NFL Note - New Orleans Saints Nassib, Ryan

Aug 12, 2017 - 7:39 AM It's a sure thing that Chase Daniel will be the primary backup to Drew Brees and perhaps the only backup quarterback to make the regular-season roster. But if the Saints choose to keep a third quarterback, Ryan Nassib suddenly looks like a viable competitor to Garrett Grayson, whom the Saints drafted three years ago as a potential successor to Brees. Grayson completed 11-of-16 passes for 126 yards, but lost a fumble that set up Cleveland's first touchdown. Nassib, a fifth-year veteran who signed with New Orleans in June, completed 10-of-14 passes for 110 yards and a touchdown, but fumbled while being sacked on a fourth-down play in the final seconds after moving the Saints to the Browns 21. Nassib generally moved the team better than Grayson did, but Cleveland was deeper into its depth chart by the time Nassib relieved Grayson, who relieved Daniel. Brees sat out the game.

"He's a player who has confidence. That's one of his really good assets," head coach Sean Payton said. "He hasn't been here very long, but he can pick up and understand the offense and get through his progressions. He can get in and out of the huddle.

"There's a veteran experience element with him, and that's calming when he's out there. I think the other 10 guys benefit from that. He will continue to get work, but he has developed a pretty good handle on what we are doing in a short amount of time."