Browns vs Rams: 3 key LA players to keep an eye on in Week 13
Although Aaron Donald, Cooper Kupp, and Matthew Stafford are well-known, the Rams should also keep an eye on these players.
Good morning. It’s always a good thing that you woke up this morning. We can now discuss football!
Everyone is aware of what transpired against the Denver Broncos on Sunday; it happens, and we move on. Cleveland’s game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday will mark the end of both their NFC West head-to-head series and their west coast road trip.
Many people think that the Los Angeles Rams were headed for a rebuild after they cut a number of veterans this offseason. The Rams are one of those teams that consistently exceeds expectations. With their current record of 5-6, the team has a chance to sneak into the NFC Wild Card picture.
With so many young players on the team, it’s astonishing to see them in the top 15 offensively, where they rank 12th in terms of EPA/per play (kudos to head coach Sean McVay).
Quarterback Matthew Stafford is still one of the league’s top 10 or 15 quarterbacks when healthy and maintained upright, and he has been at times this season. Kyren Williams, a running back in Los Angeles, is becoming more and more of a lead back. Despite being a young wide receiver group, they are managing to produce alongside Cooper Kupp. As a backup, rookie Puka Nacua has shown promise, and Tutu Atwell is a useful addition.
On defense, I’ll send you $50 to your PayPal, Venmo, or Cash App if you can name six players who aren’t Aaron Donald (I won’t really do that though). (Editor’s Note: This isn’t a true offer; it’s just hyperbole, people. wit, irony, and jesting.)
Despite having a lot of young talent, the unit is in the middle of the pack. The defense’s defensive efficiency puts it in 19th place. Ernest Jones, a rookie outside linebacker, has assumed the role of Mike, and Byron Young has also made an impact. Security Ahkello Witherspoon and Cobie Durant make up a strong cornerback tandem, and Jordan Fuller is the leader in the secondary.
These are my three players to keep an eye on for the forthcoming Browns-Rams game.
WR Puka Nacua
You wouldn’t believe me if I told you that Puka Nacua, a rookie wide receiver selected in the fifth round out of BYU, would lead the rookie receiver class in receiving yards this season.
Yes, he is.
Due to Kupp’s early season absence, Nacua was able to assume the lead role and quickly became successful. Nacua earned more opportunities because of his preseason performance. This season, he has four receptions of more than 100 yards, solidifying his position as the receiving room’s backup option. His ability to run routes is perhaps one of his most underappreciated game-enhancing skills.
The way he runs his routes is similar to another rookie in Jaxon Smith-Njigba and his teammate Kupp.
It’s also impossible to overlook his YAC (yards after the catch) ability.
Cleveland’s cornerbacks will have to work hard against Nacua. He is a large man who isn’t scared to make those contested catches, and he can manipulate routes. Look for Martin Emerson or Greg Newsome to be matched up with cornerback Denzel Ward, depending on his health (I’m assuming he will be out this week).
RB Kyren Williams
Running back Kyren Williams is another offensive weapon for the Rams that shouldn’t be disregarded. Williams, another Notre Dame recruit selected in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL Draft, has established himself as Los Angeles’ starting back. The numbers show that the Rams offense is much more effective when he’s on the field when he’s healthy.
Transparency is obviously required because the Arizona Cardinals have been the opponent of his last two breakout performances, but he has always been a valuable asset in the running and receiving games.
Williams runs with a point to prove and possesses good size and strength, with a good burst in the second level. Williams proved he could be the main backfield player, which is one of the many reasons the Rams benched running back Cam Akers.
The Browns’ run defense will be put to the test once more after playing poorly last week. Given that Sean McVay is a wizard and that Williams poses a threat both on the ground and in the receiving game, it is critical to stop Williams from taking control of the game.
DT Kobie Turner
Despite their youth, the Rams defensive line has talent. Aside from Donald, rookie defensive tackle Kobie Turner is someone to keep an eye on. Throughout the season, the Wake Forest product and 2023 third-round pick has caused havoc for the Rams. With everyone’s attention on Aaron Donald, Turner has an opportunity to show off his abilities, and he has taken advantage of it. He’s strong, accelerates well for his size, and it seems like he gets better every week.
Although the Browns’ interior offensive line has performed admirably at times this season, handling Donald and Turner will be challenging. As he demonstrated last week against the Cardinals, the rookie has the potential to be a disruptive force, so the Browns need to be ready for him.