New Orleans Saints: 5 Who Must Step Up For Keenan Lewis

May 28, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints cornerback Brandon Browner (39) during organized team activities at the New Orleans Saints Training Facility. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

CB Brandon Browner

Browner has made a name for himself in this league with his physical play, punishing hits, size, ball skills, and strong run defense for the position. However, he’s also earned himself detractors for his penalties, the big plays he’s allowed, and his lack of speed and quickness. When Browner gets beat, it looks bad, and he’s proven to be a much better No. 2 corner than a No. 1 corner thus far.

That said, it isn’t easy to succeed as a No. 2 corner when you are playing across from Darrelle Revis and Richard Sherman, because passing attacks start targeting you instead. Last season, however, Browner gave up his fair share of big plays with 14.7 yards per reception allowed and a QB Rating of 89.7 surrendered into his coverage, as per Pro Football Focus.

But there are other numbers that make him look better. For example, opposing quarterbacks targeted him as frequently as they threw passes towards Vontae Davis and Xavier Rhodes, which isn’t bad company to be near. The issue is that Browner  allowed 8.4 yards per target into his coverage because of all the big plays he surrendered. Quarterbacks completed just 57.4% of their passes when throwing at him in the regular season, which is why Browner gave up just 31 receptions in the 2014 season, as per PFF.

Browner can limit receivers in the short and intermediate game, and the Saints love that he brings this and nasty, physical play to the table; that’s something Rob Ryan probably wanted. But can Browner avoid getting burned as often? That will be key, especially since John Brown, Michael Floyd, Mike Evans, and Vincent Jackson are four legit vertical threats on the Saints schedule in the first two weeks alone.

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