Los Angeles Rams' Sean McVay, Matthew Stafford Scout Cleveland Browns' Defense

The Cleveland Browns' elite defense will provide a tough challenge for the Los Angeles Rams in Sunday's matchup.

As the Los Angeles Rams prepare to host the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, the biggest question facing them is how they will attack the stifling Browns' defense.

From a statistical standpoint, Cleveland's defense has been arguably the best in the league this season. The Browns lead the NFL in several defensive metrics, including total yards allowed (247.9) and passing yards allowed (142) by a wide margin. While Cleveland's offense isn't particularly great, Jim Schwartz's defense has helped the Browns remain in playoff contention the entire season.

Ahead of Sunday's matchup, Rams coach Sean McVay gave his assessment of what makes the Browns' defense so successful.

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford and coach Sean McVay talk on the sidelines during a game / © Jayne Kamin-Oncea, USA TODAY

“All three levels," McVay told reporters Wednesday. "Coach Schwartz does an excellent job. He's always been a guy that I have a lot of respect for from going against him, whether it was when I was back in Washington or even in our early parts of when we first got here it seemed like we played Philly almost every single year when he was the D-coordinator. He does a great job. They've got great players on all three levels of the defense. They do an excellent job of really attacking you and then there's enough mixers and putting guys in the right spots.”

Meanwhile, facing off against Schwartz holds an even greater significance for Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford. That's due to the fact that Schwartz was his first coach in the NFL, as in 2009, the Detroit Lions hired Schwartz before selecting Stafford first overall in that draft.

Now facing his former coach, who has long had a reputation as a defensive guru, Stafford must figure out a way to break through that sturdy defense. 

“Yeah, he’s [Schwartz] definitely a really smart guy," Stafford told reporters. "He thinks about it, like you said, from an analytical standpoint but also feels the game as well. As a coordinator, I think he does a nice job of just kind of seeing what's going on out there and then calling it from his gut. So like I said, presents a big challenge for us both personnel and scheme-wise. A lot of respect for their team and how they go about it.”

For as tough as Cleveland's defense is, it may not be at full strength on Sunday. Defensive end Myles Garrett, a frontrunner for Defensive Player of the Year, was spotted in a sling after the Browns' loss to the Denver Broncos and has not practiced since. Cornerback Denzel Ward, another Pro Bowl player, also missed practice on Wednesday.

Even still, the Browns' defense at less than full strength will still be a very tough test for the Rams on Sunday.

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