The New Orleans Saints roll into Sunday’s home game against the 5-3 Cleveland Browns with a brutal 2-5 record, desperate for their first win in the Superdome after three straight losses. They’ll face a Cleveland squad playing its third consecutive road game, but more importantly, a Cleveland team starting second-year quarterback Shadeur Sanders, stepping in for an injured Deshaun Watson. This isn’t just another game, it’s a make-or-break moment for a defense that’s completely fallen apart.
The Browns’ Rookie QB is a Sack Waiting to Happen
Look, the Browns offense isn’t exactly lighting up the scoreboard. They’re ranked 24th in total yardage and a miserable 29th in points scored. Now, add a second-year quarterback in Shadeur Sanders making his first extensive start of 2026, and you’ve got a prime target. As a rookie in 2025, Sanders started seven games, completing only 56.6% of his throws for an average of 193 passing yards, with seven touchdowns and ten interceptions. Oh, and he was sacked 23 times in those eight games.
This season, the Browns’ passing game overall is giving up 33 sacks, which is just insane. Watson was sacked more than any other quarterback this year before his concussion. Both quarterbacks tend to hold the ball longer, sure, but the protection has been a constant issue, leading to a measly 204.3 passing yards per game, good for 21st in the league, and just seven passing touchdowns, 27th overall. Sanders isn’t as good at escaping the rush or reading coverages as Watson, even if he does have a quick release and can throw well on the move. This is a golden opportunity, plain and simple.
The Saints’ Pass Defense Is “Infuriatingly Soft” and Sanders Has Weapons
Here’s the kicker, though: the Saints’ defense has been a shadow of its former self. In 2025, they were ninth overall and fourth against the pass. This year? It’s been a nightmare. Their run defense has been well documented as awful, but coordinator Brandon Staley’s “passive scheme” and “underperforming players” have also caused a major plummet against the pass. We’re talking 24th in the league, giving up 233.3 yards per game, and 21st in touchdowns allowed with 11. They’ve only managed 18 sacks and 38 QB hits this season. The source says it best: an “infuriatingly soft coverage scheme” often leads to “a consistently easy game of pitch-and-catch.”
Don’t get it twisted, Sanders isn’t going into this completely alone. Cleveland’s tight end Harold Fannin is having a magnificent year, leading the Browns with 35 receptions, 411 yards, and three scores. Rookie wideouts KC Concepcion, a first-round pick, and Denzel Boston, a second-rounder, are developing into a quality tandem. Concepcion is an acrobatic big-play threat with 33 catches for 352 yards, while the bigger, more physical Boston has 26 balls for 409 yards and a team-best three touchdowns. Even erratic producer Jerry Jeudy, with 16 catches for 171 yards, can break a big play. Plus, their backs, Quinshon Judkins and the electric Jaleel McLaughlin and Dylan Sampson, can make plays in the passing game too.
This Sunday, the Saints need a win in the worst way, especially at home. This is their chance to prove they aren’t the defense we’ve seen this season. All eyes are on that defensive line and linebackers to harass Sanders, force some of those rookie mistakes, and finally make a statement. Can they take advantage of Cleveland’s protection issues and turn this game around for their season? We’ll find out Sunday.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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