Although it was far from pretty, the Los Angeles Rams managed to keep their flawless start to the 2019 NFL season going with a 20-13 win against the Cleveland Browns in Week 3.
Things got off to a slow start offensively for both teams as they struggled to get within field goal range. There is no question that the best performances of the game came on the defensive side of the ball after limiting these high-powered offenses to a combined nine points in the first half.
The Rams managed to come out firing during their opening series in the second half with a 75-yard drive that resulted in an 11-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Jared Goff to wide receiver Cooper Kupp. Despite Goff’s struggles, Kupp would still go on to finish with career-high in receptions (11) and touchdowns (2) in this game.
The Browns wasted no time in responding with a 75-yard drive of their own and capped it off with a two-yard pass from quarterback Baker Mayfield to take back a 13-10 lead. They then had a chance to pile it on after Goff threw one of his two interceptions on the day, however, they failed to capitalize as the Rams defense quickly forced a three-and-out to give the ball right back to the offense.
Los Angeles was then able to reclaim a 17-13 lead on Kupp’s second touchdown of the night and that would be all the defense needed in order to secure the win. Cleveland had three chances to respond and were even in position to potentially force overtime before their final three drives of the game resulted in two turnovers and a punt that were highlighted by defensive tackle Aaron Donald’s first sack of the year along with a clutch interception by safety John Johnson III.
Meanwhile, outside linebacker Clay Matthews managed to put on quite the show on a memorable night for his family by finishing with two crucial sacks and three tackles after his father was inducted into the Browns Ring of Honor. He is quietly in the midst of a stellar start to the year with 4.0 sacks through the first three games.
The Rams and the San Francisco 49ers now remain as the two undefeated teams in the NFC West after the Seattle Seahawks were dealt their first loss of the season at the hands of the New Orleans Saints.
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