Saints Vs Browns Week 11 Preview

Travis Himel • November 17, 2024

SAINTS WEEK 11 PREVIEW

  The losing streak is over! Darren Rizzi stepped up in a big way as the interim coach last week. This team feels like they have life again. If Rizzi’s special teams group was an indicator, he brings the energy every week and it shows in how his group plays. The players have made it obvious how much they enjoy playing for Rizzi. Some of the things he spoke about bringing to this team were a bit alarming to have not had certain procedures in place before he took over. However, we are here now and this team should look very different moving forward.


        THIS WEEK’S MATCHUP:

  This week the Saints are hosting the Cleveland Browns. This series has a record of 13-6 in favor of the Browns. The Saints have won the last two meeting and look to make that 3 in a row this week. Jameis Winston makes his return to the Dome for the first time since leaving the team. He is the Brown’s starter today so look for him to bring the energy and make this a good game.


        YOUR SAINTS:

  The Saints handled business last week against the Falcons. The team was outplayed in some categories but still pulled off the victory. The Saints totaled 365 yards last game which is a good total yardage to be at if they can average that from here on out. Only 3 trips to the Redzone and going 1-3 will not translate to many victories. Capitalizing in the Redzone is something this team has struggled with as of late. The defense is still doing what they do best, forcing takeaways. The Brown’s offensive line has given up the most sacks so far this season. Look for the Saints defensive line to be in the backfield often.

  Valdez-Scantling had a big game last week. Giving Carr a reliable target who can go up and get the ball should help moving forward. Kamara is on pace for the most touches and most yards of his career so far. Erik McCoy should be back this week so our offensive line should hold up a little longer in protection to have more time to move the ball downfield.


        INJURY REPORT:

  Lucas Patrick and Jamaal Williams are listed as out. Multiple guys are listed as questionable but the list has gotten significantly shorter in recent weeks!



        MY PREDICTION:

  I think the Saints will continue to ride the hype of Rizzi as our coach. The energy will be high with Winston back in the building. I predict the Saints to win with a score of 24-17. Geaux Saints!!!


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Three football players in helmets on a field, one in red jersey gesturing toward another.
By Patrick Harkness July 11, 2026
QB 
Trace Johnson 
Trace Johnson is a pro-style pocket passer quarterback from the Class of 2026. Standing at 6-1 and weighing 190 pounds, he possesses a solid build for the position with room to add more mass at the college level. 
Originally from Gainesville, Florida, Johnson played his sophomore and junior seasons at Buchholz High School before transferring to Santa Margarita Catholic High School in Rancho Santa Margarita, California, ahead of his senior year in 2025. 
The move allowed him to compete in one of California’s top high school programs, where he helped lead the team to an Open Division State Championship. Johnson comes from strong football lineage as the son of Doug Johnson, a former University of Florida quarterback (1996-1999) who went on to a seven-year NFL career with teams like the Atlanta Falcons and Jacksonville Jaguars, amassing over 2,600 passing yards professionally. 
In addition to football, Johnson is a multi-sport athlete who also competes in baseball, showcasing his overall athleticism. Johnson committed to Tulane University on June 20, 2025, following an official visit, and signed his National Letter of Intent on December 3, 2025. He enrolled early at Tulane on January 12, 2026, positioning him to compete for playing time as a true freshman. 
Prior to his commitment, he held offers from programs including West Virginia, Wake Forest, Central Michigan, and Virginia, among others. 
Scouting Report: 
Arm Talent and Velocity: Johnson boasts a “cannon for an arm,” enabling him to make tight-window throws and deliver deep balls with precision and ease. His ability to thread the needle in coverage stands out as a pro-level trait. 
Touch and Deep Ball Accuracy: Exhibits excellent touch on longer throws, allowing receivers to track and adjust effectively. He gets the ball out on time, minimizing sacks and maximizing yards after catch. 
Progression Reading and Decision-Making: Patiently works through his reads without delaying his release, showing maturity beyond his years. His decision-making improved markedly over time, with interceptions dropping from 13 in 2023 to 5 in 2025. 
Clutch Performance and Improvement: Thrives in big games and playoffs, elevating his play when it matters most. He consistently got better as seasons progressed, adapting to new systems post-transfer. 
Poise and Leadership: Maintains composure under pressure, drawing from his pedigree to lead teams to championships and deep playoff runs. His work ethic and football IQ make him a natural field general. #RollWave Make sure to follow Patrick Harkness on X
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By Patrick Harkness July 11, 2026
QB Zeon Chriss- Houston 
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Hall has called Chriss “an extreme dual-threat guy with a strong arm” and loves the contrast with the other main contender Semonza/Bruno/Johnson. He specifically praised Chriss’s explosiveness from his UL days: “When he was at Louisiana several years ago, I was in that league and he was just dynamic… Just dominated that league with his legs and was probably the scariest player in that league.” 
Chriss’s career stats: 2,263 passing yards (64% completion, 17 TDs) plus nearly 1,000 rushing yards and 10 rushing TDs across 13 starts. His mobility adds a true QB-run threat that aligns with Hall’s run-first success model (which he helped install as Tulane’s former OC under Willie Fritz). #RollWave Make sure to follow Patrick Harkness on X
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