Saints vs. Browns: Shedeur Sanders Gives New Orleans a New Test

The New Orleans Saints have a new quarterback to prepare for, and Who Dat Nation should resist calling that good news before the game begins. Shedeur Sanders will start for Cleveland on Sunday, giving New Orleans an opportunity to disrupt a passer making his first start of the season. But opportunity only matters if the Saints turn it into defensive stops.

Browns coach Todd Monken announced Friday, Nov. 6, that Sanders will start against New Orleans. Deshaun Watson remains in concussion protocol and is officially questionable after returning to limited practice Friday. Cleveland said Watson participated in individual work but could not take team repetitions. 

That settles the starting-quarterback question while leaving Watson’s availability unresolved.

For the Saints, my view is straightforward. They need to prepare to make Sanders uncomfortable without assuming he will hand over the football. A change at quarterback can alter an offense’s rhythm, but it also gives a player an opportunity to establish himself.

New Orleans needs to make him earn every possession.

Sanders has more NFL experience than the “first start of 2026” description might suggest. According to NFL.com, he started seven games as a rookie in 2025, going 3-4 while completing 56.6% of his passes for 1,400 yards, seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He has attempted just three passes this season. 

Those numbers provide context, rather than a prediction.

The interceptions give the Saints a reason to test his decision-making. His previous starts give Cleveland a quarterback who has already experienced the demands of leading an NFL offense.

I would like to see New Orleans change its coverage looks and force Sanders to confirm what he sees after the snap. Showing pressure and bringing it are different tools. Both can be useful when the secondary and pass rush work together.

The danger is getting so excited about attacking the quarterback that receivers find easy space behind the pressure.

My biggest defensive priority would be preventing Cleveland from making Sanders’ afternoon comfortable.

That starts with tackling and controlling early downs. A short completion becomes much more valuable when the first defender misses. A manageable third down gives the quarterback more choices and reduces the defense’s ability to dictate the play.

I would rather see the Saints consistently create difficult passing situations than chase a sack on every snap.

There should also be an emphasis on finishing possessions. Getting Cleveland to third down means little if the Browns keep moving the chains. The crowd can help create a difficult environment, but the defense has to give fans reasons to stay involved.

New Orleans’ Thursday injury report listed cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. as limited with a shin injury. Defensive lineman Davon Godchaux did not practice for a designated rest day. Those participation listings describe Thursday’s work, rather than final availability for Sunday. 

That distinction matters when evaluating the matchup.

Whatever personnel the Saints ultimately use, communication must remain consistent. A quarterback change can tempt defenders to gamble. My preference is disciplined aggression: challenge throws, close running lanes and stay responsible for assignments.

For fans thinking ahead to roster building and the draft, this is another useful evaluation of which defenders can execute that approach.

I see Sanders’ start as a test of the Saints’ preparation and composure. They have a chance to challenge a quarterback with limited recent game work, but they still have to tackle, communicate and finish.

Who Dat Nation deserves a defense that turns a favorable situation into an actual advantage. Make Sanders solve difficult problems, keep the explosive plays under control and earn the right to celebrate when the clock expires.