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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Darrion Gray

Saints receiving trio carving their own individual roles in the offense

The New Orleans Saints receiving trio of Chris Olave, Michael Thomas and Rashid Shaheed has lived up to lofty expectations this year. We’re only two games into the season, but each player has made impact plays in each game. They’ve also carved out a role for themselves in the offense.

Thomas has been the opener. He’s the guy who gets going early in the game. Thomas had a 25 yard reception on the first offensive play of the season. He had 37 receiving yards total on the first drive. In Week 2, he had 7 receptions for 55 yards, all in the first half.

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Olave has been the star of the group. He’s led the team in the yards, targets, and receptions each week. His season thus far has been highlighted by the amazing catch he made streaking down the sidelines versus the Titans. The play was just as impactful as it was impressive. At that point, the offense couldn’t get anything going. That play jumpstarted the Saints offense that scored a touchdown on two of their last three possessions.

Shaheed is the closer on the offense. Derek Carr has called Shaheed’s number on a deep shot on the last drive of each game. Against the Titans, his catch allowed the Saints to run out the clock. Against the Panthers, his deep ball led to the game-sealing touchdown run. 

Speaking of game-sealing touchdowns, Shaheed scored the game-winning touchdown in Week 1. Shaheed has been an integral part of closing out the two wins of the season and arguably delivered the dagger in each game.

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