The New Orleans Saints (3-7) found a way in the Darren Rizzi debut as interim coach last week. Now, they look to stack wins as the Cleveland Browns (2-7) and the former Saints quarterback Jameis Winston come to town.
The Saints put together a great effort, defeating the Atlanta Falcons 20-17 last week. The defense played perhaps their best game since the first few weeks of the season. The Browns are coming off of a bye, but fell to the Chargers in their most recent contest.
Kickoff inside the Caesars Superdome is set for noon on Sunday, November 17th.
NEW COACH BOOST
It is commonly thought that a team gets a boost when a new coach takes over midseason. That proved true last week, as the Saints defeated the Falcons and ended their seven-game losing streak.
However, the question now is how long does that boost last? The Saints are hoping it is an extended one that allows them to get back in contention for a playoff spot. They would need plenty more wins in a row to make that a reality.
JAMEIS HOMECOMING
Sunday marks the return of Jameis Winston to New Orleans, which is a fairly complicated homecoming. Winston was in New Orleans for four seasons and at multiple different points, appeared to be part of the future at quarterback.
However, it never quite worked out. Eventually, he was on the outs and headed to Cleveland to be the backup to Deshaun Watson. An injury to Watson has put Winston back in as the starter, and he will be in the spotlight on Sunday in the Dome.
BACK IN THIS THING?
The Saints schedule moving forward is much more reasonable than their previous stretch. They play several teams below .500, and it has some wondering what it would take for the Black and Gold to get back in contention.
While that may be a premature conversation, the point remains that if New Orleans takes care of some of the bottom teams on their slate, they may be able to find a way back into relevancy.
SERIES RECORD: Browns lead 13-6
Last 5 Meetings:
2022: SAINTS 17 – BROWNS 10
2018: SAINTS 21 – BROWNS 18
2014: SAINTS 24 – BROWNS 26
2010: SAINTS 17 – BROWNS 30
2006: SAINTS 19 – BROWNS 14
STAT LEADERS
Saints
Derek Carr: 124-184, 1,494 Yards, 11 TD, 4 INT
Alvin Kamara: 167 Carries, 715 Yards, 6 TD
Alvin Kamara: 51 Catches, 421 Yards, 1 TD
Bryan Bresee & Alontae Taylor: 4 Sacks
Demario Davis: 66 Tackles (32 Solo)
Blake Grupe: 18-of-19 Field Goals, Long of 57, 21-of-23 PAT
Browns
Deshaun Watson: 137-216, 1,148 Yards, 5 TD, 3 INT
Jerome Ford: 52 Carries, 269 Yards, 1 TD
Jerry Jeudy: 33 Catches, 418 Yards, 1 TD
Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah: 78 Tackles (45 Solo)
Myles Garrett: 7 sacks
Dustin Hopkins: 14-of-18 Field Goals, Long of 56, 10-of-12 PAT
INJURY REPORT:
Saints
Kool-Aid McKinstry, Hamstring, Questionable
Lucas Patrick, Ankle, Out
Cedrick Wilson Jr., Shoulder, Out
Jamaal Williams, Groin, Out
Shane Lemieux, Knee, Questionable
Nephi Sewell, Knee, Questionable
Pete Werner, Hand, Questionable
Browns
Mike Hall, Knee, Out
