The New Orleans Saints notched their first victory of the 2018 season yesterday by holding on in the final seconds to beat the Cleveland Browns 21-18. New Orleans certainly didn't make things easy on themselves. The defense Youth Alex Okafor Jersey , despite an improved effort from last week's beatdown at the hands of Tampa Bay, had a major breakdown in the 4th quarter by giving up a 47-yd. touchdown pass to Antonio Callaway on a fourth and long, forcing the Saints into a desperate drive to pull out the victory. Offensively, the Saints again failed to generate a running game, increasing the onus on Drew Brees and the passing attack. Brees missed two easy touchdown throws that would have made the margin of victory larger. The offensive line struggled a bit with the underrated Cleveland line, allowing 3 sacks and failing to open holes for the running game. Nevertheless, the Saints made enough plays to win the game and even their record. Here are some of the standout performers from yesterday's New Orleans victory. Alvin Kamara Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty ImagesKamara accounted for 39% of the New Orleans offensive output by himself yesterday. He led the team in rushing, with 46 yards, and added 53 yards receiving on six catches while adding a 2-pt conversion on a pitchout run outside. Although his yardage output was down from the previous week against Tampa Bay, Kamara is quite clearly the focal point of the offense along with Michael Thomas. Although New Orleans clearly needs Mark Ingram in the lineup to maintain a consistent rushing attack, Kamara's ability to be a gamebreaking threat from anywhere in the formation does spread a defense, and doesn't allow the opposition to consistently bring extra rushers at Brees. Marcus Williams Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY SportsWilliams caused the first turnover forced by the Saints defense this season. He jumped a Tyrod Taylor pass near midfield late in the fourth quarter, and had a brilliant return to bring the ball inside the Browns 20-yd. line. The turnover set New Orleans up for the go ahead score, and their first lead of the game. After struggling in deep coverage against the Buccaneers, Williams provided much better help over the top in this game, (even with the secondary's failure against Callaway late in the game), managing a few key breakups earlier in the contest. Aside from Callaway's score, Williams led a secondary that held he and star wideout Jarvis Landry to a combined 103 yards through the rest of the game. Michael Thomas Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty ImagesThomas was once again a vital part of the Saints offense, and a destructive force to the opposing secondary. He caught 12 passes for 89 yards and two touchdowns, including the go ahead score after Williams' interception where he overpowered Cleveland defensive back Denzel Ward on a back shoulder timing route in the end zone. His 28 receptions in the first two games of a season are an NFL record, and has developed into a superstar throughout the league. Thomas did lose a fumble for the second consecutive game, which equals the total he lost through his first 32 games combined. (both others against the Denver Broncos in 2016). Thomas continues to flourish even with opposing coverages stacked to stop him, due to a continued inconsistent production from the other New Orleans weapons. Thomas and Kamara accounted for over 53% of the Saints offensive touches against Cleveland, and have both on an early pace for numerous league or team records. Sheldon Rankins Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty ImagesHonorable mention certainly goes to Cam Jordan (2 sacks), Alex Okafor, Marcus Davenport, and Taylor Stallworth, who provided nice pressure and rush containment while tying up blockers for the team's linebackers all afternoon. Rankins had five tackles on the afternoon and a quarterback sack, his first of the year. He pushed the Browns pass pocket back most of the game, and stonewalled Cleveland's interior blocking to contain their running game before exiting the game late with injury. After a standout preseason, Rankins looks as if he could fulfill the expectations that came with being made the 12th overall draft pick in 2016. Wil LutzChuck Cook-USA TODAY SportsNot wanting to incite the specter of bad karma by giving a game ball to (now former) Browns kicker Zane Gonzalez, who missed two extra points and two field goals, the pick here instead goes to Lutz. Saints fans know all too well from recent history that a poor kicking performance can derail a season. Lutz did have a field goal miss yesterday, but there weren't many fans that didn't have confidence in the kicker as he was lining up for the potential game-winner with less than 25 seconds remaining. As expected, Lutz drilled the 44-yd. attempt, and New Orleans held on for the victory. The third year Lutz has become one of the league's clutch kickers, and gives the Saints a distinct advantage in any close game.Cardinals vs. Saints snap counts: Team gets extended look at offensive line, secondary depth You might say there were some areas the New Orleans Saints took a step back in after their Week 2 preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals. The Saints offense was riddled with turnovers from poor quarterback play, but also had strong success on the ground. Defensively, some flashes and good play happened  http://www.saintsauthorizedshops.com/authentic-ryan-ramczyk- jersey , particularly the run defense. However, both Sam Bradford and Josh Rosen finished with good games.Here¡¯s a look at the team¡¯s snap counts from Friday ¡ª which involves a lot of players. (Note: All data is provided by the NFL)Offense - Top RepsWill Clapp (41), Michael Ola (35), Josh LeRibeus (33), Jermon Bushrod (33), Cameron Tom (33), Taysom Hill (31)Offense - The RestTre¡¯Quan Smith (30), Rick Leonard (29), Tommylee Lewis (27), Austin Carr (24), Andrew Tiller (23), Ted Ginn Jr. (23), Cameron Meredith (22), Tom Savage (20), Benjamin Watson (18), Boston Scott (17), Don Barclay (17), Jonathan Williams (17), Dan Arnold (16), Ryan Ramczyk (16), Larry Warford (16), Josh Hill (16), Shane Vereen (14), Terron Armstead (13), Max Unger (13), Andrus Peat (13), Trey Edmunds (12), J.T. Barrett (12), Mark Ingram (12), Michael Thomas (12), Garrett Griffin (11), John Phillips (11), Zach Line (9), Deon Yelder (9), Michael Floyd (5), Keith Kirkwood (4), Josh Huff (4), Terrance West (3)Defense - Top RepsJ.T. Gray (37), Chris Banjo (37), Arthur Maulet (37) Alex Anzalone Jersey , Justin Hardee (37), Alex Anzalone (37), Craig Robertson (33), Taylor Stallworth (32)Defense - The RestAl-Quadin Muhammad (27), George Johnson (26), Devaroe Lawrence (26), Natrell Jamerson (25), Trey Hendrickson (25), Mitchell Loewen (23), Hau¡¯oli Kikaha (22), A.J. Klein (21), Manti Te¡¯o (21), Jay Bromley (20), Kamrin Moore (16), Sharrod Neasman (16), Patrick Robinson (16), Henry Mondeaux (16), Woodrow Hamilton (15), Linden Stephens (15), Nathan Stupar (14), David Onyemata (14), Marshon Lattimore (14), Vonn Bell (14), Demario Davis (14), Ken Crawley (14), Marcus Williams (14), Marcus Williams - CB (12), Alex Jenkins (12), Sheldon Rankins (10), Jayrone Elliott (9), Tyeler Davison (8), Robert Nelson (4), Colton Jumper (2), KeShun Freeman (2)Special Teams - Top 5J.T. Gray (16), Natrell Jamerson (15), Colton Jumper (15), Kamrin Moore (12), Chris Banjo (12)