The last time the Cleveland Browns squared off against the New Orleans Saints was on October 24, 2010. The Browns were 1-5 heading into the game. The Saints were 4-2, but were the clear favorites in the Superdome as the defending Super Bowl Champions. With everything stacked against Eric Mangini's team, the Browns pulled off one of those once-in-a-lifetime moments (well, technically, the Browns pulled off another shocker two weeks later by dismantling the Patriots, but bear with me).
Cleveland stunned the Saints with a 30-17 win, but it wasn't even that close -- the Browns held a 30-10 lead with just under two minutes to play in the game. For once, we could actually say that an opposing team scored a "garbage time touchdown" against us.
Many fans have been critical of the Browns' lack of weapons on offense, considering they will likely be without RB Ben Tate, WR Josh Gordon, and TE Jordan Cameron. Do you remember who the Browns' starting receivers were that day? Take a look:
- WR Chansi Stuckey
- WR Brian Robiskie
- TE Evan Moore
- TE Benjamin Watson
The offense for the Browns really didn't get it done with that group -- the Browns had 87 yards total in the passing game (including a 13-yard reception by QB Colt McCoy), while QB Drew Brees piled on 356 yards passing. The defensive and special teams units stepped up their games, though. Brees was picked off four times, which included two pick sixes from veteran LB David Bowens. Punter Reggie Hodges also had a 68-yard run on a keeper up the middle. Cleveland found a way.
Just like four years ago, the Browns don't have the big names on offense. If their defense and special teams should be considerably better than they were in Week 1, though. With the right game plan, the Browns could pull off another shocking win and be the talk of the NFL.
What do you think, Browns fans? Will there be some magic in the air this week? Will Karlos Dansby channel his inner David Bowens?
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