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The Rams’ Aaron Donald celebrates his tackle of Browns back Jerome Ford for a loss. The defense held the Browns in check. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
The Rams defeated the Cleveland Browns 36-19 at SoFi Stadium on Sunday.
What we learned from a victory that improved the Rams’ record to 6-6 and extended their winning streak to three games.
Safety John Johnson can still make plays
Rams safety John Johnson III intercepts a pass intended for Browns wide receiver Elijah Moore. (Getty Images)
In the 2018-19 season, Johnson made one of the biggest plays in Rams history when he intercepted a Drew Brees pass in overtime of the NFC championship game against the New Orleans Saints. The play set up the winning field goal that sent the Rams to the Super Bowl.
Two years later, Johnson cashed in and signed a contract with the Browns that included $24 million in guarantees.
Johnson was released after last season, however, and was looking for a job when he signed with the Rams during training camp.
It took Johnson about half the season to get into top physical shape, and he has been a force during the Rams’ winning streak.
On Sunday, his fourth-quarter interception and 42-yard return was the game-turning play. The Rams parlayed the turnover into a touchdown.
Johnson has teamed with Jordan Fuller to give the Rams a savvy and experienced duo at the back end of the defense.
Rams receiver Luka Nacua walks off the field holding his side after an injury against the Browns. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
The Rams rookie receiver was questionable to return from injuries during the game not once, but twice. After scoring on a 70-yard touchdown pass play in the first quarter, Nacua suffered cramping in the second quarter.
He returned and caught a 20-yard pass from quarterback Matthew Stafford and then landed hard on his ribs.
“I thought he was dead,” coach Sean McVay joked, “and then he came back to life.”
Nacua started the second half, and his 31-yard run on a jet sweep set up a…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/rams-browns-takeaways-john-johnson-133052083.html
Author : LA Times
Publish date : 2023-12-04 13:30:52
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