Sloppy Offense Leads Cleveland Into Another Defeat, LA Rams Beat Browns on SNF, 20-13

The Los Angeles Rams defeated the Cleveland Browns on Sunday Night Football, 20-13, but we have to say that it was mostly because of their rivals. The Rams got this one because of hosts’ inexperience and struggles in the offense. Once again, it was Cleveland’s superstars who didn’t deliver, not the defense who once again had a good game.

Baker Mayfield can’t get into his rhythm from the rookie season. He is without confidence, without a clear vision in the attack, and it appears that his passes are much less accurate than before.

Mayfield had just 195 yards, 18 of 36, with a quarterback rating of 28.9. He threw a touchdown and an interception and was far beneath the usual level of play.

“I heard in the back Freddie talking about a red zone efficiency. Right now that’s a huge area from us to improve on,” said Mayfield at the press.

With 27 seconds to go, the Browns had the last chance to turn this one in their favor, but their QB threw an interception. The home team couldn’t convert four downs at the Rams’ 4-yard line, and the frustration at the FirstEnergy Stadium was massive after the game. All four times it was Mayfield with the incompleted passes.

But, to be honest, Freddie Kitchens had a lot of mistakes throughout the event, and he himself admitted that following the contest. The new head coach of the Browns was more than unhappy with the way things ended up last night and called the journalists not to point fingers towards the players but blame him for this defeat.

“I gotta do a better job during the course of the week, putting these guys in better situations and then on game day,” he said. “So, if you’re looking to blame somebody, blame me. Don’t blame any of our players; don’t blame any of our other coaches — just blame me, because I can take it.”

The Rams were patient. They didn’t play some super-excellent game, but in fact, a bad one. The guests had three turnovers and weren’t that confident in the attacks as they know. However, with all the suicides Cleveland committed last night, all they had to do is wait, nothing more.

“I got to do a much better job for us offensively, getting us in the position and finding the rhythm early on,” said Sean McVay about Sunday’s game.

Jared Goff had 269 yards throwing 24 for 38, having two touchdowns and interceptions each. What is a positive thing in this match, except for a win, is Cooper Kupp’s performance. The 26-year old had 11 receptions for 102 yards and two TDs both coming from Goff. This shows that a knee injury Kupp picked up last year fully healed and that the WR is ready to rock once again.

Now, what does worry Rams’ fans a little bit, are the problems with their running game. Todd Gurley had 43 yards on 14 carries, and in total, LA had 90 yards posted through the ground. Brandin Cooks had 112 yards on 8 catches.

With the Browns, except for Nick Chubb who recorded 96 rushing yards, there wasn’t anyone else who carried the ball, and that is something pretty disturbing. Kitchens have to find some kind of a model which will keep Chubb healthy and fresh; otherwise, this guy will be in problems as the season goes by.

The only TD for Cleveland in this clash, was a two-yard pass from Mayfield to Demetrius Harris, who in fact, only did that in offense during the entire match.

The Browns are now going to Baltimore to face the Ravens who were stopped in Kansas City. This is going to be a massive game for Kitchen’s guys. Not only a divisional derby, but the contest which will show their true potentials, and are they ready to make some noise this season, or to sit down and grow. After that, they travel to San Francisco.

The Rams have a much lighter job, as they host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. After that Goff and the guys meet with the Seahawks in Seattle.