10 Things I Learned From Week 2 of the NFL Season

The Saints Aren't Who We Thought They Were

We can excuse New Orleans’ Week 1 performance (I think). On the road against a Falcons team that’s sure to be better in 2014 than they were in 2013 – it was no easy task.

But Sunday was supposed to be easy. The Browns, New Orleans’ opponent, were without Ben Tate at running back, Jordan Cameron at tight end and Barkevious Mingo at linebacker, among others. Brian Hoyer was leading the charge offensively with a hamstring-less (might as well be) top wide receiver and a number-two guy who may not be tall enough to ride every roller coaster at Cedar Point.

Against last season’s second-best offense, and one that’s consistently been one of the best in the league over the last half-dozen years? How would the Browns win this contest?

Terrance West and Isaiah Crowell did work on the ground, while the Browns defense was just good enough to hold Drew Brees and company to just 24 points. And now, after two weeks, one of this year’s Super Bowl favorites is winless.

Of course Saints fans should panic. Teams who start 0-2 have just a 12% chance to make the playoffs. And the Saints haven’t lost to studly teams. Though Atlanta’s improved, they’re still coming off a four-win season. Cleveland looks better too, especially on defense, but they’re not yet a playoff team and rank 29th in our power rankings.

Something needs to change – maybe playing a few games at home – for the Saints to turn things around.