The Browns had a chance to come out of the bye week and start the second half of the season with a win. They entered the fourth quarter against the Saints tied 14-14.
However, in the final 15 minutes of the game, the Browns struggled to find success on all three sides of the ball and lost to the Saints 35-14.
"That game is 14-14 going into the fourth quarter, and then we didn't finish in any phase," head coach Kevin Stefanski said. "And that's very frustrating for me, for our players, for our coaches. But we've got to learn from it and then we got to move on because we got one Thursday night at our place. That's where our focus is going to go."
With the 35-14 loss, the Browns fall to 2-8 on the season. Here are three takeaways from Sunday's loss to the Saints.
Jameis Winston connects with pass catchers through the air
QB Jameis Winston once again showcased his arm strength in Week 11 against the Saints.
Stefanski thought that Winston saw the field clear and protection from the offensive line and their blockers was solid, as Winston was only sacked a total of three times. He also noted how different pass catchers and receivers got open to give Winston options. Seven different players had a reception for the Browns.
One of Winston's first long passes of the game came when Winston connected with WR Jerry Jeudy on an 89-yard touchdown pass in the first quarter. It was a career-long pass for Winston, and the touchdown also gave the Browns their first points of the game.
"He's explosive," Winston said of Jeudy. "When you get the ball in an explosive player's hands, he does that. It was a great call. We worked the scramble drill. Both of our touchdowns were on that. We got to continue to find ways to execute in that and find ways to finish in the end zone."
Then, after the Browns marched down the field in the third quarter, Winston connected with WR Elijah Moore in the back of the end zone on a 30-yard pass for their second touchdown of the day. They also converted the 2-point conversion on a pass to TE David Njoku in the end zone to tie the game at 14-14.
While Winston continued to use his arm to move the ball downfield, the Browns were held scoreless in the fourth quarter of the game. Winston finished the game completing 30 of 46 passing attempts for 395 yards and two touchdowns, his second 300+ yard game in his three starts for the Browns. It was also his 30th career 300-yard passing game.
"I just feel like we've got to continue to finish drives and touchdowns," Winston said. "We did some good things, but every week we do good things. We have to find ways to finish. And I'm going to be doing everything in my power to ensure that we can put more points up for the defense."
Play-by-play action shots from the Cleveland Browns' Week 11 NFL game vs. the New Orleans Saints
Quarterback Jameis Winston (5) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints on November 17, 2024 at the Caesars Superdome.
Offensive tackle Dawand Jones (79) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints on November 17, 2024 at the Caesars Superdome.
Cornerback Denzel Ward (21) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints on November 17, 2024 at the Caesars Superdome.
Defensive end Ogbo Okoronkwo (54) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints on November 17, 2024 at the Caesars Superdome.
The defense during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints on November 17, 2024 at the Caesars Superdome.
Linebacker Jordan Hicks (58) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints on November 17, 2024 at the Caesars Superdome.
Offensive guard Joel Bitonio (75) and Offensive tackle Dawand Jones (79) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints on November 17, 2024 at the Caesars Superdome.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints on November 17, 2024 at the Caesars Superdome.
Defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson (94) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints on November 17, 2024 at the Caesars Superdome.
Punter Corey Bojorquez (13) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints on November 17, 2024 at the Caesars Superdome.
Punter Corey Bojorquez (13) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints on November 17, 2024 at the Caesars Superdome.
Cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. (23) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints on November 17, 2024 at the Caesars Superdome.
Safety Grant Delpit (9) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints on November 17, 2024 at the Caesars Superdome.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints on November 17, 2024 at the Caesars Superdome.
Safety Grant Delpit (9) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints on November 17, 2024 at the Caesars Superdome.
Defensive end Elerson G. Smith (52) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints on November 17, 2024 at the Caesars Superdome.
Cornerback Denzel Ward (21) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints on November 17, 2024 at the Caesars Superdome.
Linebacker Jordan Hicks (58) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints on November 17, 2024 at the Caesars Superdome.
Quarterback Jameis Winston (5) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints on November 17, 2024 at the Caesars Superdome.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints on November 17, 2024 at the Caesars Superdome.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints on November 17, 2024 at the Caesars Superdome.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints on November 17, 2024 at the Caesars Superdome.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints on November 17, 2024 at the Caesars Superdome.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints on November 17, 2024 at the Caesars Superdome.
Quarterback Jameis Winston (5) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints on November 17, 2024 at the Caesars Superdome.
Head Coach Kevin Stefanski during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints on November 17, 2024 at the Caesars Superdome.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints on November 17, 2024 at the Caesars Superdome.
Cornerback Denzel Ward (21) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints on November 17, 2024 at the Caesars Superdome.
Quarterback Jameis Winston (5) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints on November 17, 2024 at the Caesars Superdome.
Cornerback Denzel Ward (21) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints on November 17, 2024 at the Caesars Superdome.
Tight end David Njoku (85) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints on November 17, 2024 at the Caesars Superdome.
The offensive during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints on November 17, 2024 at the Caesars Superdome.
