The New Orleans Saints are attempting to get back in the win column and step up in a weak NFC South with a win over the Cleveland Browns on Sunday. But it won’t be easy. The Browns are 5-3 on the season and have found ways to win the tough ones. If New Orleans comes out with a win, it will be due to taking advantage of these key matchups.
Saints RBs vs. Browns run defense
The Saints are coming off one of the worst rushing performances of all time. They rushed the ball 17 times against the Pittsburgh Steelers for a total of 18 yards. In the loss, Saints running backs ran 14 times for 11 yards, averaging 0.8 yards per carry.
Fortunately for the Saints, they’ll be facing a Browns defense that has struggled against the run. Over the last two weeks, Cleveland is allowing an average of 170.5 rushing yards and three touchdowns per game. Although unlikely, reinforcements may be on the way for the Saints, with left tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. returning to practice.
The run game is the biggest problem in New Orleans, and frankly, Kellen Moore’s career depends on correcting it. With a favorable matchup, the Saints should find success.
Saints pass rush vs. QB Shedeur Sanders
Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson has been placed in the concussion protocol and is unlikely to play. With it becoming more probable that second-year quarterback Shedeur Sanders will be starting, the Saints defense has a favorable matchup.
Chase Young has been dominant to start the season, and despite an early bye, he remains top three in sacks. Alongside Young is Carl Granderson, who has logged 5.5 sacks himself. The Saints have been one of the better pass-rushing teams in the league in terms of sacks, and their standout tandem is looking to have a big game against a young, inexperienced quarterback.
WR Jordyn Tyson vs. the Browns secondary
Sunday will be a big game for the Saints. They are returning from the bye to a home crowd, still within a game’s reach of the top of the NFC South. Despite all the implications, the biggest headline for New Orleans against the Browns will be the return of eighth-overall pick Jordyn Tyson.
Tyson will likely see his first NFL action on Sunday, and the Saints will be looking to get him started early. Tyson offers the catch-and-run ability the New Orleans offense has been missing, and he could be an immediate game changer. But if I know the Saints want to get Tyson the ball early, you could bet Cleveland knows it too.
Getting Tyson back is big for the Saints, and he could be the difference in a win or a loss, but the Browns will zone in on the momentum New Orleans will be looking to gain out of the bye, and it starts with the rookie.
