St. Louis Rams Week Seven Preview

The St. Louis Rams host the Cleveland Browns Sunday at noon central time at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis, MO. The Rams are 2-3 coming off a bye week and the Browns are 2-4 coming off of a 26-23 overtime loss at home to the Denver Broncos. The Rams defeated the Browns in Cleveland 13-12 in their last meeting in 2011. That game was one of the Rams two victories that season as they finished 2-14.

HEADLINES

Todd Gurley vs. Browns Rushing Defense

The Browns have the worst rushing defense in the NFL. Rams red-hot running back Todd Gurley has rushed for at least 145 rushing yards in each of the last two games, coming against the Arizona Cardinals and Green Bay Packers. The Browns have allowed over 150 rushing yards in four of six games thus far this season. The Browns have also let up four rushing touchdowns in six games. Todd Gurley and the rest of the Rams running backs are still seeking their first touchdown's of the season. If Gurley were to rush for at least 140 yards, he would be the only the second rookie in NFL history to rush for 140 yards in three consecutive games. Eric Dickerson is the only other rookie to ever accomplish that feat.

Covering Gary Barnidge

Browns tight end Gary Barnidge has been on a streak lately; he has caught a touchdown in four straight games. He has been a big target of Josh McCown as of late and the Rams must find ways to stop him. The Rams have only allowed one tight end to score a touchdown so far this season, which was Jimmy Graham of the Seattle Seahawks back in week one. No tight end has amassed over 85 receiving yards on the Rams defense this year either.

Browns and Penalties/Sacks Given Up

The Browns are the fifth most penalized team in the NFL, averaging 8.2 penalties a game. They also average 11 penalties in road games. The Rams can take advantage of this, especially in the passing game as star cornerback Joe Haden will not be playing. In addition to penalties, quarterback Josh McCown is the fifth most sacked quarterback in the NFL, being sacked 17 times. The Rams defense, who is notorious for sacking the quarterback, has a chance to have a field day against the Browns.

Can The Rams Offense Get Back On Track?

St. Louis had an atrocious showing against the Packers. They only put up 10 points and had several redzone opportunities and failed to succeed. Quarterback Nick Foles threw four interceptions en route to the 24-10 loss. The Rams have a serious opportunity to get back on track against an average Browns defense.