Sunday, September 14, 2014

FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland

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Two teams looking to rebound from their close week 1 losses in the second week of the 2014 National Football League regular season are the New Orleans Saints and Cleveland Browns. The Saints lost a heartbreaker in overtime to the Atlanta Falcons and Browns nearly pulled off the upset against the Pittsburgh Steelers. FirstEnergy Stadium will be the site of this game where neither team wants to fall to 0-2.

New Orleans will be led as always by Drew Brees. Brees had a solid performance against the Falcons in the losing effort, passing for 333 yards and 1 touchdown with 1 interception. In the rushing attack, the Saints were led by Mark Ingram who carried the ball 13 times for 60 yards with 2 touchdowns. Marques Colston was the top receiver for the team in week 1, making 5 catches for 110 yards. Jimmy Graham added 8 catches for 82 yards and rookie wide receiver Brandin Cooks was stellar, making 7 catches for 77 yards and a touchdown. Cooks, a rookie from Oregon State, will continue to impress fans each week and will be a suitable replacement to Lance Moore, who is now in Pittsburgh.

In the offseason, the Browns got a lot of attention because of their quarterback selection of Johnny Manziel. With Brian Hoyer, the Browns nearly jumped out to a 1-0 start. Hoyer threw for 230 yards and a touchdown and while he won’t provide the explosiveness that comes from Manziel, will product many quality performances. In the rushing attack, the Browns were led in week 1 by Terrance West, a rookie from Towson, who ran for 100 yards on 16 carries, while starter Ben Tate gained just 41 yards. Without the suspended Josh Gordon, the Browns relied on Andrew Hawkins to lead them in receptions, getting 8 for 87 yards. 

Injuries to Watch

New Orleans Saints

09/07/14 FB Erik Lorig Ankle questionable Sunday vs. Cleveland
09/07/14 WR Kenny Stills Quad questionable Sunday vs. Cleveland
09/07/14 DB Marcus Ball Hamstring questionable Sunday vs. Cleveland
09/04/14 NT John Jenkins Pectoral out indefinitely
09/04/14 LB Khairi Fortt Undisclosed out indefinitely

Cleveland Browns

09/08/14 TE Jordan Cameron Shoulder questionable Sunday vs. New Orleans
09/07/14 RB Ben Tate Knee injured last game, questionable Sunday vs. New Orleans
09/07/14 DE John Hughes Hamstring questionable Sunday vs. New Orleans
09/07/14 WR Marlon Moore Suspension questionable Sunday vs. New Orleans
09/07/14 T Paul McQuistan Ankle questionable Sunday vs. New Orleans
09/04/14 LB Darius Eubanks Shoulder IR
09/04/14 DE Desmond Bryant Wrist out indefinitely
09/04/14 CB Isaiah Trufant Knee IR
09/04/14 WR Josh Gordon Suspension out for season
09/04/14 T Michael Bowie Shoulder IR

Tony's Pick: Take New Orleans

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