A guide for New Orleans fans to keep preseason loss to Cleveland in perspective

NEW ORLEANS It’s important for fans to keep the NFL preseason in proper perspective. In other words, don’t make Super Bowl plans after a win and don’t climb out on a ledge after a loss.

Celebrate and grieve in moderation.

With that in mind, let’s delve into the New Orleans Saints’ 20-14 loss Thursday night to the Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium in downtown Cleveland.

▪ Fact: It marks the Saints’ 10th consecutive preseason loss dating to 2014. Perspective: Four major contributors did not play -- quarterback Drew Brees, running backs Mark Ingram and Adrian Peterson and defensive end Cam Jordan. Bottom line: The aformentioned losing streak matters little to Coach Sean Payton, who’s trying to keep his stars healthy, productive and poised for the regular season.

Fact: A number of key players missed the contest because of injuries: first-round pick left tackle Ryan Ramczyk, center Max Unger, and cornerbacks Delvin Breaux and first-round pick Marshon Lattimore. Unger continues his recovery/rehab from offseason Lisfranc surgery. Ramczyk, Breaux and Lattimore are trying to get back on the field after suffering practice injuries. Perspective: Each figures prominently in the big picture and needs the game work, particularly the two rookies. Bottom line: No reason to panic. But the longer they miss, the greater concern.

▪ Fact: The Saints’ No. 1 defensive unit opened the game with three straight three-and-outs, even without several projected starters. That is something to build on for defensive coordinator Dennis Allen. Perspective: The Browns finished 1-15 last season and are a perennial bottom feeder. Starting quarterback Brock Osweiler is working on his third team in as many years. Bottom line: One small step toward respectability. But process is ongoing.

▪ Fact: Saints posted four sacks and were credited with seven quarterback hits. Perspective: Only one of the four sacks were turned in by a projected top tier player -- linebacker Stephone Anthony, who also had one QB hit. Bottom line: Team still seeking complement edge rusher to Jordan. If not Alex Okafor and Hau’oli Kikaha, then whom?

▪ Fact: Wide receiver Tommylee Lewis stood out, catching 10 of 11 targeted passes for 124 yards and one touchdown. He also laid out to snare a 32-yard pass from quarterback Garrett Grayson. It marked the first time in the Payton era when a receiver hit the 10-catch mark in a preseason game. Perspective: Lewis played well, albeit against backups and players who won’t make the Browns’ final 53. Bottom line: Lewis’ best chance of making the roster are as a fourth or fifth wide receiver and return specialist.

▪ Fact: Rookie running back Alvin Kamara rushed four times for a game-high 35 yards, including a long of 22. He also returned one punt for 11 yards. Perspective: He has strength, burst and versatility. Bottom line: He needs to stay healthy, keep his head in the playbook and produce when given an opportunity on offense and in the return game.

▪ Fact: Third-string quarterback Garrett Grayson completed 11 of 16 passes for 126 yards and lost a fumble that the Browns converted into a touchdown. He also was sacked four times. Perspective: He had his moments in 36 snaps. Bottom line: It’s hard to justify why the Saints spent a third-round pick on Grayson and see no reason to protect him on the 53-man roster.

And finally, this observation of free agent wide receiver Ted Ginn, who signed a three-year, $11 million contract in March:

▪ He dropped a potential 4-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Chase Daniel in the first quarter. Perspective: It happened in a meaningless exhibition game. Bottom line: Even at 32, he can still fly. But getting open is only half the job. Separate and catch go hand in hand.

This story was originally published August 12, 2017 at 12:36 PM with the headline "A guide for New Orleans fans to keep preseason loss to Cleveland in perspective."