Week 2 . . . Saints @ Browns

Both teams entered the game following close losses to divisional rivals and both were determined to avoid the dreaded 0-2 start to the season. This week, however, it was the Saints’ turn to flat line during the 1^st quarter as the Browns jumped out to a 10-0 lead. Saints kicker, Shayne Graham put the Saints on the board with a 27 yard field goal early in the 2^nd quarter. Then, after a Browns’ three and out, the Saints took over at their own 32 yard line when Drew Brees was picked off by Tashaun Gibson who promptly returned it 62 yards for a TD upping the Browns’ lead to 16-3 (a two point conversion attempt failed). The Saints controlled the ball for the remainder of the 2^nd quarter and ended up scoring with a pass to TE Jimmy Graham with 0:08 left in the half.

The Saints then took their first lead of the game (17-16) in the 3^rd quarter with a second TD pass from Brees to Graham. The Browns then answered with an 80 yard drive that included the debut of the 22^nd overall draft pick Johnny Manziel for two plays and re-gained the lead (23-17) with a 9 yard TD run by Terrance West. Following the kick off, the Saints then went on an 80 yard drive of their own and re-took the lead (24-23) after a 1 yard dive by Mark Ingram with 12:15 left in the 4^th quarter.

Both teams then traded punts and the Saints pinned the Browns back on their own 4 yard line with 2:46 left in the game.

. . . clack, clack, clack

Brian Hoyer then when 8 of 12 for 54 yards on the final drive highlighted by a 28 yard strike to Andrew Hawkins to set up a 29 yard field goal attempt by Billy Cundiff. Cundiff nailed it and the Browns took the lead 26-24 with 0:06 left in the game. After Saints RB, Khiry Robinson, fumbled the ensuing kick-off, it was recovered by Marlon Moore and the Browns had secured their first victory of the 2014 season in dramatic fashion.

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Next up – Week 3; The Baltimore Ravens