty following an incompletion on 3rd and 8. The call granted the Rams another chance, and Gurley took advantage. The Georgia grad sealed the game with a 16-yard touchdown run on the next play. In my opinion, the call was borderline. Regardless, the referee saw it and the Browns paid for it.</p>
<p>The Browns’ lack of discipline is not a new problem. It’s a problem of coaching and execution, and it is inexcusable.</p>
<p><b>7. Johnny Time: <span>Johnny Manziel</span> entered the game after McCown exited with an injury, turning in a decent outing</b>. Depending on the severity of McCown’s injury, Manziel might receive another shot at starting next Sunday.</p>
<p>Following his second fumble, McCown left the game with a shoulder injury. McCown finished 26-of-32 passing for 270 yards. The Rams went three-and-out on their ensuing drive, giving Manziel the ball at the Cleveland 45-yard line with 3:26 remaining.</p>
<p>Manziel’s stint lasted seven plays, which resulted in a total gain of 17 yards. Manziel completed 3-of-4 passes for 20 yards and scrambled twice for five yards. The drive ended after Manziel ran for five yards on 4th and 6.</p>
<p>The second-year signalcaller stuck to short passes over the middle. Manziel did not look comfortable in the pocket, perhaps due to the offensive line’s iffy effort. On two of the throws, he did not set his feet properly before throwing, and he left the pocket early on his first run.</p>
<p>Manziel did not put on a show, but he didn’t play horribly. If McCown has to sit out next week, Manziel should be fine.</p>
<p>At this point, why not let Manziel play? The Browns are 2-5 with zero playoff potential. It’s time for a change.</p>
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https://www.dawgsbynature.com/2015/10/25/9611926/browns-vs-rams-7-talking-pointsJoe Ginley2015-10-25T16:13:33-04:002015-10-25T16:13:33-04:00Instant Recap: Turnovers Cost Browns in 24-6 Loss
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<figcaption>Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/">Cleveland Browns</a> lost by a final score of 24-6 to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/st-louis-rams">St. Louis Rams</a>, as they were victimized by fumbles on offense and some questionable penalty calls that helped put the game out of reach late in the third quarter. The loss dropped them to 2-5 on the season.</p>
<p>The offensive woes began on the team's first series. On QB <b><span>Josh McCown's</span></b> first pass of the game, he threw a bubble screen to WR <b><span>Taylor Gabriel</span></b>. CB Janoris Jenkins read the play, beat his block, and got his helmet on the football right away, forcing a fumble, which S <b><span>Rodney McLeod</span></b> scooped up and returned 20 yards for a touchdown. On the Browns' next drive, McCown was stripped of the ball on third down. Cleveland's defense held tough, holding the Rams to a 35-yard field goal by K <b><span>Greg Zuerlein</span></b>. St. Louis led 10-0 mid-way through the first quarter.</p>
<p>The Browns then strung together their longest drive of the game that extended into the beginning of the second quarter, but they had to settle for a 25-yard field goal by K <b><span>Travis Coons</span></b>, cutting the Rams' lead to 10-3. The Browns got the ball first in the second half and had back-to-back big plays, but then the drive stalled, leading to a 44-yard field goal by Coons to cut it to 10-6.</p>
<p>Cleveland's defense was holding pretty tough. The turning point of the game came with about 5:30 to go in the third quarter. On 3rd-and-9 from their own 43 yard line, McCown hit WR <b><span>Travis Benjamin</span></b> for about a 35-yard gain down the sideline, which would've set the Browns up at the 22 yard line. The play was called back due to a questionable holding penalty on LT <b><span>Joe Thomas</span></b>, and the Browns had to punt.</p>
<p>Then, for the first time all game, QB <b><span>Nick Foles</span></b> got aggressive and attacked CB <b><span>Pierre Desir</span></b> downfield. First, he got Desir for a 26-yard pass interference penalty. On the next play, WR <b><span>Kenny Britt</span></b> beat Desir for a 41-yard gain, down to the 1 yard line. RB <b><span>Todd Gurley</span></b> punched it in for the score on the next play, giving the Rams a 17-6 lead.</p>
