The Rams opened their 2013 season in Cleveland to face the Browns in Week 1 of the NFL Preseason last night. It wasn’t the opening the Rams were hoping for, though, as costly turnovers, and long possessions by the potent Browns’ offense wearing out the St. Louis defense cost them the game, losing 27-19 at FirstEnergy Stadium.
The Browns, led by second-year quarterback Brandon Weeden had a very strong performance, going 10-for-13 for 112 yards and a touchdown with no interceptions. New acquisition Davone Bess along with returning receivers Greg Little and Josh Gordon looked sharp, with a fast-paced offense that caught the Rams by surprise. In the first quarter, Weeden led the Browns on a near seven minute drive,  but the Rams defense shut them down when it mattered most, holding them to only a field goal. But all night long, the Browns’ long drives began to wear down the Rams young defense, and was a contributing factor in the loss.
Backup running back Isaiah Pead, who only mustered 18 yards on three carries, fumbled inside Cleveland territory, further hampering his chances at being the main backup to Daryl Richardson, who lead the Rams with 24 rushing yards.
It wasn’t all bad for St. Louis, however. Sam Bradford launched an outstanding pass to Chris Givens, who had three receptions for 82 yards in the game, in the second quarter for a 59-yard gain, and the two connected again a few plays later for a 3-yard touchdown. Kicker Greg Zuerlein continued to show his impressive leg strength during the game, making field goals from 54 and 55 yards.
Cleveland extended their lead to 20-7 in the second quarter when Travis Benjamin, who has replaced Josh Cribbs, who signed with the Raiders, as the primary returner, ran a punt 91 yards for a touchdown. The Browns offense had the Rams number all night, despite being out-gained.
On the second play of the first series for St. Louis, tackle Roger Saffold, who has had injury issues his entire career, exited the game with a shoulder injury, and coach Jeff Fisher says he will most likely miss a preseason game or two.
Kellen Clemens, who is competing with Austin Davis for the backup quarterback position, kept the Rams in the game, and threw a fourth quarter touchdown that cut the Browns lead to 27-19, but they failed to convert the two point conversion. Rookie wideouts Tavon Austin and Stedman Bailey were non-existent during the game, with Bailey only catching two passes, and Austin not garnering a single reception.
The Rams did not give up during the later half of the fourth quarter, but a late touchdown allowed on a blown coverage sealed the win for Cleveland. It may be a loss in the standing, but it isn’t a total loss. Many bright moments did occur for St. Louis, especially from the tandem of Bradford to Givens, but if the game has shown anything, it’s that there is still work to be done in St. Louis as they prepare for their preseason game next week against Green Bay. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)
