Moderatoren » Game balls from the Saints 21-18 escape from the Browns

The New Orleans Saints notched their first victory of the 2018 season yesterday by holding on in the final seconds to beat the Cleveland Browns 21-18. New Orleans certainly didn't make things easy on themselves. The defense Womens Austin Carr Jersey , despite an improved effort from last week's beatdown at the hands of Tampa Bay, had a major breakdown in the 4th quarter by giving up a 47-yd. touchdown pass to Antonio Callaway on a fourth and long, forcing the Saints into a desperate drive to pull out the victory. Offensively, the Saints again failed to generate a running game, increasing the onus on Drew Brees and the passing attack. Brees missed two easy touchdown throws that would have made the margin of victory larger. The offensive line struggled a bit with the underrated Cleveland line, allowing 3 sacks and failing to open holes for the running game. Nevertheless, the Saints made enough plays to win the game and even their record. Here are some of the standout performers from yesterday's New Orleans victory. Alvin Kamara Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty ImagesKamara accounted for 39% of the New Orleans offensive output by himself yesterday. He led the team in rushing, with 46 yards, and added 53 yards receiving on six catches while adding a 2-pt conversion on a pitchout run outside. Although his yardage output was down from the previous week against Tampa Bay, Kamara is quite clearly the focal point of the offense along with Michael Thomas. Although New Orleans clearly needs Mark Ingram in the lineup to maintain a consistent rushing attack, Kamara's ability to be a gamebreaking threat from anywhere in the formation does spread a defense, and doesn't allow the opposition to consistently bring extra rushers at Brees. Marcus Williams Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY SportsWilliams caused the first turnover forced by the Saints defense this season. He jumped a Tyrod Taylor pass near midfield late in the fourth quarter, and had a brilliant return to bring the ball inside the Browns 20-yd. line. The turnover set New Orleans up for the go ahead score, and their first lead of the game. After struggling in deep coverage against the Buccaneers, Williams provided much better help over the top in this game, (even with the secondary's failure against Callaway late in the game), managing a few key breakups earlier in the contest. Aside from Callaway's score Youth Marcus Williams Jersey , Williams led a secondary that held he and star wideout Jarvis Landry to a combined 103 yards through the rest of the game. Michael Thomas Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty ImagesThomas was once again a vital part of the Saints offense, and a destructive force to the opposing secondary. He caught 12 passes for 89 yards and two touchdowns, including the go ahead score after Williams' interception where he overpowered Cleveland defensive back Denzel Ward on a back shoulder timing route in the end zone. His 28 receptions in the first two games of a season are an NFL record, and has developed into a superstar throughout the league. Thomas did lose a fumble for the second consecutive game, which equals the total he lost through his first 32 games combined. (both others against the Denver Broncos in 2016). Thomas continues to flourish even with opposing coverages stacked to stop him, due to a continued inconsistent production from the other New Orleans weapons. Thomas and Kamara accounted for over 53% of the Saints offensive touches against Cleveland, and have both on an early pace for numerous league or team records. Sheldon Rankins Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty ImagesHonorable mention certainly goes to Cam Jordan (2 sacks), Alex Okafor, Marcus Davenport, and Taylor Stallworth, who provided nice pressure and rush containment while tying up blockers for the team's linebackers all afternoon. Rankins had five tackles on the afternoon and a quarterback sack, his first of the year. He pushed the Browns pass pocket back most of the game, and stonewalled Cleveland's interior blocking to contain their running game before exiting the game late with injury. After a standout preseason, Rankins looks as if he could fulfill the expectations that came with being made the 12th overall draft pick in 2016. Wil LutzChuck Cook-USA TODAY SportsNot wanting to incite the specter of bad karma by giving a game ball to (now former) Browns kicker Zane Gonzalez, who missed two extra points and two field goals, the pick here instead goes to Lutz. Saints fans know all too well from recent history that a poor kicking performance can derail a season. Lutz did have a field goal miss yesterday, but there weren't many fans that didn't have confidence in the kicker as he was lining up for the potential game-winner with less than 25 seconds remaining. As expected Womens Sheldon Rankins Jersey , Lutz drilled the 44-yd. attempt, and New Orleans held on for the victory. The third year Lutz has become one of the league's clutch kickers, and gives the Saints a distinct advantage in any close game.Fleur-de-Links, June 5: Marshon Lattimore still wants payback for teams that passed on him Word on the StreetBenjamin Watson's ability to adapt is what keeps him ticking as he returns for second stint with Saints | theadvocate.comThe torn Achilles tendon Benjamin Watson suffered in the 2016 preseason was the kind of injury that could have ended his career.Affecting the passer goes far beyond sacks for Saints defense | NOLA.comThe Saints had a significant uptick in passes defensed in 2017.Saints linebacker Nate Stupar 'feeling great,' expects to be fully healthy soon | NOLA.comStupar had an interception during OTAs last Thursday.Saints star Marshon Lattimore 'trying to become a legend' | ESPNComing off a spectacular rookie season, the CB is learning the nuances of the position and plans to be "10 times better than what I was last year."NFL training camp preview: New Orleans Saints - NFL.comNFL teams will head off for training camps at the end of July. To tide you over until the official report dates, here's a few things to know about the New Orleans Saints.New kickoff rules could change how Saints construct their roster | theadvocate.comPredicting the 53-man roster is going to be a little more difficult this year.Notes and observations from Thursday's organized team activity | Saints | theadvocate.comNotes and observations from Thursday's organized team activity.LagniappeThe Biggest Risk Every NFL Team Is Taking in 2018 | Bleacher ReportThere are only so many quality football players to go around. The difference between a starting-caliber player and a backup in theNFLis considerable, which is why some veterans are paid 15 times more than others.The Five NFL Players Who Really Need a Bounce-Back Year | The RingerYoung guys reign supreme in football, so a handful of veterans who have underperformed in recent years need a renaissance in the biggest wayNFL win total projections for all 32 teams in 201829 of ESPN Nation's 32 beat writers think the teams they cover will hit the over on their projected win totals.MMQB:Dolphins Reset, Patriots Regroup, NFL Recharges | SI.comJune means stock-taking in pro football, so in ournewest incarnation of the Monday column, Albert Breer tackles the topissues—especially what’s cooking in Miami and New England, and whichdefensive stars face a contract showdown—as minicamps kick off thisweek.The top eight slot cornerbacks for 2018 | Pro Football FocusPFF's Eric Eager showcases the league's top slot cornerbacks for 2018, a position increasingly valuable for NFL defenses.San Francisco 49ers: Team tweaks Solomon Thomas' weight | The Sacramento BeeThe San Francisco 49ers updated their roster recently to more accurately reflect players' weights.Bears re-sign Zach Miller, who may not even play in 2018 | SBNation.comChicago stepped up to take care of its injured tight end.