Week 8 – Browns @ Rams

The time is almost here as this Sunday the Rams finish out the first half of the regular season at home against the Cleveland Browns. The Browns aren’t as easy a team to beat as they have been in the past couple of years and of course we get them when theyv’e been pretty hot. I think we can take the challenge. Ha! Man I’ve tricked myself into thinking a lot of things in my life.

*Offense- Marc Bulger is back again for his second week off of the injury and you know I think he’ll have a better week because of a couple of things. First of all, Steven Jackson is back and the last time he was on the field he did run for over 100 yards against the Bucs defense. But that was before a lot of things happen so you won’t really know what to expect. Anyway, Bulger made quite a few bad decisions last week and I don’t know if it was the play calling or just his decision. But when the team is down inside its own 20 yard line and it’s first down, I believe you throw the ball. But this week, with Jackson back, it may be ok to run. Torry Holt will play this week, as he did last week. Man, I’m starting to see the light of day with this offense! Anyway, still no word on Brett Romberg’s status for this game, but Andy McCollum will step into the center role if Romberg can’t go. He did play in last week’s game. It look’s like our line is set for this week. Alex Barron at left tackle, Milford Brown at left guard, Romberg/McCollum at center, Richie Incognito at right guard, and Brandon Gorin will make his first start of the year at right tackle. Still, this offense has the most turnovers in the NFL and they didn’t all come when Gus Frerotte was our quarterback. Bulger did have a three interception game and has fumbled alot. He’s really got to hold on to the football. The Browns have somewhat of a time share at the running back spot as Jason Wright and Jamal Lewis may split the carries. Lewis had an injury a couple of weeks ago but coming off a bye week, he expects to play. Still, Wright did well in the only game he started, scoring a touchdown. The receivers on this club are a versatile bunch, with Braylon Edwards at the top of the pack. Edwards is tied with the tight end, Kellen Winslow for the most receptions on the year. He also is first on the club in touchdowns by far with seven. I wouldn’t say Joe Jerevicius is a threat anymore as the second wideout because Winslow and Edwards have taken over. This offensive line is very underrated as Derek Anderson has only been sacked six times. Anderson has far and away gotten the job done, being the “other guy” in training camp but stepping in after Charlie Frye was traded. Still his quarterback rating of 88.9 isn’t excellent.

*Defense- The Rams defense is one that has definitely had alot of problems. Injuries and suspensions at the beginning of the year have been a cause of that. Leonard Little is officially out for this Sunday’s game because of a torn ligament in his torn left big toe. Victor Adeyanju will step in to replace him at left end. The key for the defense this weekend will be more focused on stopping the pass. Edwards and Winslow are very dangerous weapons. They are fast and they run good routes. Fakhir Brown, I believe, will play a huge role in the game. Him and Tye Hill will be covering the ball catchers and they will definitely need to come up strong. As for our line, it’s looking a lot better right even though Little is hurt. The guys in the middle are doing their jobs and the addition of Adeyanju should make matters worse. Still, this defense is among the leaders in points given up on the ground. I beleive it will be more of an important priority to stop the pass catchers. Still, we need to get things together against the run. Okay, folks. Here is another reason why we shouldn’t lose this game. The Cleveland Browns have the worst defense in National Football League! That’s right 32! They’ve given up an average of 413 yards per game. That’s enough said right there.

Keys to the Game- Rams

1. Play hard on defense and stop the run.

2. Also, we need to be better on offense.

Browns

1. You have the worst defense in the NFL so you better find a way to stop the guy who had the most yards from scrimmage last year. Good luck with that.

Prediction- Rams 32 Browns 29