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5 reasons the Cleveland Browns will upset the New Orleans Saints

By Nick Dudukovich

NEW ORLEANS, LA - SEPTEMBER 09: Alvin Kamara #41 of the New Orleans Saints is tackled by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense during the second half at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on September 9, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - SEPTEMBER 09: Alvin Kamara #41 of the New Orleans Saints is tackled by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense during the second half at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on September 9, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /
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CLEVELAND, OH – SEPTEMBER 09: Tyrod Taylor #5 of the Cleveland Browns warms up prior to the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at FirstEnergy Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH – SEPTEMBER 09: Tyrod Taylor #5 of the Cleveland Browns warms up prior to the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at FirstEnergy Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

Tyrod’s protection

Based off the horrendous work of the offensive line in Week 1, you’d think the Saints could force Taylor into some mistakes.

Despite everyone on the line posting grades that would embarrass their parents, the line did give Taylor about 3.0 seconds, on average, to throw.

The unit should be better in Week 2, and in particular, Joel Bitonio at left guard.

He had a tough assignment in Week 1, going up against Cameron Heyward. Bitonio earned a 56.1 grade from PFF, and simply put, he’s better than that.

And then there’s Desmond Harrison, who posted one of the worst grades for an offensive tackle in Week 1. The Browns are sticking with him against the Saints.

His play was a little more encouraging in the second half against the Steelers, but fans will certainly be watching to see if he can limit those ridiculous false-start penalties.

All Browns lineman graded out horribly in run blocking, which will have to change for Cleveland to win, and it’s entirely possible. Kevin Heitler is one of the highest paid guards in the league. He’s got to be better than his 53.1 grade in blocking for the run.

Next. Browns' PFF grades from Week 1. dark

Establishing Carlos Hyde is essential because the best way for Cleveland to win is to get a lead early, and then have Taylor manage the game accordingly.

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