November 17, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (4) rushes against Cleveland Browns linebacker Mohamoud Diabate (43) during the first half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory attribution: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
The New Orleans Saints dismembered the Cleveland Browns' linebacker corps. The Saints used misdirection and read-option plays to confuse the linebackers. The trio of Mohamoud Diabate, Jordan Hicks and Devin Bush were on the air for most of the game.
To their credit, the linebackers were quick to make mistakes and try to fix them even quicker. Unfortunately, this led to them having doubts about themselves as the game progressed. The group misunderstood their keys. They were adamant about play-action fakes. They passed under blocks on the second level. The group had a terrible game.
The Saints offense is unique, their running package with Taysom Hill is based on the Wing-T. The defense needs more time to prepare for the Saints running game. All 11 players must participate to stop a quarterback-centered running play. The linebackers who misplayed the run screwed up everyone else. The worst part was that the Browns had time to prepare for the running game after their bye week.
The Browns have been incredibly weak at linebacker this year. Injuries to Hicks and Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah have decimated the backbone of the defense. The Browns lack depth at the position and are focusing on cheaper, undrafted free agents to bolster special teams. The Saints took advantage of the Browns' weakness all day Sunday.