Cleveland Browns: 3 Keys to Victory in Week 2 vs. New Orleans Saints

Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

Browns Defensive Coordinator Gregg Williams Will Need to Have Success Against Former Team

Defensive coordinator Gregg Williams returns to New Orleans where he ran the defense for the Super Bowl champion Saints back in 2009. He will need another valiant effort like he received last Sunday against the Steelers. The Browns’ defense forced six turnovers, including three interceptions off of Steelers’ quarterback Ben Roethlisberger in their season debut. Superstar defensive end Myles Garrett forced two turnovers when his team desperately needed it in the second half. That type of production should build significant momentum considering Cleveland’s defense had only 13 total turnovers in 2017.

The Browns’ defense won’t be able to rely on sloppy playing conditions and Week 1 miscues against the Saints. Drew Brees’ play at quarterback over the last decade can be rivaled by very few. The 39-year-old didn’t skip a beat in their season opener, throwing for 439 yards and three touchdowns. Superstar receiver Michael Thomas hauled in 16 catches for 180 yards and a touchdown. 2017 Rookie of the Year Alvin Kamara did most of his damage through the air, catching nine passes for 112 yards and a touchdown. He also chipped in 29 yards and two scores on the ground. The Saints have serious offensive firepower and the Browns’ defense will need to bring their “A” game.

Williams will build the game plan around stopping Kamara like most teams this year. That’s easier said than done, though. New Orleans was playing catch up against Tampa Bay, so they abandoned the run game early. That made them one dimensional and very easy to predict. Saints head coach Sean Payton will do everything he can to not let that to happen two weeks in a row. That is where the chess game begins. Williams will need to keep Kamara and Saints ground game in check to help make Drew Brees more predictable. If the Browns defense allows the Saints rushing attack to get going, that opens up the play action and creates unfavorable 1v1 matchups on the backend.

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