It might've been the definition of a nailbiter, but the New Orleans Saints took down the Cleveland Browns in overtime, 23-22. Getting the W by the skin of their teeth, they escaped as a team, bringing their record to 3-5. It also the Saints' first home win of the season and first win in New Orleans since Dec. 21 of last year.
It was a game that was even the whole way, as it was tied at three after the first half, tied at six after three quarters, and then again tied at 16 at the end of regulation. The Saints just weren't able to get away from the Browns' offense, whose day was highlighted by a Shedeur Sanders 64-yard dagger to K.C. Concepcion that gave the Browns the lead with just over five minutes left.
New Orleans' defense would respond, though, and wouldn't allow Cleveland's offense to gain a yard their next time out. In fact, the Saints were in the opposing offense's head most of the game, sacking Sanders five times and allowing only 2.8 rush yards per carry. Even better, though, was the way the offense matched the defense's energy and helped carry the team to a win.
The Saints offense did their part in the win against the Browns
The Saints offense really opened up today, and especially the run game. Rushing for a total of 160 yards and a touchdown on 32 carries, it was the cleanest games they've had on the ground all season. Led by recently returning running back Audric Estime, who had 72 of the 160 yards and the touchdown, the unit has seemingly turned over a new leaf after the bye week. Quarterback Tyler Shough even got in on the action, rushing for a season-high 51 yards on the day.
Shough didn't just contribute with his legs, though, and also did his job in the passing game as well. Throwing for 265 yards and a touchdown, he was able to distribute the ball with four Saints receivers with at least 30 yards. Although like always, he looked Chris Olave's way the most, who had seven catches for 98 yards on his way to his best game since early October.
The second-year QB was able to keep the offense going in overtime, marching the Saints down 74 yards down the field and throwing his one touchdown of the day to tight end Juwan Johnson. And despite Cleveland's own TD, their failed two-point attempt allowed the Saints to come away with a one-point victory.
New Orleans executed on nearly all phases Sunday afternoon and can finally say they have a game where both the offense and defense contributed heavily to the win. From the defenses haulting the Browns' run game to Shough, Olave, and Estime, it was a victory that wouldn't have come together if not for the work of the whole team.
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