Cleveland Browns vs. New Orleans Saints preview:
Browns’ luck remains hard as they visit the champs
Those poor Cleveland Browns; just one week after visiting Pittsburgh, they must travel to the intimidating Superdome in New Orleans to take on the Saints. The Saints are coming off a huge divisional win
in Tampa Bay, while the Browns are coming off a hard fought loss on the road against the Steelers.
Normally, there aren’t many positives to take out of a 28-10 loss, but the Browns held their own for the most part, thanks to the encouraging debut of Colt McCoy. After injuries held Jake Delhomme and
Seneca Wallace out of the game, the Browns’ third round pick showed some good signs for the future. Making your NFL debut against the Steelers’ defence isn’t exactly ideal, but McCoy threw for 281 yards and a touchdown, before throwing two late interceptions.
It remains to be seen whether McCoy will start again, or if the Browns will go back to Wallace.
The Saints seem to be back on track after a blowout win in Tampa Bay. Drew Brees looked like his usually sharp self and Chris Ivory had an impressive outing in the absence of Pierre Thomas and Reggie Bush.
Ivory gained 158 yards and opened things up for the passing game. They’ll look to continue their resurgence against a mediocre, no-name Browns defence.
New Orleans have the huge advantage of playing inside the dome, and no matter who the Browns have at quarterback, it will be a tough outing for them. The Saints should also have Darren Sharper back in
their lineup. Sharper was inactive for the first six weeks, on the Physically Unable to Perform list but he could play this Sunday. Sharper led the Saints last year with nine interceptions and his return would be a big boost for the Saints’ defence. They’re
still a solid unit, but having Sharper back gives them a bigger possibility of creating turnovers.
The Browns will have to turn to Peyton Hillis to give them a chance on offence. He’s broken out this year and even beat out Jerome Harrison for the starting job. Harrison is now in Philadelphia and Hillis
is the Browns’ number one back.
A former Saints backup will make his return to New Orleans this Sunday, as Mike Bell will look to contribute. Bell was a role player with the Saints last year, but signed with Philadelphia this off-season
in search of more playing time. Ironically, Bell has had less playing time this season. He only has two carries for three yards. The Eagles traded Bell last week for Harrison and now Bell has a chance to make the Saints miss him, if he gets some carries. Perhaps
Bell can let the Browns in on some of the tactics of his old teammates and exploit them, but we’ll have to see how much the Browns will use him.
Playing in New Orleans is tough for any team and for the Browns; it looks like an uphill battle. Cleveland does not have the offence that the Saints do and they be missing their most versatile weapon in
Joshua Cribbs, who’s likely out with a concussion. This matchup gives the Saints a chance to stay on top of their division, while it may lead to more hard times for the Browns.
Predition:
Saints will win 28-14
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