A game that is about overcoming disappointment from the first game, comes up in week two of the NFL season, when the New Orleans Saints matchup with the Cleveland Browns at Firstenergy Stadium at 1p.m., EST on Sunday, September 14th. The game can be watched online via live stream below (free with subscription), or on the Fox Television network.
Both teams faced heartbreak in week one, after each lost on the last play in the first game of the season. If you believe all things start new with a new seasons, then both teams look quite similar. If you look back a few seasons though, you can't help but take note that the Browns start 2014 with six consecutive 10-loss seasons; New Orleans on the other hand, has won 10 games in four of the last five seasons, including 11 in 2013.
If the Saints are going to live up the standard they have set for themselves in the past, then they must get their defense back in order. A unit that was suppose to be part of a winning New Orleans team this year gave up 568 total yards to the Atlanta Falcons, with Matt Ryan throwing for 448 yards.
A key matchup for the Saints this week will be how defensive end Cameron Jordan comes through against the Browns O-line. He has promised via twitter to do better, so we will see if he comes through.
The Saints will be looking for linebacker Junior Galette to step up this weekend also, and for defensive coordinator Rob Ryan's blitz packages to be more effective.
On offense, the Saints will need to remain patient and avoid turnovers at all cost. There is little doubt that Drew Brees will bring his best, and no doubt the rest of the offense will be hungry for a win, but the question will be can they pull it off against Cleveland's stout defense.
Fans in Cleveland know that the defense is serious this year, and they will be frenzied looking for the team's first win and a possible Johnny Manziel debut. Coach Mike Pettine has hinted that Manziel might get a chance this week, in certain packages. He has to be more hopeful about the offense behind Brian Hoyer, though, because they came close to beating the Steelers last week. If the offense can get the prowess they had in the second half against the Steelers earlier in the game, they have a good shot. They will again lean on the running game. Backup Backs Terrance West and Isaiah Crowell in the absence of starter Ben Tate combined for over 100 rushing yards and two touchdowns. If the Browns can keep the Saints defense worn out with the run game, and they can keep Drew Brees off the field so the game stays close, then they could get an underdog win in the end.
To catch the game online, you can check out NFL Sunday Ticket. If you want to listen on the radio, the Saints broadcast on WWL AM 870 and the Browns broadcast on WKNR 850 AM. The game will be on the Fox Television Network with a 1 pm EST kickoff.
