New Orleans Saints: 3 Players to watch vs. Browns in Week 2

1. Sean Payton

This one isn’t a player, but Sean Payton will play a massive part in the outcome of the Saints game against the Browns. Sure, that statement can be made in regards to any game since he is the head coach and has more to do with game planning than anyone, but this game is different — it’s personal.

Payton was suspended for the entire 2012 season when the Saints were punished for a system that paid players for big hits — especially ones that led to injuries to their opponents. Gregg Williams was the defensive coordinator at the time and he was suspended indefinitely for spearheading the thing.

Payton clearly holds a grudge against Williams and their history proves that even if they say all the right things to the media.

In 2016, Payton and Williams met up and the score was ugly. Despite the score already being lopsided, Payton was dialing up tricks to embarrass Williams. The biggest was the 50-yard touchdown pass from receiver Willie Snead on a fake play — while already up 21.

The final score in that one was 49-21 as New Orleans won easily. This weekend, look for Payton to again do all he can to add another loss to a team that employs Williams.

Maybe they won’t run up the score, but Payton will likely pull out more tricks in this one to ensure a win. He’s a brilliant offensive mind and will show it again this nemesis he holds a grudge against.