Saints’ Failing Run Game Faces Browns’ Struggling Front in Week 9
Etienne is on injured reserve leaving New Orleans with a limited rushing attack that must improve to give its passing game more space.
Overview
- The matchup is set for this Sunday at the Caesars Superdome with New Orleans at 2-5 and Cleveland at 5-3.
- Travis Etienne remains on injured reserve, the Saints re-signed Audric Estime, and backups carry questions after limited production from Kendre Miller and an uncertain CJ Donaldson.
- New Orleans ranks near the bottom in rushing with about 86 yards per game and 3.5 yards per carry, forcing a pass-heavy attack that posts low yards per attempt.
- Cleveland’s run defense has allowed roughly 127 rushing yards per game and 4.7 yards per carry, including 141 yards to Tennessee and 200 to Pittsburgh, so coaches emphasize better tackling and assignment discipline.
- A key Browns focus is preventing explosive plays by Chris Olave and fixing open-field tackling while the Saints need any workable ground balance to relieve pressure on their passing game and offensive line play.