Coming off the bye week the Saints have a lot to prove against the Browns. The coaching staff has seen changes with the dismissal of TJ Pagnetti and subsequently responsibilities shifting among the coaching staff in an effort to see more positive play from the team. The Saints also let go of Daniel Carlson over the past week giving the starting kicking duties to Charlie Smyth once again. We’ll see if Charlie takes advantage of the opportunity and helps solidify the kicking position. The pressure is on for the entire organization to turn the season around after starting 2-5 and hearing the owner say it's her job to hold everyone accountable. With these moves the Saints have already begun to feel the pressure and could just be the start of what is to come should the team not start winning more games.

Looking ahead to the offensive side of the ball reinforcements seem to be on the way, we’ll see how soon the likes of Jordyn Tyson and Kelvin Banks return from IR as it would be unlikely to see them in full capacity against the Browns but never say never. But Cesar Ruiz looks to be ready to return on the offensive line with the hope of helping stabilize pass protection. But the real pressure this week for the Saints is to have a complete game on offense where the run game actually produces throughout the game. After having such dismal production for most of the season culminating in one of the worst performances rushing the ball I have ever seen against the Steelers a competent run game is paramount this week against the Browns. Who did not fare well against the Steelers run game last week where the Browns were very inconsistent with their tackling, pursuit angles, and sound in their gap assignments. If I were Kellen Moore I would try to pick up from where the Steelers left off. 

On the defensive side of the ball the Saints look to take advantage of the Browns pass protection woes as they gave up eight sacks last week against the Steelers. Pass protection broke down quickly and often throughout the game for the Browns from both power and finesse rushes. When the Steelers did blitz the Browns had little answers and often let the blitzer come clean. Both starting tackles, Spencer Fano and Tytus Howard should have their hands full with Chase Young and Carl Granderson. In the pass defense I expect the Browns to try quick passes trying to set up YAC opportunities to counteract the protection woes especially if Shadeur Sanders gets the start because of Deshaun Watson’s concussion. This is where the Saints move to insert Martin Emerson into the starting lineup can help as he has no issue playing closer to the line of scrimmage to discourage those plays. With the Saints preference of playing off man we’ll see if they continue to do more of the same or change tactics to try and press the Browns receivers to throw off their timing. The most important aspect for the defense though is having a better performance stopping the run. The defensive front has to start doing a better job of getting push up front to disrupt running lanes and not letting the running backs get a full head of steam before reaching the second and third levels of the defense. If the Saints are able to keep the Browns in check by accomplishing those goals I like their chances against the Browns offense.

Browns Injury Report

Maliek Collins (DT) - Out

Deshaun Watson (QB) - Questionable

Saints Injury Report

Kelvin Banks (OT) - Questionable

CJ Donaldson (RB) - Out

Martin Emerson (CB) - Questionable

Asim Richards (OT) - Questionable

Jordyn Tyson (WR) - Questionable