The New Orleans Saints fell to 1-2 after a disappointing and ugly loss to the Carolina Panthers in Week 3. It’s clear that as of right now that this isn’t the team people expected coming into the 2022 season. There were some bright spots, but a lot more left to be fixed. Here are the most impactful performances of the week, both good and bad:
Stud: WR Chris Olave
The rookie receiver had his coming-out party in a week where Michael Thomas and Jarvis Landry both went down. The team needed something to work, and Olave just constantly found his way open in this one. He practically doubled his season stats this season, with 9 catches for 147 yards. Keep looking for the Saints trying to get the deep ball going with him every week.
Dud: Coaching
The prime blame in this one should go to the coaching staff. From preparation to game plan, the Saints deserved to lose this one. The offense continues to play without an identity, leaving much to be desired from a creativity and effort standpoint. The Saints were playing for long third downs far too often in this one. I get that sometimes their players weren’t playing up to the level that they wanted, but they need to make better adjustments.
Stud: LB Pete Werner
There’s an argument to be made that Werner has been the best player on the team so far this season. What an outstanding selection he has proven to be. He’s all over the field and is constantly making plays. The future of the linebacker room is in good hands with him at the helm. Werner had another outstanding performance today with 11 tackles to lead the team.
Dud: QB Jameis Winston
While I believe Winston deserves a certain amount of leeway while playing hurt, he’s still out there so he needs to perform to a level that justifies playing him. He has looked very off for 90% of these last two games, it’s clear that he shouldn’t be out there right now. I still have a level of faith in the long term for Winston, but he’s treading in dangerous waters right now.
Stud: DE Marcus Davenport
Davenport was the only defensive lineman getting any consistent push out there all day, it seems like. The pass rush isn’t where it needs to be, but Davenport played well and forced a bunch of pressure. His efforts won’t shown on the stat sheet, but he forced Mayfield to be uncomfortable, which has been searched-for through the first two game this year.
Dud: Wil Lutz
Hit hurts me to say, after all of the hype entering this season getting Wil Lutz backs, it has been very underwhelming. A blocked kick and a missed field goal, both in times where the team desperately needed points were not a good look for Lutz. The special teams unit has to play better if they want to win close games this year.
