The month of October is upon us in the National Football League. For the New Orleans Saints, the month has been very favorable during this time of the season. Under Sean Payton, the Saints have a record of 41-14. The loss to the New York Giants snapped the Saints’ fifteen-game winning streak during October. The failure to put away New York came across as one of the more baffling defeats in the Sean Payton era. Throughout the game, Payton made decisions that put New Orleans in a position to fail.
The most notable error was to attempt a 58-yard field goal on 4th and three instead of punting. When it came to field-goal attempts, kicker Aldrick Rosas was already off to a bad start with the Saints. Last Sunday’s loss put many things into question for a team that no longer has a first-ballot Hall of Famer under center in Drew Brees.
Despite the drastic turnover in the offseason, the Saints can still be victorious in October thru November. In only four games this season, New Orleans is far from being just an average team. The Saints have demonstrated that they are still a club that can make things interesting down the stretch.
The decisions within the playcalling and the coaching staff missing time due to COVID-19 protocols have rattled them more than anything outside of injuries. The Saints would probably have a record of 4-0 If those transactions had not occurred.
How Long Will It Take for the Chemistry Between Michael Thomas and Jameis Winston to Develop?
One of the biggest reasons for optimism in October for the Saints is the anticipated return of all-pro wide receiver Michael Thomas. Thomas did not participate in any offseason workout programs nor training camp sessions with the team. Instead, he rehabs from the ankle surgery that was conducted in June. New Orleans wide receiver coach Curtis Johnson hinted at the possible timeline of Thomas returning to the lineup. Johnson made an appearance on the WWL’s Saints Coaches Radio Show.
He stated that Thomas and Tre’Quan Smith look ready to him now. Johnson said they’re now taking the time to make sure both players are all the way right and don’t get hurt again. The Who Dat Nation needs to realize that the impact of having Thomas in the lineup will not be felt right away. One trait that great quarterback/receiver duos have had over the years is established chemistry.
For Thomas and Winston, it will be no different. Early on, there will be moments where the presence of Thomas is having an impact in football games for New Orleans, but it will not be consistent for at least two games. However, the biggest beneficiary of having Thomas back in the lineup will be Marquez Callaway.
Callaway can now be an adequate number two wide receiver in an offense that can win in many ways. Other vital players such as David Onyamatta, Tre’Quan Smith, Kwon Alexander, Erik McCoy, and Marcus Davenport will also be making their way back to the Saints lineup. Coach Payton has stated that the current version of Saints will not look the same due to the players mentioned in this post that is coming back. As we advance, the roster should be strong enough for another opportunity to qualify for the postseason. The loss to New York stung, but the battle is far from being over.
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