BRITT AND QUICK LOOK LEGIT
“We’ve got some things to correct here and there, but I can say we’re hitting on all cylinders right now,” Britt said.
AUSTIN DAVIS CAN MAKE PLAYS
The young quarterback entered the game early in the second quarter, and played into the fourth. Throughout that time, Davis showed he has the ability to make plays with both his arm and his feet. He led the offense to four scoring drives, completing 14 of his 22 passes for 198 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception in the process. Though it is still preseason, a good chunk of Davis’ time in the game came against Cleveland’s starters. That he was so effective is a positive mark for his development.
THIRD-DOWN SPECIALISTS
The Rams converted an excellent number of third downs on Saturday night, with many coming from long distance. The Browns struggled in that area last year, and the Rams took advantage of a defense that was playing without cornerbacks Joe Haden and Buster Skrine. St. Louis finished 12 of 19 on third down -- good for 63 percent. At one point, the Rams had converted eight of 11, which is an exceptional percentage. That kind of production is not likely to be the norm for any NFL team, but it is an indication that the offense was clicking well.
THE DEFENSE TIGHTENED UP
STOPPING THE RETURN
The only area in which the Browns gashed the Rams Saturday night was on kickoff returns. Rookie Taylor Gabriel had a stellar return of 68 yards, leading to the Browns’ first touchdown just before halftime. But the kickoff team surrendered returns of 68, 45, and 37 yards over the course of the night. There isn’t true reason for concern on just yet, as it still is the preseason, but this was the one area where the Rams most visibly need to improve as the calendar continues to move toward Sept. 7.