As the New Orleans Saints prepare to host the Cleveland Browns for their Week 9 game in the Big Easy, the tight ends on either side will end up being the key matchup to watch in the passing game.
New Orleans has given up the right-most receiving yards opposing tight ends. Their 483 passing yards allowed have come against elite competition like Detroit Lions pass-catcher Sam LaPorta and Las Vegas Raiders star Brock Bowers.
With Browns tight end Harold Fannin Jr. now on the way, another playmaker at the position poses a big threat. STAR/slot defender Jonas Sanker and the Saints linebacker corps will have to be prepared against the athletic tight end, who already has 411 receiving yards on the season with three touchdown catches.
But the Browns defense is up for a matchup to watch as well with Saints tight ends Juwan Johnson and Noah Fant.
Cleveland has allowed only two yards less than New Orleans to tight ends in the passing game. Their 481 receiving yards allowed is the ninth-most across the league.
Saints tight ends have slowed after a fast and productive start to the season. This could be their opportunity for a bounceback while Fannin hopes to continue his success.
