The New Orleans Saints got tight ends more involved against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and that should become a trend, especially against the Denver Broncos after injuries laid waste to the receiving corps.
Foster Moreau and Juwan Johnson were non-factors in the offense through five weeks. Their production leaped when the Saints took on the Buccaneers. Moreau and Johnson combined for 59 yards through the first 5 weeks. Moreau had 54 by himself against the Buccaneers.
Part of that change had to do with Spencer Rattler being at the helm and the type of plays Klint Kubiak was calling for Rattler. Another reason was health concerns.
Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed are injured, so tight ends may be more involved this week out of necessity. It shouldn’t stop there, however. Health aside, targeting the tight ends started on the first play of the game last week. Rattler rolled out and hit Juwan Johnson for his longest reception of the season. At that time, Olave and Shaheed were on the field.
Rattler continued to target tight ends along the middle of the field. This feels like a section of the field the Saints don’t hit enough. The tight ends can be unlocked. We’ve been looking for it all season, and last week showed it was a possibility.
