The New Orleans Saints are going to need more than two playmakers on offense to extend their year further than the regular season.
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Ted Ginn Jr. showed what he’s capable of in Monday night’s 30-28 win over the Houston Texans.
This could be a glimpse into the help Drew Brees will need as the season progresses.
With an offense that centers around Pro Bowl playmakers Alvin Kamara and Michael Thomas, the Saints are going to need more than two players on offense to help Brees.
The Saints scrambled towards the end of last season looking for wide receiver help. They signed former Dallas Cowboy wide receiver Dez Bryant until he suffered an Achilles injury in practice.
The depth was thin. Smith was just a rookie last season and Ginn Jr. only played in five games. Former Saints tight end Benjamin Watson was a veteran presence on the team, but did not produce the level of past tight ends.
Smith only caught two passes on Monday but he did score a touchdown, while Ginn Jr. reminded everyone of his receiving ability with seven catches for 101 yards.
The Saints also added a Pro Bowl tight end from the Oakland Raiders. Jared Cook was one of the notable offseason acquisitions for New Orleans. He caught two passes for 37 yards in his debut.
Thomas will continue to get a majority of the targets, so it’s about what the other receivers can do to maximize their touches.
With so much attention going towards Thomas, it’s up to Ginn Jr., Smith and Cook to create separation for themselves and capitalize when they do so.
They performance from Ginn Jr. was promising. He was limited last season, so barring any injuries this season he can be the player the Saints need alongside Thomas and Kamara.
Don’t forget in 2017, the last time he played the majority of a season, Ginn Jr. recorded 53 receptions for 787 yards and four touchdowns.
The question marks are with Smith’s progression and Cook becoming acclimated with the Saints offense.
The Saints have a tough upcoming stretch with road games against the Los Angeles Rams and the Seattle Seahawks before heading back home for a battle with the Dallas Cowboys.
Ginn Jr. could the difference for just how productive this Saints offense can be if one other player steps up outside of the usual Kamara, Thomas and Brees.
And if it’s not Ginn Jr., we will have to start asking ourselves who will it be.