For much of this game, the Saints played very well. They limited the Browns to just 4.5 yards per play, a rate which would have ranked second in the NFL last year behind only the Seattle Seahawks.

The Saints’ tackling in the open field was outstanding. They didn’t get burned by many of the play-action passes that Cleveland loves to run. And they were totally prepared for Johnny Manziel, who did squat on his three snaps.

What does all of that mean? The Saints’ defense is at least trending in the right direction after being decimated by missed tackles and big plays in Week 1.

But that’s where the good news ends.

Because once again, the Saints didn’t make enough big, game-changing plays (zero turnovers and only one sack). And they shot themselves in the foot with a handful of penalties and assignment errors.