Both the Cleveland Browns (0-1) and New Orleans Saints (0-1) were coming off heartwrenching losses to divisional rivals heading into this game. They both looked to avoid the dreaded 0-2 hole (only 12% of past playoff teams have started 0-2) to begin the 2014 NFL season.
Browns' Defense Leads To Offense: The high-powered Saints' offense was held to -1 yards on their first two drives (both three-and-outs). With the New Orleans attack sputtering in neutral, Browns QB Brian Hoyer cashed in on Cleveland's second possession - leading a nine-play, 51-yard drive that was capped by a 3-yard TD connection to former Cowboys WR Miles Austin.
New Orleans' Offensive Woes: Gaining just 38 total yards on their first four offensive series, New Orleans would be forced to punt the ball away to end all four of those possessions. They would finally put together an impressive 7-play, 73-yard possession on their fifth drive, but would be forced to settle for a short field goal after they unable to convert on a 3rd-and-1 inside the Cleveland 10.
A Huge Interception: Keeping with the trend of offensive struggles, Drew Brees would be rocked by Cleveland LB Paul Kruger, throwing a duck of an interception to Tashaun Gipson (intended for TE Jimmy Graham). Gipson would take it 62 yards to the house to give Cleveland a 16-3 lead.
Saints Go Into The Break On A Positive: Drew Brees put that huge pick right behind him on the Saints' next series, leading New Orleans on a quick (3:22) 12-play, 85-yard drive that was finished off by a 9-yard TD toss to TE Jimmy Graham. Just like that, the Saints were back in the game at 16-10.
Top Performers:
New Orleans: TE Jimmy Graham (5 catches, 57 yards, 1 TD)
Cleveland: RB Terrance West (12 rushes, 38 rushing yards, 2 receptions, 22 receiving yards)
Back to the Cleveland Browns Newsfeed