<p>The Browns were moving offensively near the start of the third quarter. McCown had just completed a pass to WR <b>Travis Benjamin</b> in to Rams territory, but then Benjamin took a big hit and fumbled with the Rams recovering. A 16-yard touchdown run by Gurley put the game away for good at 24-6.</p>
<p>Before it was all said and done, McCown left the game with a possible head injury, so let the speculation about QB <b><span>Johnny Manziel</span></b> run rampant again. Cleveland's next game is at home against Arizona next Sunday.</p>
<h4>Quick Stats</h4>
<ul>
<li>QB <b>Josh McCown: </b>26-of-32 (81.3%) for 270 yards. 2 fumbles lost.</li>
<li>RB <b><span>Duke Johnson</span>:</b> 6 carries, 17 yards (2.8 YPC). 7 catches, 73 yards.</li>
<li>TE <b><span>Gary Barnidge</span>:</b> 6 catches, 101 yards.</li>
<li>11 penalties for 98 yards for the Browns. 4 fumbles lost.<br>
</li>
<li>RB <b>Todd Gurley:</b> 19 carries, 128 yards, 2 TDs. 4 catches, 35 yards.</li>
</ul>
https://www.dawgsbynature.com/2015/10/25/9611534/browns-rams-final-score-st-louis-takes-advantage-of-turnovers-in-24-6Chris Pokorny2015-10-25T15:13:13-04:002015-10-25T15:13:13-04:00Browns vs. Rams - 4th Quarter Game Thread
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<figcaption>Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Jump down to the comments section to discuss the Browns vs. Rams game each quarter with a bunch of other Cleveland fans!</p> <p class="pgh-paragraph" id="paragraph0">Cleveland began the third quarter with a bang: a 27-yard pass to TE <b>Gary Barnidge</b> and then a 22-yard run by RB <b>Robert Turbin</b>. Their next two runs were stuffed, though, and Cleveland couldn't convert on third down, forcing them to settle for a 44-yard field goal attempt, which K <b>Travis Coons</b> connected on to trim the Rams' lead to 10-6.</p>
<p class="pgh-paragraph">On the Rams' next drive, RB <b>Todd Gurley</b> broke free for a 48-yard gain on the ground. After the Rams got a first down in the red zone, the run defense got a stop on first down and then DL <b>Randy Starks</b> blew through for a sack on second down. The third down pass for TE <b>Jared Cook</b> fell incomplete, forcing the Rams to settle for a 35-yard field goal by K <b>Greg Zuerlein</b>, which he sliced to the right -- no good!</p>
<p class="pgh-paragraph">Cleveland had a combination of big penalties and big plays on their next drive, but the penalties won out and they had to punt from near mid-field toward the end of the third quarter. QB <b>Nick Foles</b> got aggressive against CB <b>Pierre Desir</b> then, first by getting a long pass interference penalty against him, and then hitting him on a bomb down to the 1 yard line. From there, Gurley punched it in to give the Rams a 17-6 lead.</p>
<p class="pgh-paragraph" id="paragraph1" align="center"><a data-ref-index="9" href="http://www.dawgsbynature.com/"><img src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1343810/large_dawgsbynature.com.full_medium.png" style="vertical-align: middle;" width="180"></a><b><span>VS.</span></b> <a data-ref-index="9" href="http://www.turfshowtimes.com/"><img src="https://cdn1.vox-cdn.com/uploads/blog/sbnu_logo/75/large_turfshowtimes.com.full.69939.png" style="vertical-align: middle;" width="180"></a></p>
<p class="pgh-paragraph" id="paragraph2" align="center"><b>Game:</b> <span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/">Cleveland Browns</a> vs. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/st-louis-rams">St. Louis Rams</a></span></span><br><b>Date/Time:</b> Sunday, October 25, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. ET<br><b>Television:</b> CBS (Channel 19) - Brian Anderson & Adam Archuleta<br><b>Local Radio:</b> ESPN 850 WKNR, 92.3 The Fan, 98.5 FM WNCX</p>
https://www.dawgsbynature.com/2015/10/25/9608942/cleveland-browns-vs-st-louis-rams-4th-quarter-game-threadChris Pokorny2015-10-25T14:26:05-04:002015-10-25T14:26:05-04:00Browns vs. Rams - 3rd Quarter Game Thread
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<figcaption>Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Jump down to the comments section to discuss the Browns vs. Rams game each quarter with a bunch of other Cleveland fans!</p> <p class="pgh-paragraph" id="paragraph0">The Browns settled for a 25-yard field goal by K <b>Travis Coons</b> at the beginning of the second quarter, cutting the Rams' lead to 10-3. The Rams punted from near midfield on their next drive, and pinned Cleveland back at their own 4 yard line. The Browns then traded three-and-outs with the Rams and got the ball back inside their own 10 yard line again.</p>