Safety Grant Delpit (9) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints on November 17, 2024 at the Caesars Superdome.
Tight end Jordan Akins (88) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints on November 17, 2024 at the Caesars Superdome.
Head Coach Kevin Stefanski during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints on November 17, 2024 at the Caesars Superdome.
Offensive guard Wyatt Teller (77) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints on November 17, 2024 at the Caesars Superdome.
Offensive tackle Jack Conklin (78) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints on November 17, 2024 at the Caesars Superdome.
Offensive guard Wyatt Teller (77) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints on November 17, 2024 at the Caesars Superdome.
Safety Ronnie Hickman Jr. (33) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints on November 17, 2024 at the Caesars Superdome.
Cornerback Denzel Ward (21) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints on November 17, 2024 at the Caesars Superdome.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints on November 17, 2024 at the Caesars Superdome.
Tight end David Njoku (85) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints on November 17, 2024 at the Caesars Superdome.
Wide receiver Jamari Thrash (80) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints on November 17, 2024 at the Caesars Superdome.
Wide receiver Elijah Moore (8) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints on November 17, 2024 at the Caesars Superdome.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints on November 17, 2024 at the Caesars Superdome.
Running back Nick Chubb (24) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints on November 17, 2024 at the Caesars Superdome.
Center Ethan Pocic (55) and Tight end David Njoku (85) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints on November 17, 2024 at the Caesars Superdome.
Cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. (23) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints on November 17, 2024 at the Caesars Superdome.
Running back Jerome Ford (34) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints on November 17, 2024 at the Caesars Superdome.
Safety Juan Thornhill (1) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints on November 17, 2024 at the Caesars Superdome.
Defensive end Ogbo Okoronkwo (54) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints on November 17, 2024 at the Caesars Superdome.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints on November 17, 2024 at the Caesars Superdome.
Center Ethan Pocic (55) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints on November 17, 2024 at the Caesars Superdome.
Center Ethan Pocic (55) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints on November 17, 2024 at the Caesars Superdome.
Quarterback Jameis Winston (5) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints on November 17, 2024 at the Caesars Superdome.
Denzel Ward forces takeaways
Heading into Week 11, the Browns secondary had been looking to improve their takeaway numbers.
Through their first nine games of the season, the Browns were one of just two teams in the NFL with only one interception. With another four fumble recoveries, the Browns also had the fewest takeaways in the league.
They ended that drought against the Saints, as CB Denzel Ward picked off a pass from Saints TE Taysom Hill intended for WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling in the first quarter. Ward then forced a fumble in the second quarter and recovered the ball to give the Browns offense the ball back with two minutes left in the first half.
"Through my mind, I'm always thinking about the ball," Ward said. "So, I see it right there next to me, so I'm punching at it, ripping at it, doing anything I can to get to it. And then had the chance to get it out, and dove on it and get the turnover."
Ward also had a pass breakup to kick off the fourth quarter as Carr threw a deep pass intended for Valdes-Scantling in the red zone that prevented a big play for the Saints.
Ward finished the game with four tackles, one interception, two passes defensed, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery. It was his first interception of the season and 16th of his career. He is leading the team this season with 17 passes defensed.
"It felt real good just trying to do as much as I can to help this team win, trying to find a way to get wins," Ward said. "That's most important. So that's the main focus. But definitely felt good to finally get a takeover. I definitely think they'll start rolling in."
The takeaways were key defensive moments for a Browns defense that struggled throughout the game to stop the Saints. They gave up eight explosive plays, including a 71-yard touchdown pass to Valdes-Scantling in the second quarter, a 33-yard touchdown run by Hill on a direct snap in the fourth quarter and another 75-yard touchdown run by Hill late in the fourth quarter.
Check out photos of players warming up for a game against the New Orleans Saints
Wide receiver Kadarius Toney (87) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints on November 17, 2024 at the Caesars Superdome.
Kicker Dustin Hopkins (7) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints on November 17, 2024 at the Caesars Superdome.
Quarterback Bailey Zappe (2) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints on November 17, 2024 at the Caesars Superdome.
The stadium before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints on November 17, 2024 at the Caesars Superdome.
Running back Nick Chubb (24) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints on November 17, 2024 at the Caesars Superdome.
Quarterback Jameis Winston (5) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints on November 17, 2024 at the Caesars Superdome.
The stadium before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints on November 17, 2024 at the Caesars Superdome.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints on November 17, 2024 at the Caesars Superdome.
The stadium before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints on November 17, 2024 at the Caesars Superdome.
Quarterback Bailey Zappe (2) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints on November 17, 2024 at the Caesars Superdome.
Running back Jerome Ford (34) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints on November 17, 2024 at the Caesars Superdome.
The stadium before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints on November 17, 2024 at the Caesars Superdome.
The stadium before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints on November 17, 2024 at the Caesars Superdome.
The locker room before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints on November 17, 2024 at the Caesars Superdome.
Running back Nick Chubb (24) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints on November 17, 2024 at the Caesars Superdome.
The locker room before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints on November 17, 2024 at the Caesars Superdome.
