Preview: Saints (0-1) at Browns (0-1)
Date: 9/14/14
Time: 1:00 PM EST
Television: FOX
Spread: -6.5 New Orleans
Players To Watch
Drew Brees Quarterback (New Orleans Saints)
What is there to say about this guy that hasn’t been said? Brees is one of the top five quarterbacks in the NFL currently. He has thrown for over 5,000 yards in each of the last three seasons. He’s been in the top 5 on the eDraft player consistency charts since the 2006-2007 season. In each of the last 6 seasons, he has thrown at least 30 touchdowns. His performance practically determines how well the team plays. Brees is the epitome of an elite quarterback in the NFL.
Jimmy Graham Tight End (New Orleans Saints)
Without a doubt this guy is the best tight end in the NFL. Graham has had 85 or more receptions in each of the last 3 seasons. No other tight end has more touchdowns than him in the last three seasons, with a total of 36. He’s Drew Brees’ favorite target and its nearly impossible to cover him. You could say Graham is a basically a receiver with his amazing set of hands and great athletic ability.
Brian Hoyer Quarterback (Cleveland Browns)
Hoyer is far from a household name amongst quarterbacks, but he’s very capable of leading an offense. He has only started three full games for the Cleveland Browns, but in those three games he has 6 touchdowns and 3 interceptions. The interceptions though are very misleading since all of those were in one game. Hoyer isn’t very mobile, but as long as he has time to stand in the pocket, then he has a solid enough arm to make the throws he needs to make.
Andrew Hawkins Wide Receiver (Cleveland Browns)
With Josh Gordon and potentially Jordan Cameron out, he’s clearly the number one target for Hoyer. This season is Hawkins first real chance to show if he can be top receiver in the NFL. He spent the last three seasons as a, at best, third wide receiver on the depth chart. Last week he grabbed 8 receptions for 87 yards, and he’s going to be expected to do at least that against New Orleans.
New Orleans Saints Offense vs Cleveland Browns Defense
Everyone already knows about the vast amount of weapons the Saints have on offense. New Orleans had 472 total yards on offense against the Falcons. Drew Brees didn’t even have to throw touchdowns for the Saints to score points, as he only had one touchdown for the whole game. The New Orleans backfield will look to take advantage of a defense that allowed Le’Veon Bell to just stomp all over them with 109 rushing yards. Cleveland allowed 490 total yards on defense to Pittsburgh last week. New Orleans can very easily duplicate what the Steelers did in week 1 on offense. Cleveland’s defense needs to pressure Drew Brees all game long, and duplicating that 4 sack total from last week wouldn’t hurt either.
Cleveland Browns Offense vs New Orleans Saints Defense
Things can only getting better for the Saints defense after they 448 passing yards to Matt Ryan. That was the most passing yards in week one! Brian Hoyer is no Matt Ryan though, and his best target is far from a Roddy White or Julio Jones. Cleveland is currently banged up on offense with Jordan Cameron and Ben Tate both dealing with injuries that should keep them out of this game. That leaves the rookie Terrance West to lead the Browns rushing attack. West wasn’t afraid of the spotlight though as he was able to rush for 100 yards last week. Let’s not forget about the other rookie Isaiah Crowell who had 2 touchdowns in his debut. He’s going to figure into the Browns offense mainly for goal line carries. With all the injuries on offense, West could be heavily relied upon to move the Browns up the field.
Game Preview
This is one of three games on the slate for week two that involves both teams being winless. One of the biggest criticisms of the Saints is their inability to win on the road. Since 2012, the Saints are 8-11 away from the Super Dome during the regular season. Its interesting to note that the Saints have lost two out of their last three games against the Browns. Its going to be key for Drew Brees to tear up the Browns defense and make a statement. New Orleans defense was far from spectacular last week allowing 568 total yards. New Orleans cannot expect to win the NFC South with a defense like that. With Johnny Manziel on the bench, Brian Hoyer has little room for error, but he doesn’t have many weapons to work with. Miles Austin was almost non existent on the football field week one getting only 2 receptions for 20 yards. One would think Brian Hoyer would try to look for him a little more seeing as he only saw 3 targets last week.
Game Implications
Before the season started, the Saints were figured to be one of the top teams to come out of the NFC this season. New Orleans schedule doesn’t get any easier down the stretch, as they still have to face many other competitive teams in the NFC, like the Packers and 49ers. This is expected to be one of the games the Saints should win. The Browns aren’t expected to sniff the playoffs this season, but they at least want to avoid being one of the laughing stock teams in the NFL.
Final Prediction: Cleveland Browns- 17 vs New Orleans Saints- 34