<p class="pgh-paragraph">A few penalties backed the Browns up even further, forcing them to punt from deep in their own territory again. The Rams started putting together a nice drive and QB <b>Nick Foles</b> completed a pass to TE <b>Jared Cook</b> into the red zone, but Cook was stripped of the ball by SS <b>Donte Whitner</b> and FS <b>Jordan Poyer</b> fell on top of it. Cleveland was able to get the ball to midfield, but had to punt with about a minute to go in the half. After a punt, the Rams quickly marched the ball to midfield with several plays to RB <b>Todd Gurley</b>. The Rams tried a 63-yard field goal, but it was wide right. It's 10-3 Rams heading to the second half.</p>
<p class="pgh-paragraph" id="paragraph1" align="center"><a data-ref-index="9" href="http://www.dawgsbynature.com/"><img src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1343810/large_dawgsbynature.com.full_medium.png" style="vertical-align: middle;" width="180"></a><b><span>VS.</span></b> <a data-ref-index="9" href="http://www.turfshowtimes.com/"><img src="https://cdn1.vox-cdn.com/uploads/blog/sbnu_logo/75/large_turfshowtimes.com.full.69939.png" style="vertical-align: middle;" width="180"></a></p>
<p class="pgh-paragraph" id="paragraph2" align="center"><b>Game:</b> <span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/">Cleveland Browns</a> vs. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/st-louis-rams">St. Louis Rams</a></span></span><br><b>Date/Time:</b> Sunday, October 25, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. ET<br><b>Television:</b> CBS (Channel 19) - Brian Anderson & Adam Archuleta<br><b>Local Radio:</b> ESPN 850 WKNR, 92.3 The Fan, 98.5 FM WNCX</p>
https://www.dawgsbynature.com/2015/10/25/9608944/cleveland-browns-vs-st-louis-rams-3rd-quarter-game-threadChris Pokorny2015-10-25T13:32:10-04:002015-10-25T13:32:10-04:00Browns vs. Rams - 2nd Quarter Game Thread
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<figcaption>Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Jump down to the comments section to discuss the Browns vs. Rams game each quarter with a bunch of other Cleveland fans!</p> <p class="pgh-paragraph" id="paragraph0">After the Browns' defense forced a three-and-out to begin the game, Cleveland was pinned back in their own territory. They moved the chains with two running plays and then threw a wide receiver screen to <b>Taylor Gabriel</b>, which the Rams' defense blew up and knocked the ball away from Gabriel. The easy scoop+score gave St. Louis a 7-0 lead. Facing a third down on their next offensive series, QB <b>Josh McCown </b>was stripped, allowing the Rams to recover from the 25 yard line. The Rams had to settle for a 39-yard field goal by K <b>Greg Zuerlein</b>, giving the Rams a 10-0 lead mid-way through the first quarter.</p>
<p class="pgh-paragraph">The Browns are in the middle of a nice drive as we head to the second quarter of play.</p>
<p class="pgh-paragraph" id="paragraph1" align="center"><a data-ref-index="9" href="http://www.dawgsbynature.com/"><img src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1343810/large_dawgsbynature.com.full_medium.png" style="vertical-align: middle;" width="180"></a><b><span>VS.</span></b> <a data-ref-index="9" href="http://www.turfshowtimes.com/"><img src="https://cdn1.vox-cdn.com/uploads/blog/sbnu_logo/75/large_turfshowtimes.com.full.69939.png" style="vertical-align: middle;" width="180"></a></p>
<p class="pgh-paragraph" id="paragraph2" align="center"><b>Game:</b> <span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/">Cleveland Browns</a> vs. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/st-louis-rams">St. Louis Rams</a></span></span><br><b>Date/Time:</b> Sunday, October 25, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. ET<br><b>Television:</b> CBS (Channel 19) - Brian Anderson & Adam Archuleta<br><b>Local Radio:</b> ESPN 850 WKNR, 92.3 The Fan, 98.5 FM WNCX</p>
https://www.dawgsbynature.com/2015/10/25/9608946/cleveland-browns-vs-st-louis-rams-2nd-quarter-game-threadChris Pokorny