Wide receiver Elijah Moore (8) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints on November 17, 2024 at the Caesars Superdome.
Wide receiver Jamari Thrash (80) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints on November 17, 2024 at the Caesars Superdome.
The locker room before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints on November 17, 2024 at the Caesars Superdome.
The team before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints on November 17, 2024 at the Caesars Superdome.
Linebacker Jordan Hicks (58) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints on November 17, 2024 at the Caesars Superdome.
The locker room before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints on November 17, 2024 at the Caesars Superdome.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints on November 17, 2024 at the Caesars Superdome.
The locker room before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints on November 17, 2024 at the Caesars Superdome.
The locker room before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints on November 17, 2024 at the Caesars Superdome.
Offense before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints on November 17, 2024 at the Caesars Superdome.
Running back Nick Chubb (24) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints on November 17, 2024 at the Caesars Superdome.
Wide receiver Jamari Thrash (80) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints on November 17, 2024 at the Caesars Superdome.
Wide receiver Jamari Thrash (80) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints on November 17, 2024 at the Caesars Superdome.
Wide receiver Elijah Moore (8) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints on November 17, 2024 at the Caesars Superdome.
Wide receiver Cedric Tillman (19) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints on November 17, 2024 at the Caesars Superdome.
Kicker Dustin Hopkins (7) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints on November 17, 2024 at the Caesars Superdome.
Running back Jerome Ford (34) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints on November 17, 2024 at the Caesars Superdome.
Center Ethan Pocic (55) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints on November 17, 2024 at the Caesars Superdome.
Kicker Dustin Hopkins (7) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints on November 17, 2024 at the Caesars Superdome.
Punter Corey Bojorquez (13) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints on November 17, 2024 at the Caesars Superdome.
Quarterback Jameis Winston (5) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints on November 17, 2024 at the Caesars Superdome.
Safety Grant Delpit (9) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints on November 17, 2024 at the Caesars Superdome.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints on November 17, 2024 at the Caesars Superdome.
Offensive guard Wyatt Teller (77) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints on November 17, 2024 at the Caesars Superdome.
Cornerback Greg Newsome II (0) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints on November 17, 2024 at the Caesars Superdome.
Tight end David Njoku (85) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints on November 17, 2024 at the Caesars Superdome.
Offensive guard Joel Bitonio (75) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints on November 17, 2024 at the Caesars Superdome.
Offensive tackle Jack Conklin (78) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints on November 17, 2024 at the Caesars Superdome.
Running back Nick Chubb (24) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints on November 17, 2024 at the Caesars Superdome.
Cornerback Denzel Ward (21) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints on November 17, 2024 at the Caesars Superdome.
Wide receiver Kadarius Toney (87) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints on November 17, 2024 at the Caesars Superdome.
Safety Grant Delpit (9) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints on November 17, 2024 at the Caesars Superdome.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints on November 17, 2024 at the Caesars Superdome.
Head Coach Kevin Stefanski before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints on November 17, 2024 at the Caesars Superdome.
Safety Juan Thornhill (1) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints on November 17, 2024 at the Caesars Superdome.
Cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. (23) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints on November 17, 2024 at the Caesars Superdome.
Wide receiver Kadarius Toney (87) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints on November 17, 2024 at the Caesars Superdome.
Safety Ronnie Hickman Jr. (33) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints on November 17, 2024 at the Caesars Superdome.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints on November 17, 2024 at the Caesars Superdome.
Cornerback Denzel Ward (21) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints on November 17, 2024 at the Caesars Superdome.
Quarterback Jameis Winston (5) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints on November 17, 2024 at the Caesars Superdome.
Missed opportunities in special teams
The Browns had opportunities to help even the score throughout the first half, but K Dustin Hopkins missed two field goal attempts in the first half.
He missed a 51-yard attempt in the second quarter. He then missed a 32-yard field goal attempt in the final 14 seconds in the half before a penalty was called on the Saints. The Browns lined up for another field goal attempt with three seconds left in the half, and Hopkins missed a 27-yard attempt.
"It does not feel good being the weak link in a football game, and I was definitely that today," Hopkins said. "I think hopefully I got my finger on it at halftime today, and I can take that into the short week."
Hopkins said he felt solid in his warmup both before the game and at halftime. From the mental aspect of kicking, he has felt in solid place – not too relaxed or panicked.
"I think I need to take a swing thought that I have in practice that I don't necessarily typically take into a game, that I need to transfer that into the game for some reason," Hopkins said. "I don't know if that's maybe I'm rushing the ball and I have to think about that or whatever, but I think taking a new swing thought into game day is going to be good."
Stefanski knows what Hopkins provides to the Browns in the kicking game and believes that Hopkins can fix his miscues going forward.
The Browns also had a key missed opportunity on a punt return in the fourth quarter. As P Corey Bojorquez punted the ball 49 yards, DB Dante Pettis was able to return the punt for 58 yards to the 35-yard line. It set up the Saints for a touchdown in the fourth quarter six plays later.
